Fernando Chavez, son of labor leader Cesar Chavez, is joining the Los Angeles law firm founded by the late Johnnie Cochran Jr. Fernando Chavez, who graduated in 1978 from the University of Santa Clara School of Law, will head a division of The Cochran Firm that serves Latino clients. In a statement, Chavez said he is "proud to continue the legacy" of his late father, who founded the United Farm Workers union.

"My life has been dedicated to supporting social justice" Chavez said. "It is an honor to join The Cochran Firm."

Among the cases in which Chavez will take part is litigation against Tyson Foods Inc., Pilgrim's Pride and other large poultry processing corporations on behalf of at least 7,000 workers who are seeking back wages, according to the firm.