By Anne Hickey, PBI Sheehan Scholar
California is among the latest states to move forward with a Community Justice Worker program proposal. PBI has been following updates closely and keeping stakeholders up to date. Additionally, the PBEye has been reporting on recent developments as jurisdictions authorize Community Justice Workers (CJWs), including a new series on the implementation of CJW programs in Alaska, Delaware, and Texas.
The California Supreme Court has directed the State Bar to publish the state’s proposed CJW rule for public comment, with comments due by August 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
What are Community Justice Workers?
CJWs are professionals who are not licensed attorneys but are community members authorized to help address specific legal issues. They are often embedded in community institutions, such as shelters and faith institutions, and may already serve as trusted frontline helpers within the populations they support. In California, CJWs would handle tasks specific to the needs of the communities served by the legal services organizations (LSOs) that host them. All legal services would be delivered at no cost (CJWs would not be permitted to charge any fees), within a defined scope and under attorney supervision.
CJW programs are one way to increase access to justice, particularly in underserved communities, by providing legal assistance and helping individuals navigate common legal issues. CJWs can help individuals understand their rights, prepare for court proceedings, and bridge the gap between limited attorney resources and growing legal needs. CJWs can improve legal outcomes, enhance legal literacy, reduce costs for litigants, and lessen the burden on courts and court staff. With proper training, oversight, and accountability measures, CJWs offer a practical model for increasing efficiency in the justice system while advancing more equitable access to justice.
The History of Community Justice Worker Programs in California
For years, California has explored different approaches to address the state’s persistent justice gap. Following the State Bar of California’s 2018 Legal Market Landscape Report, the State Bar established the Access Through Innovation of Legal Services Task Force to examine ways to improve access to justice. Among its recommendations was exploring a paraprofessional licensing program.
In 2020, the State Bar convened a Paraprofessional Working Group, which held more than 140 meetings before issuing its Report and Recommendations in 2021. Although the initiative was paused after legislation enacted in 2022 prohibited the California State Bar from continuing work on the paraprofessional proposal, discussions surrounding approaches to legal services access continued.
In 2024, LSOs, including the Legal Aid Association of California, Legal Link, and OneJustice, formed a new working group to develop an alternative model centered on community-based legal assistance. The working group engaged stakeholders, developed a CJW model, and helped shape the proposal that was ultimately submitted to the California Supreme Court. The State Supreme Court subsequently revised the working group’s proposal before issuing its proposed rule.
After nearly a decade of research, stakeholder engagement, and policy development, the Supreme Court of California issued a proposed rule on June 17, 2026, to allow CJWs to deliver limited, supervised legal services to low-income Californians. The California Bar has been a key proponent of a statewide CJW program and has led conversations that have culminated in the proposed rule.
How will CJW Programs Operate?
In California, authorized LSOs will operate CJW programs. To become an authorized LSO, organizations must submit a detailed application describing its proposed program, including its scope of practice, training curriculum, supervision plan, malpractice insurance coverage, client consent procedures, and systems for protecting confidential client information.
Once authorized, their responsibility includes:
- Developing training programs;
- Assessing the competency of CJWs;
- Certifying to the State Bar names, training and education requirements, and scope of practice;
- Supervising all CJW activities;
- Assuming professional responsibility for the work performed;
- Notifying the State Bar within 30 days of any relevant change in status of the authorized legal services organization or any CJW; and
- Reporting twice yearly to the State Bar.
Training and Supervision
CJWs would be required to complete instruction on the California Rules of Professional Conduct, ethics, and substantive law relevant to their practice area, along with experiential training and competency assessments. Authorized legal services organizations would also be responsible for providing continuing education after certification.
The proposal includes a number of safeguards designed to protect clients. In particular, the CJWs must:
- practice only within their approved scope of authorization;
- work under the supervision of an authorized legal services organization;
- clearly inform clients that they are not licensed attorneys;
- provide their services free of charge; and
- keep client communications privileged.
During training, CJWs learn the skills and knowledge to provide legal services, such as representation and legal advice, to people in need, while also drawing on their experiences to understand their clients and best support them.
Program Evaluation
The California Supreme Court would designate an authorizing body responsible for reviewing applications from LSOs, monitoring compliance, resolving client complaints, and evaluating the effectiveness of the program. In addition, the State Bar would maintain a public roster of authorized organizations and certified CJWs as well as provide annual reports to the Legislature and the California Supreme Court regarding complaints and program implementation.
Authorized LSOs would also have to report twice yearly to the State Bar and to notify them of significant changes affecting either the organization or individual CJWs.
Next Steps for the Proposed Rule
The California Supreme Court directed the State Bar to publish the proposed rule for public comment. The comment period opened on July 8, 2026, and is expected to remain open until August 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Comments can be submitted on the State Bar of California website.
After reviewing public comments, the State Bar will submit recommendations to the California Supreme Court, which will determine whether to adopt the rule in its final form. If implemented, California’s CJW program would represent one of the nation’s most comprehensive efforts to expand access to justice through supervised, community-based legal service providers. The proposal’s success could influence how other states approach the implementation process of access-to-justice initiatives.
For more information, visit the CJWs for Californians website.