#USA #Sacramento #Education Equity #California Lawyers Foundation #Law Academies

Record-Breaking Graduates from Law Academies in California

On May 12, 2026, the California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) revealed that Law Academies across northern, central, and southern California have witnessed an unprecedented surge in high school seniors graduating in recent times. With over 3,100 at-promise students enrolled each year, this initiative has become a beacon of hope for aspiring lawyers in the state.

According to CLF, nearly 1,000 students completed the challenging three-year civics and government engagement curriculum, demonstrating a 23% increase from the previous year, 2025. The California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC), in partnership with the CLF, champions these Law Academies, paving the way for students interested in pursuing legal careers, guiding them from high school to law school and into the legal profession.

Graduates from the CLPC Academies have made their mark in various fields of law, working as public defenders, in-house counsel, and attorneys at private law firms. Jerrilyn Malana, CLF President and Chief Deputy District Attorney of San Diego County, expressed her pride in the rising number of graduates, stating, "This is rigorous coursework and requires a long-term commitment. We are so proud of these students and their dedication to their education. They exemplify the Foundation's mission that California's legal profession be reflective of our diverse population."

The CLF operates as the educational and charitable branch of the California Lawyers Association (CLA), which boasts a membership of 50,000, the largest volunteer bar association in the state. Established through a grant from the California Department of Education in 2010, the Law Academies were initially founded by attorney Ruthe Ashley, addressing the stark disparity between California's diverse population and its legal representatives. For example, while 37% of California's population identifies as Latino, only 6% of licensed attorneys belong to that demographic.

Initially starting with six academies, CLPC has expanded its reach to serve students where 50% to 90% are recognized as disadvantaged, offering mentorship, internships, and direct connections to legal professionals. Students have the unique opportunity to engage with legal leaders, attend court cases, and immerse themselves in various legal career paths, helping them understand the broader implications of their studies.

Ashley noted, "The law academy project has been a labor of love for 15 years, aiming to cultivate a legal profession that mirrors the rich diversity of our state. Each graduating senior receives a CLPC certificate, aiding their future educational pursuits in law or any other field they choose to follow." This dedication is pivotal in nurturing the next generation of legal professionals.

Support from the community remains essential for sustaining these programs. CLF and CLPC primarily operate through charitable contributions, recently awarding over $50,000 in scholarships to law students at various educational levels. Judges and legal practitioners contribute countless volunteer hours annually, facilitating study sessions and providing invaluable resources that may otherwise be inaccessible.

The Law Academies are strategically positioned not just in large urban centers like Los Angeles and Sacramento, but also in smaller communities such as Antioch and Lompoc, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to a broader audience.

Congratulations are in order for the 2026 CLPC Law Academy graduates, who have shown commitment and perseverance throughout their educational journeys. Noteworthy institutions include:

• - Northern California: Andrew P. Hill High School (San Jose), C.K. McClatchy High School (Sacramento), and more.
• - Central California: Bullard High School (Fresno), Roosevelt High School (Fresno).
• - Southern California: Cabrillo High School (Lompoc), Crawford High School (San Diego), and others.

To learn more about supporting the CLF and its educational initiatives, visit calawyersfoundation.org. For information on how to introduce the CLPC law academy program to your school, check out this link.