Nearly 300 high school students from California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC) Law Academies gathered at the State Capitol on February 26, 2026, for CLPC’s 3rd Annual Legislative Day. The event, themed “Civility and Ethics in the Legislative Process,” allowed students to engage with legislators, judges, and legal professionals about the importance of integrity and leadership in lawmaking. CLPC’s 25 Academies serve 3,100 disadvantaged youth statewide, offering education, mentorship, scholarships, and a pathway to legal careers.
“Legislative Day is the premier event for our Law Academy students to get up close and personal to the legislative process. They are inspired by legislators who have the same background, who they can identify with, and who make their dreams seem within reach.”
- Ruthe Ashley, CLPC Founder
“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 will find your opportunity, and that will give you choices.”
- Former California Chief Justice, the Honorable Tani Cantil-Sakauye (ret.)
“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. I’m thinking about family law. I would like to speak for kids.”
- Nevaeh P., Luther Burbank High School
“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.”
- Justice Shama Hakim Mesiwala, Third District Court of Appeal
“I feel empowered to achieve my goals. I feel like I just got pushed, and I feel moved.”
- Lisa L., Florin High School
“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.”
- Jerrilyn Malana, President, California Lawyers Foundation
“It is going to take all of you coming together to change our future and our community.”
- Terrance J. Evans, President, California Lawyers Association
“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.”
- Kamille R., DeAnza High School
Read the full story about this impactful day and how you can support CLPC here.