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 Arellano – University of San Diego School of Law
Jordan Brown – UC Davis School of Law
Gabriel Cortez – University of San Francisco School of Law
Amanda Fabbri – Santa Clara University School of Law
Katherine Andrea Marin – UC Berkeley School of Law
Sharon Amisadai Valle Rodriguez – UCLA School of Law
Isaiah Uson – University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
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

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:

1. Angellina Querol (Jesse Bethel Law Academy 2020 and UC Santa Barbara 2024)
2. Alison Hwang (El Dorado High School Law Academy 2024)
3. Pedro Ruiz (Richmond High School Law Academy 2024)
4. Princess Leon (Roosevelt High Law and Justice Academy 2025)

Also CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN to our award winners:

1. Excellence in Teaching: Allen Mooney, Richmond High Law Academy
2. Excellence in Leadership: Hon Elizabeth G. Macias, EGM Legal Studies Academy Santa Ana High School

 Trailblazers:                           

1. Crawford Law Academy, San Diego
2. Wilson Law Academy, Los Angeles
3. Cabrillo Law Academy, Long Beach
4. McClatchy Law Academy, Sacramento
5. Florin Law Academy, Elk Grove
6. DeAnza Law Academy, Richmond 

Well done to all of these scholarship and award recipients.