The California State Capitol Assembly and Senate floors, the Third District Court of Appeal, and Sacramento’s Tsakopoulos Library Galleria served as centers of learning for approximately 300 high school students as part of the California Legal Pathways Collaborative’s (CLPC) Legislative Day held on February 26,2026. The students, who travelled from as far as the Bay Area, gathered to take part in meaningful discussions, information sharing, and dialogue focused on ethics, diversity in the legal profession, and advocating for fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. The theme of the day, “Civility and Ethics in the Legislative Process,” gave the speakers an opportunity to share why integrity, honesty, transparency, and principled leadership are vital for the legislative process to ensure that legislation is fair and unbiased in its reach and outcomes.
Former California Chief Justice, the Honorable Tani Cantil-Sakauye (ret.), Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-12), Justice Shama Hakim Mesiwala, Third District Court of Appeal, Sacramento Superior Court Presiding Judge Bunmi Awoniyi, and Assembly Speaker’s Office General Counsel, Emelyn Rodriguez, were among the honored speakers at the day-long special event.
The students who attended are all participants in CLPC’s Law Academies, three-year educational programs provided at partnership public high schools, offering sophomores through seniors the chance to learn about civics, government, and the law through classroom curriculum, hands-on experiences, and mentorship. There are 25 Law Academies across California, reaching more than 3,100 students each year. The goal is to provide a pathway from high school and an undergraduate education, through law school and into the legal profession. Legislative Day learners represented C.K. McClatchy, Florin, and Luther Burbank high schools in Sacramento; Jesse Bethel in Vallejo; DeAnza in Richmond; and, Oakland Technical. DeAnza, Florin, and C.K. McClatchy are three of the six original Law Academies established in 2011.
Founded by attorney Ruthe Ashley through State Department of Education legislation, CLPC today is under the umbrella of California Lawyers Foundation (CLF), the charitable arm of California Lawyers Association (CLA), the largest volunteer Bar association in the state. Ashley knows firsthand what it feels like to be “the only one,” like many Academy students. She was elected to the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Board of Governors in 2014 and was the first Filipina and only the second Asian Pacific American woman on the ABA’s board. She has worked tirelessly for years to bring real opportunities to students who might be told, “You should be a lawyer,” but have no idea where to begin.
“Legislative Day is the premier event for our Law Academy students to get up close and personal to the legislative process,” Ashely explained. “They are inspired by legislators who have the same background, who they can identify with, and who make their dreams seem within reach.”
Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye welcomed the students with her story. “I grew up in an alley next to a brothel in downtown Sacramento. It was so bad that the government came in and tore it down and kicked my family out of the house. I was nine years-old. I’m a daughter of a large and loud Filipino family. I have a lot of ‘street’ in me, and that’s what we call having ‘the dog’ in me. You will learn, and you have already learned, that there are a lot of ways to build who you are.” She continued, “You are going to meet a lot of people in your journey that don’t see you in the role you see you in. Judgment does not matter; you are your own force of nature. You learn to take it with a grain of salt and build your own foundation. Civility is about treating people so that when you meet with them, they can give you their best. It’s so easy to be mean. It’s the civility part that causes us to stand up and use our good manners. Civility opens you up to people, and they will trust you. It’s about your becoming, your brand. You will find your opportunity, and that will give you choices.”
After witnessing live senate and assembly sessions, participants were given the opportunity to visit the State Capitol Senate floor and the courtroom of the Third District Court of Appeal. Along with teachers and special guests, the students met at Sacramento’s Tsakopoulos Library to hear from several well-respected judges and leaders, including Justice Mesiwala, Judge Awoniyi, and General Counsel Rodriguez. The three legal experts spoke on a “Women in Power” panel, each sharing examples of the adversity they faced as young students, as well as what inspires their work as legal professionals today. They also shared the importance of ethics, not only in the law, but as people, telling the Academy students that ethics and integrity matter in every aspect of their lives.
Justice Mesiwala said that, “Legislative Day is an exciting, hands-on opportunity for our beloved youth to see California’s democracy in action. As they enter the majestically carved wooden double doors of the Third District Court of Appeal across the street from our Capitol, they are greeted with the pictures of justices who look like them – Black, Brown, gay, straight, diverse – justices who resolve disputes similar to what some of them may have experienced in their lives.”
She also pointed out that, “Their conversations with the justices show these youth that they, too, can aspire to roles in our representative democracy that positively affect the lives of all Californians. What a transformative and impactful day!” Her key message to the students was that, “The greatest love affair you should have is with yourself.”
Attorney Rodriguez, an immigrant from the Philippines, told students that English wasn’t her first language. Her family came to the United States, because the country needed her father’s professional skills. She spoke about attending public schools and neighborhood gang problems. “People could have written me off. But I succeeded. Do you have grit? Can you get up when knocked down? That shows character.”
Judge Awoniyi, born in London to Nigerian parents, is the first Black Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Sacramento County. She told the Legislative Day participants, “When you are the first in anything there is pressure, internal pressure and external pressure.” She explained that her parents gave her very few choices as a student – a doctor, lawyer, accountant, or engineer. “When I looked at those choices, I underperformed in school, because of choices I made. My helicopter parents were giving me expectations, but I had none for myself.” Ultimately, she became focused on the law, opening her own successful practice. “Some of my biggest failures set me up for some of my biggest successes. In failure I can come up with hope. I won’t go through a list of my failures because they are not beneficial to you, but I know they are part of my journey.”
Jesse Bethel High School junior, Gatura B., said he loved the entire day. “It’s a great atmosphere, and I enjoyed how everyone came together.” He is considering a future in the law, and believes, “It is important to see legislators and judges in action. It’s also better to educate yourself about things you don’t know.”
Classmate Liam P., had similar feelings. “It is cool to see how people assemble in the state capitol.” When asked what the Law Academy means to him, he responded, “It’s a very fun experience. You get to learn the law. It also gives you an extra pathways and opens up a lot of doors for you.”
“Our motto of ‘If you can see it, you can be it’ rings true,” Ashley shared. “Many of our students after hearing our ‘Women In Power’ panel are simply in awe of these three women, while at the same time hearing their stories brings it home that they can do it too.”
Educator Christopher Voisin, C.K. McClatchy Lead Teacher and Coordinator for the school’s CLPC Academy, echoed Ashley’s enthusiasm. saying that, “Legislative Day at the Capitol has become an integral part of CKM’s Law and Public Policy Academy. The day-long event allows our students to directly interact with state legislators, judges, and professionals throughout government and our legal system. In doing so, students are able to connect what they learn in the classroom with the daily operations and functions of government that are essential to maintaining our Constitutional Republic.”
Voisin, who served as General Counsel for Venture Catalyst, Inc. before transitioning to academia and becoming the lead for the high school’s Law Academy program added, “For many of our students, participating in Legislative Day is the first time they will have met and talked with their state representatives and other important governmental officials. They are able to connect with people who look like they do or have similar backgrounds which in turn inspires them to set their goals high and reach for their own dreams. It is simply the single most informative event they will experience during their course of study in our academy.”
Steven Tsuyuki, Esq., Career Technical Educator and California Partnership Academy Coordinator for Luther Burbank High School’s Law and Social Justice Academy, spoke frankly. “These kids are motivated. To cultivate the Academy environment and mentorship is everything. I come down hard on my students sometimes, because I expect great things from them. I want them to understand they are so capable. It’s the mindset of burden versus opportunity. People care about you here.” He noted that, “I tell the kids that this is a safe place for you to share ideas and to disagree. This is the law. And they see mentors around them who are here to serve.”
Luther Burbank senior, Nevaeh P., reflected on her Academy experience over the past three years. “I feel like it’s really helped me to grow. I was shy, and this has helped me to become more comfortable. Legislative Day is such a great experience.” Her favorite area of study is hypotheticals. “I like to hear everybody’s point of view on things, even if I disagree.” She stated matter-of-factly that she wants to be an attorney. She will attend Sacramento City College this fall and would then like to transition to the University of Southern California. “I’m thinking about family law. I would like to speak for kids.”
A host of dignitaries were also on hand to meet with the high schoolers. Included were CLA President Terrance J. Evans, CLF President Jerrilyn Malana, CLPC Chair Patricia Lee, CLPC Vice Chair Frances Prizzia, CLA Chief Executive Officer Chris Nguyen, and CLF Deputy Director Janett Cabanero.
“This is such an important day, because students have a front row seat to democracy in action,” Malana told the students. In keeping with the day’s theme of civility and ethics, she explained that, “Civility means you can strongly disagree but still show respect. It means listening before reacting, and progress comes after healthy debate. Ethics is about integrity. It’s about doing the right thing even when it’s hard, and when nobody is looking. Ethics is everything in law. Without it, we don’t have public trust — and without public trust, the justice system doesn’t work.” She told participants to imagine themselves in the roles of the people they were meeting throughout the day and encouraged them to ask questions and be curious.
Students from each of the six high schools introduced the guest speakers throughout the morning and afternoon sessions. Assemblymember Wilson wanted attendees to know, “I carry with me that every single person has the right to a high quality of life and my only job as a leader is to do that. Serving the community is what brings me joy. Don’t stop engaging. We need people to show up and have courage. I love people. People give me energy.”
Assembly Reading Clerk, David Bowman, a Florin High School alum, told the students it was an honor to stand before them. He is one of only four African Americans to have served in his position. “Each and every one of you needs to hear this. Each and every one of you has purpose. Your voice has power. My guiding principal is to work hard. No short cuts. Even when you’re tired, show up every single day. And yes, you do belong. The future of this state, the future of this world is sitting before me right now.”
Speakers and CLPC leaders answered questions from the high schoolers, ranging from, “Who inspired you?” to providing a detailed explanation about rights people have when being detained by the police.
“If I look at it through their eyes, everything is so new,” CLPC Vice Chair Frances Prizzia reflected with a smile. “I’m grateful for the path that I experienced, but I wish I’d had the opportunities these students have through the Academies.”
CLPC Chair and attorney, Patricia Lee, discussed the role the Law Academies play in the future of the legal profession, telling the students she hopes they will pursue a legal education or a future in the judicial profession. However, she also suggested they consider elected positions. “We want you as representatives of our communities to have a seat at the table.”
CLA President, Terrance J. Evans, an outspoken and nationally recognized diversity, equity, and inclusion leader, is the first Person of Color (and first Black person) to serve as President of CLA. He shared his journey telling the high schoolers, “It is going to take all of you coming together to change our future and our community.” He discussed his growing up in Los Angeles. “There were times when we did not have the resources to pay our bills. There were times when we did not have enough food in the house. But my parents had a vision that if they invested in me, I could be somebody.” In an emotion-filled speech, he talked about his undergraduate experience at Cornell University and explained how he overcame economic adversity while in law school. Terrance said that after he passed the California Bar Exam, “I did not forget where I came from. Don’t forget the people who helped you get across the finish line. Take care of your family. We need generational change.” He emphasized the ability to overcome adversity, saying, “I want all of you to know that if I was able to overcome all the challenges I had, you can get through anything. You can be whatever you want.” He also told the CLPC students, “We are investing in you, because you are our future. You are just as capable as anyone else. Be ready when the opportunity comes.”
Florin High School classmates were open with their thoughts about Legislative Day. “I really like the motivational speeches. I feel empowered to achieve my goals. I feel like I just got pushed, and I feel moved,” said Lisa L. “I thought the speakers were wonderful. They were original. They spoke through their hearts. I feel encouraged about what we do,” Nicidemus C. shared. “Overall, it’s been a great experience,” Adrian M. agreed. “It surpassed my expectations a lot.” Sanly W. offered, “I think the people are really, really inspiring. I’ve only seen the Capitol through social media. I have definitely been looking forward to this. It definitely felt real.”
Oakland Technical student, Malakhi F., wants to pursue a degree in business. A senior, he has already received several university acceptances. “I would definitely say Mr. Evans and his talk about showing up and giving back to your community is super neat. I could say that I feel like I want to remember where I came from. I want to give back to my family, like he gave back to his.”
Evans also made a positive impression on students Samatha P. and Avani E. “I personally connect with his story and coming from nothing. It’s kinda hard to see my future, because my parents are so low,” Samatha vulnerably shared. “Seeing where’s he’s at now, it gives me reassurance that it will be okay.” Her classmate, Avani agreed. “It makes him seem real. I feel like CLPC is such an opportunity. I wouldn’t meet lawyers otherwise.”
“California Lawyers Association is focused on excellence and inclusiveness. Supporting CLPC is a natural extension of our mission as this program is designed to expose high school students to the legal profession, Nguyen shared. “They can see firsthand how law impacts ordinary Californians. We’re proud to support CLPC’s Legislative Day. This is a rare opportunity for students to see the Assembly and Appellate Court in action, hearing and interacting with legislators and justices.”
Kamille R., a senior at DeAnza High School and CLPC Law Academy participant for the past three years, said, “Honestly, I really enjoyed hearing all of the introductions of the speakers. I like getting the insights on how their lives were as they became attorneys. Their lives feel reflective of who I am.” Her decision to enter the Academy program was the result of her grandmother. “She was a court reporter. It has made me feel really connected to her, and she is one of the greatest influences in my life.” Kamille will attend Contra Costa College this fall. She says Legislative Day is, “Really fun. I get to go to Sacramento for the State Fair, and that’s about it. Today, I got to see what is on the inside of government buildings and what the Capitol looks like.”
Scholarship plays a crucial component for CLPC and California Lawyers Foundation. Both organizations raise funds for much needed student scholarships, beginning at the high school level, something typically reserved for undergraduate and graduate education.
“We are so grateful for the people who support the Foundation,” CLF Deputy Director Cabanero says. “A lot of students believe that scholarships are no longer ‘real.’ They apply and never receive any feedback. This past fall, through generous contributions, CLF awarded $55,000 to a combined 12 high school, undergraduate, and law school students. These were inaugural scholarships with nearly 150 applications. The need is tremendous. We couldn’t do it without donors and sponsors.”
The Ruthe Catolico Ashley Legal Pathways Scholarship was established and first presented by Ashley herself in 2017 to assist Law Academy students in their educational pursuits toward a legal career. The scholarship helps deserving high school student with tuition, fees, or books in their legal journey. Thirty-eight deserving high school students have received $42,000 in scholarship funds to help with tuition, fees, or books in their legal journey. CLF scholarships include the Justice Pathways Scholarships and the Future Jurist Scholarship. CLA members also contribute significantly to law student scholarships through 18 specialty practice sections. Together in 2025, CLPC, CLF, CLA , and the RCA Scholarship provided nearly $350,000 in academic awards.
Legislative Day speakers all discussed the need for scholarship and mentorship. School educators in attendance admitted that budget cuts are a continual concern. In addition, while some students have family support in terms of pursuing a higher education, other students don’t have parent involvement. To quality as a Law Academy school, students are from homes where 50% and up to 90% of students are considered underprivileged. CLPC Law Academy teachers believe that without CLPC, many of their students would never consider a legal future, or higher education in general. For most, Legislative Day is the first time the high schoolers have ever visited the State Capitol and interacted with successful professionals who have overcome significant obstacles.
Cheers erupted from the crowd at the end of the final educational forum. Students then took the opportunity to talk directly with the speakers, asking for advice, and taking photos with the leaders. Several students commented that they were able to meet people who they related to and understood.
Plans are already underway for CLPC Legislative Day 2027 to be held next February. Ashley has also set a goal to grow the 25 existing Law Academies to 30 by 2030. She and CLPC continue to build relationships with community colleges, four-year universities, and law schools to ensure the pathway to a legal profession extends its momentum.
To learn more about CLPC and its Law Academies, please visit: https://calawyersfoundation.org/our-work/youth-initiatives/
To learn more about California Lawyers Foundation, please go to: https://calawyersfoundation.org/