Don’t miss the 2025 Sneaker Ball on September 13th. Learn More
The CLPC’s Legislative Day offered high school students a chance to experience the legal profession firsthand. Students visited the California Capitol, heard from legal leaders including retired Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye, and participated in interactive events. The event aimed to inspire future legal professionals. Get a glimpse of this inspiring event in the following video.
Four inspiring high school students were recognized at the California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLCP) Law Academy Symposium on September 21st for their academic achievements in government and law. Held at UC Law San Francisco, the honorees received the prestigious Ruthe Catolico Ashely Scholarship award from among dozens of nominees. Each winner was presented with a $1,000 scholarship and plans to pursue a career in law.
The Collaborative is housed within the California Lawyers Foundation (CLF), the non-profit arm of the California Lawyers Association, to bring practical civics engagement education to high school students who have a passion for going to law school and becoming an attorney. Educators, administrators, advisory boards, and volunteers were invited to participate in the symposium, founded by CLCP Chair Ruthe Catolico Ashley. The vision of this program is a “legal profession that reflects the rich diversity of California’s population” through a three-year law curriculum in 22 public high schools throughout the state. Students learn about the branches of government, constitutional law, and meet with judges, attorneys, and legal professionals in an encouraging environment.
“Our academies offer an important opportunity for young people to consider a career in the law. Many would not have access to these resources otherwise,” explains Ashley.
This year’s award recipients were: Angellina Querol, Jesse Bethel Law Academy and UC Santa Barbara; Alison Hwang, El Dorado High School Law Academy; Pedro Ruiz, Richmond High School Law Academy; and, Princess Leon, Roosevelt High Law and Justice Academy.
“It was a difficult decision,” said Ashley. “All of the nominees demonstrated impressive work both inside and outside the classroom. They undoubtedly will all make meaningful contributions to their communities as they grow in their studies.”
The 2024 Law Academy Symposium featured distinguished speakers Associate Justice Martin Jenkins, California Supreme Court and Anna Mercado Clark, president of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. The daylong event included numerous seminars for teachers, nonprofit boards, and others working in educational settings.
“California Lawyers Foundation is privileged to support the Collaborative and its goals,” says CLF President Jeremy M. Evans. “We are committed to propelling civics and legal education forward by providing pathways to students through practical real-life examples and opportunities.”
Congratulations to the four winners. They stand out as reminders of the need to make positive investments through a collaborate approach for the future of the justice system.
CONGRATULATIONS to our Ruthe Catolico Ashley Scholarship Winners who were just notified yesterday of this honor. Each will receive their $1000 Scholarship in person at the Inaugural Law Academy Symposium on Sept 21, 2024, at UC San Francisco (event information attached). Each was nominated by their law academy teacher and each plans to go into the law as a career. The recipients are:
Also CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN to our award winners:
Trailblazers:
Well done to all of these scholarship and award recipients.
In February 2024, the California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) and its California Law Pathways Collaborative (CPLC) program hosted 200 high school students at the state Capitol, providing insights into the legal profession and legislative process. Students engaged with elected officials, attorneys, and judges, touring the Capitol and courts. The event aimed to inspire future legal professionals. Students observed Assembly sessions, heard presentations on legal careers, and participated in a panel discussion with judicial figures. The program, led by CPLC Chair Ruthe Ashley, emphasized civic education and provided networking opportunities. The CLF and CPLC plan to expand these programs, inviting students to future events and seeking support to further its mission of fostering the next generation of legal leaders. Learn more.