Women’s Legal and Self-Empowerment Certification

A free, 20-week virtual certification program that combines self-empowerment training with formal legal education. Graduates earn dual certification: a self-empowerment credential and Arizona court-recognized authorization as a Certified Community Legal Advocate (CCLA).

Women who are already showing up for their communities. We especially encourage applications from:

• BIPOC women in community-helping roles (peer mentors, community health workers, domestic violence advocates, promotoras, faith leaders)
• Women with lived experience navigating housing instability, family courts, or DV systems
• Women serving rural communities with limited access to legal aid
• Volunteers and staff at community-based organizations

Applicants must:

• Be employed or volunteering with a community-based organization in a frontline or helping role
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Be willing to complete their organization’s background check

Priority will be given to applicants serving in Gila, Coconino, Navajo, La Paz, Graham, Greenlee, Cochise, Pima, and Maricopa counties.

Cohort 2 is scheduled to begin January 11, 2027 and conclude on June 7, 2027. The cohort is limited to approximately 20 participants.

Approximately 4-5 hours per week, fully virtual. The program is designed to be completed during work or volunteer hours — please plan to share this expectation with your supervisor.

The program runs in two phases:

Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): Self-Empowerment and Identity Led by Jhody Polk of L.E.A.H., this intensive 4-week course combines legal empowerment and community peacebuilding to help participants better understand their rights, build emotional resilience, strengthen self-mastery, and develop practical tools to navigate systems and create positive change in their communities. Throughout the program, you’ll engage in interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and meaningful reflection in a trauma-informed, supportive learning environment designed to foster both personal and collective transformation.

Phase 2 (Weeks 5-20): Legal Education and Certification Led by Innovation for Justice (i4J) at the University of Arizona College of Law, this phase trains participants in legal advocacy. You’ll choose to certify in one or both areas:

• Domestic Violence and Family Law
• Housing Stability and Eviction Prevention

As a Certified Community Legal Advocate, you’ll be authorized by the Arizona Supreme Court to provide free, limited-scope legal assistance to community members — from intake through post-court support. You can help people understand their rights, navigate housing or family court systems, and prevent crises before they escalate.

No. This program is built on the belief that you don’t need to be a lawyer to protect your community. You need training, mentorship, and recognition for the work you’re already doing.

Click one of the application buttons above to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for upcoming cohorts – please submit your application fully in order to be considered for the program. Need help with your application? Reach out at WLSEC@womengiving.org.