Alvar Ayala is a dedicated bilingual attorney with more than 18 years of experience in employment law. He holds a Juris Doctor and has built his career advancing the rights of immigrant and low-wage workers across Illinois. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Alvar uses his legal expertise and cultural understanding to advocate for equity, justice, and dignity in the workplace.
Before joining the Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project – FLAP –, Alvar spent years representing workers in cases involving wage theft, discrimination, workplace retaliation, and unfair labor practices. He has a proven record of not only litigating complex employment cases but also training and mentoring younger attorneys, community advocates, and students interested in labor justice. His work is grounded in the belief that every worker deserves to be treated fairly and with respect, regardless of immigration status.
Alvar’s dedication stems from his personal connection to immigrant communities and his awareness of the systemic barriers they face in accessing justice. He has collaborated with consulates, nonprofit organizations, and labor coalitions to ensure immigrant voices are heard in the legal system. Over the years, his advocacy has helped workers recover unpaid wages, secure safer workplaces, and stand up to exploitation.
As FLAP’s Bilingual Chief Counsel, Alvar Ayala leads the organization’s legal strategies to protect and empower low-wage immigrant, migrant, and seasonal workers throughout Illinois. He oversees litigation, provides direct representation, and ensures FLAP’s legal services remain accessible, free of charge, and culturally responsive. Working closely with the outreach and advocacy teams, Alvar bridges legal expertise with community education, ensuring workers not only have access to justice but also the tools to defend their rights.