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The California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving access to justice and increasing diversity in the legal profession. We invest in programs and partnerships that educate and inspire the next generation of legal professionals and the communities they serve.
Guiding Our Purpose
Our Core Mission
The California Lawyers Foundation is committed to promoting excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.
How We Started
Building a Foundation for Change
The California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) was formed in 2019 as the charitable partner of the California Lawyers Association (CLA), California’s voluntary statewide bar. We were created with the specific goal of establishing a separate, nonprofit entity to conduct charitable programs and activities. While a new organization, we immediately began developing and supporting projects that improve access to justice, increase diversity in the legal profession, and educate Californians about the role of lawyers and the rule of law.
This structure allows us to partner directly with individuals and organizations to implement a wide range of initiatives—from continuing legal education and youth programs to pro bono projects—all aimed at fostering a legal system that is more efficient and equitable for everyone.
How to Help
Donate & Support
Help fund scholarships, fellowships, and youth education programs that expand access to justice.
Volunteer to Mentor
Guide the next generation of legal professionals by sharing your expertise and experience.
Attend Fundraisers
Join us for events that raise critical support and build community around our mission.
Be a Speaker
Inspire others by presenting at CLF events, panels, or law-focused educational sessions.
Join our Leadership
Serve on a board or lead a committee to shape CLF programs and strategic direction.
Partnering With
the Foundation
The Foundation is proud to support and encourage programs, services and activities that further our mission to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession, fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law, access to justice, and greater civic engagement and understanding.
- Interested in our mission and would like to support our work? The CLF has developed a Gift Acceptance Policy.
- Interested in our mission and would like to volunteer? Please reach out to our CEO to join our Fundraising Committee.
- Interested in our mission and would like the Foundation to co-sponsor and support your work? The CLF has developed a Co-Sponsorship Policy.
- Ready to request that the Foundation co-sponsor your work? Complete this form.
- FAQs about how to partner with the Foundation.
testimonials
From Opportunity to Achievement
My fellowship provided me with great experience and professional connections, and was an excellent springboard for a career in public interest, environmental law. I also met wonderful mentors who continue to guide me and promote my career to this day.
Miles Hogan
Assistant City Attorney, City of VenturaFellowship made it possible for me to pursue a career in environmental justice lawyering. The fellowship enabled me to spend two summers with public interest environmental justice organizations, which launched my career as an EJ attorney.
Camille Pannu
Associate Clinical Professor of LawWith the help of my fellowship, I was able to afford to take an unpaid internship at the California Office of the Attorney General my 1L summer.
