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/

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