For Immediate Release
February 2, 2026
legalaid@berlinrosen.com
San Francisco, CA — Legal Aid at Work today announced that Kevin Clune has been appointed President, effective February 1, 2026. Clune succeeds Joan Graff, who retired after 45 years leading the organization.
Founded 110 years ago, Legal Aid at Work supports low-income workers in California by helping to ensure fair treatment in the workplace. These efforts include providing free legal services, pursuing precedent-setting litigation and advocating for policy changes that fight against injustice and systemic barriers to equity.
Clune has served on Legal Aid at Work’s Senior Management Team since 2018, most recently as Vice President of Strategy, where he oversaw the organization’s development, strategic partnerships, and communications functions. In that role, he worked closely with the President, Board of Directors, foundations, and government partners to strengthen the organization’s financial sustainability, expand and measure its statewide impact, and invest in new infrastructure to better support Legal Aid at Work’s initiatives across California.
“Kevin brings a rare combination of deep institutional knowledge, sound judgment, and steady leadership,” said Annette Carnegie, Chair of the Legal Aid at Work Board of Directors. “The Board is confident that he will build on Legal Aid at Work’s extraordinary legacy and lead the organization with clarity and strength.”
February 1 also marked a significant milestone for the organization: 45 years to the day since Joan Graff began her tenure as President of Legal Aid at Work.
“I have known Kevin for many years—as a board member, colleague, and volunteer at our Workers’ Rights Clinic—and I am thrilled that he has been selected as our new President,” said Joan Graff, outgoing President of Legal Aid at Work. “He brings deep institutional knowledge, a long-standing commitment to our mission, and a proven ability to turn ideas into action. Working alongside our staff, Board, and allies, Kevin will help ensure Legal Aid at Work continues to fight for justice in the face of growing attacks on workers’ rights and the rule of law.”
Before joining Legal Aid at Work in a senior leadership role, Clune was a litigation partner at Kerr & Wagstaffe LLP, where he represented workers and individuals in complex employment, civil rights, and First Amendment cases. His work included significant trial and appellate litigation on behalf of workers with low incomes, immigrants, and other vulnerable communities in state and federal courts nationwide. Clune previously served as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists’ Freedom of Information Committee from 2014 to 2018 and was recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers from 2016 to 2018. Earlier in his career, he practiced at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and clerked for U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour in Seattle.
Clune has had a long association with Legal Aid at Work, having previously served as a Board member and volunteer attorney. He also co-founded and continues to co-instruct Legal Aid at Work’s Workers’ Rights Clinic site operated in partnership with Stanford Law School.
“At a moment of growing threats to workers—especially low-income workers, immigrants, and people of color—my focus is on ensuring we remain disciplined, values-driven, and deeply connected to the communities and partners who make our work possible,” said Clune. “I am grateful to build on Joan’s incredible foundation and legacy alongside my many talented colleagues, whose creativity, dedication, and hard work inspire me daily.”
Clune earned his J.D. from Stanford Law School and his B.A. in philosophy from the University of Michigan.
About Legal Aid at Work
Legal Aid at Work partners with people to help them understand and assert their workplace rights. It also advocates for employment laws and systems that empower low-paid workers and marginalized communities. Founded 110 years ago, Legal Aid at Work is the oldest legal aid organization west of the Mississippi.