Excellence
& Fairness.
Helping educate students about the
great opportunities in law.
OUR MISSION.
The California Lawyers Foundation shares a common mission with the California Lawyers Association of promoting excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. We believe in a profession that mirrors our population, in access to justice for all and in a society that understands the equalizing role of the rule of law and judicial branch.
But first, how we started.
Formed in 2019, the California Lawyers Foundation CLF is the charitable arm and partner of the California Lawyers Association, California’s voluntary statewide bar association. CLF conducts charitable programs, projects, and activities (including continuing legal education (CLE) and other educational programs to support and educate lawyers and others in the legal profession) that further the Foundation’s mission.
While new to the scene, the CLF is a statewide foundation actively developing and supporting projects that improve access to justice for people in need and make the legal system fairer and more efficient for everyone; increase diversity in the profession and help educate Californians about the 3rd branch, the role of lawyers and the rule of law.
The Foundation is a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 501(c)(3).
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.
Leadership.
The CLF is governed by a Board of Directors of committed trailblazers in the legal community. Meet our Board and Professional Team:










Executive Team.


CLF News
August 21, 2025
SACRAMENTO, CA (August 21, 2025) – California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) announced today it has awarded 12 scholarships to high school, undergraduate, and law school students throughout the state who have demonstrated a significant interest in civics engagement and making an impact on the future of California’s judicial system. Totaling more than $50,000, this unique program is funded by generous individuals who are concerned about providing an educational pathway for students from diverse backgrounds who hope to have a career in the legal field.
CLF is the charitable arm of California Lawyers Association (CLA), the state’s largest volunteer bar association, with 50,000 members. More than 100 students applied to the scholarship programs, from every region of the state, a stark indication about the interest young people have in propelling the future of the law forward.
“Our mission is to help educate students about opportunities in law,” says CLF President Jeremy M. Evans. “We want to share our long-term commitment to help students navigate a process that takes them from high school, and through their undergraduate and graduate school education, so they may pursue careers in California’s justice system, whether it be as an attorney, law enforcement official, or in other capacities.”
Applicants had to meet several criteria to be considered. Grades, volunteer and work history, and connection to their communities were important factors. Students wrote essays about how their experiences and optimism can help equalize the role of the rule of law and the judicial branch for future generations.
“Every person applying for one of our scholarships was incredibly deserving. Their stories of perseverance, facing challenges, and wanting to impact change are inspiring,” explains CLF Deputy Director Janett Cabanero. “Some of the applicants will be the first in their families to complete high school and most are the first in their families to go to college. The decisions were difficult. Our hope is to be able to one day offer scholarships to every single student who applies.”
CLF is involved in several first-of-its-kind programs. For example, the California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC) brings education about government and the law to high school classrooms in California through 24 law academies. The three-year program begins during a student’s sophomore year, with instruction provided by judges, lawyers, and legal experts. Participants are given special opportunities to meet with legislators, hear court cases, attend symposiums, and experience firsthand an array of legal career opportunities. Over 3,000 students participate each year in the academies across California, with 100% of participants entering college following their high school graduation.
“Successes like this are only possible with the generous support of donors and sponsors,” Evans points out. “It is one thing to tell a student, ‘You should be an attorney,’ but it is another to navigate the lengthy and expensive process. When students have financial, educational, and career guidance, the possibilities are limitless. CLF is incredibly grateful to our benefactors.”
CLF congratulates the following scholarship recipients:
Justice Pathways Scholarship:
Daphne Arrellano – University of San Diego
Jordan Brown – UC Davis
Gabriel Cortez – University of San Francisco
Amanda Fabbri – Santa Clara School of Law
Katherine Andrea Marin – UC Berkeley
Sharon Amisadai Valle Rodriguez – UCLA
Isaiah Uson – McGeorge
Mackayla Wall – California Western School of Law
Future Jurist Scholarship:
Nikky Barron – Contra Costa College
Mahak Rathi – UC Berkeley
Amelia Solis – California State University, Sacramento
California Legal Pathways Collaborative High School Scholarship:
Natalie Hill – Deer Valley High School, Antioch, California
There are numerous ways to support CLF and it’s programs. To learn more, please visit: https://calawyersfoundation.org/
CONTACT: Janett Cabanero, janett.cabanero@calawyers.org, 415/760-3782
On March 21, 2025, the students of the Luther Burbank High School Law & Social Justice Academy had the opportunity to speak with NBA Basketball star, Keegan Murray. Keegan visited the Luther Burbank LSJ Academy by invitation from Kings’ partner and LSJ mentorship committee member, Anh Phoong. The event with Keegan was phenomenal. Friendly and approachable, he shared his story and experiences, providing inspiration to the students.
During the event, students were able to ask questions relating to Keegan’s background, including his education and path to the NBA. He also answered student questions about his experience in the NBA, and how he balances his career with his personal life. Keegan also explained how the law and lawyers play a part in his career as a professional athlete. In his discussion, Keegan provided valuable advice and insight to personal motivation, direction, and drive.
At the end of the event, students had an amazing opportunity to take pictures, and receive autographs from Keegan Murray.
Keegan Murray is currently playing for the Sacramento Kings. He was born on August 19, 2000, in Iowa. At age 24, the Sacramento Kings in the 2022 NBA Draft selected Keegan, after playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Interestingly, when entering the NBA it was the first time he has played basketball without his twin brother, Chris (who also plays in the NBA for the Portland Trailblazers – Booo!).
Written by Linh Ho
Civics Engagement and Outreach
Educating Californians about the Judicial branch,
the role of lawyers, and the rule of law.