California Lawyers Foundation’s First-Ever Golf Tournament a Swinging Success

Sweeping ocean views, breathtaking vistas, and extraordinary fairways served as the backdrop for California Lawyers Foundation’s (CLF) inaugural charity golf classic held at the world-class Pelican Hill Golf Course in Newport, California on April 17, 2025. Nearly 100 attorneys, legal professionals, students, and community leaders joined each other in an unforgettable round of golf to raise funding and awareness for CLF’s California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC).

 The highly successful nonprofit Collaborative hosts 22 law academies throughout the state, inspiring more than 3,000 high school students from diverse and underrepresented communities each year to pursue opportunities in the legal field. The program’s vision is to ensure a legal profession that reflects California’s population through civics and government education and a wide range of mentorship and career opportunities in an encouraging environment. Nearly every student becomes the first in their family to attend college. Some are the first in their families to graduate from high school. Many go on to pursue a law school education and legal career.

CLF is the charitable arm of California Lawyers Association (CLA). To help ensure the health of the Pathways program, CLF hosted its first-ever tournament as both a fun and meaningful way for participants to engage. Numerous individuals and organizations served as generous event sponsors, including several CLA Sections.

“We think it is natural to support the Pathways program,” says Anne Giese, Chief Counsel, SEIU Local 1000, and treasurer for CLA’s Labor and Employment Law Section. The section is highly involved with the Foundation, offering scholarships and providing educational content and in-person resources each year.  “A focus on youth is a priority. We want students to know that the legal field isn’t what they see on a billboard or TV show, and that the rule of law matters. These things don’t work without volunteers. CLA has an impressive collection of attorneys in its sections who offer a portion of their time for free to serve as advocates.”

CLF President, Jeremy M. Evans, and Sabrina Green, Chair, Fairways to Justice Classic, were instrumental in developing the fundraising concept. “The CLF Classic exemplifies the spirit of service and collaboration within California’s legal community,” shares Evans. “By supporting initiatives that expand access to justice, civics engagement, and legal education, this tournament plays a vital role in advancing the mission of the California Lawyers Foundation.”

More than a year was spent organizing the charitable day. “It was important as CLF’s inaugural event that it be held at a very special place in an atmosphere that was both memorable but also offered the opportunity for networking, especially for the students,” says Green, who has volunteered with both CLA and CLF for many years. “I was able to play with two students who had so many questions about taking law school exams, how to get internships, and where to find resources. The environment made everyone feel relaxed. The conversations were meaningful.”

The funds raised from the tournament go directly to CLPC for student scholarships, educational program materials, and to defray costs for hands-on activities, such as the annual student Legislative Day held in Sacramento at the state capitol.

UCLA first year law student, Henry Mojica, was invited to attend after being connect to CLF by one of his law professors when another player unfortunately had to cancel. He shared his enthusiasm and appreciation to everyone. “It was an incredible opportunity,” Mojica says. “I play a ton of sports, but I actually have very little golf experience. I got a chance to meet some of the attorneys before we even began playing. I am interested in sports law and immediately made connections.” Mojica noted that he is running for a leadership position on UCLA’s Sports Law Association (SLA). He was introduced out on the golf course to  several attorneys who put on an annual sports negotiation competition. As a result, Mojica says he wants to raise funds through SLA so that student members compete next year.

To assist in the planning effort, CLF enlisted the support of 19^th Hole Golf Productions. Business Founder and President, Jason Meyers, was honored to be involved. He and his team provide consulting and education to nonprofits on how to run events. They can also offer services ranging from catering to suggesting fun games and contests for golfers to ensuring sponsors are recognized. In business for nearly a decade, Meyers was quick to say that he saw something particularly special at the Fairways to Justice Classic.

“I’ve helped to put on more than 600 golf tournaments over the years,” Meyers states. “This is the first time I have witnessed an organization take people ‘under their wing’ and give back literally during the event. CLF created a very memorable atmosphere by having students play alongside attorneys and people who work in the profession that they hope to become part of in their future.” He added, “Oftentimes, you don’t know where your money goes. This was very motivational to watch.”

A highlight of the day was the Hole-in-One contest. Estimated to be a 1 in 12,500 chance to accomplish such an achievement, California State University, Long Beach student, Hannah Jugar, managed the feat on her very first hole of play. As a result, she received a $5,000 scholarship provided by 19th Hole Golf Productions to put toward her student loans.

“It was truly unbelievable,” Jugar says. “It almost doesn’t seem real. I am so grateful to have received a scholarship, and equally grateful that I was able to interact with so many amazing professionals who care about students and their futures.”

Newport Beach Mayor Joe Stapleton and Leigh Steinberg, the CEO of Steinberg Sports & Entertainment, a highly recognized sports agent and philanthropist, were among the dignitaries attending the event.

“It’s just so uplifting and invigorating to take part in an event like this,” says Giese. “I have already been in contact with a couple of the students who played.” Green agrees. “This was so much different than a field trip or a quick meeting with an attorney. Everyone involved had the chance to spend real time together.”

Several student participants from different law schools spent time getting to know each other, sharing information and discussing their law school experiences. One noted that, “Contacts with attorneys and students were half the fun.”

CLF President Evans thanked everyone who made the tournament possible. “From our generous sponsors to the dedicated volunteers and student, lawyer, business leader, and judge participants. Your support directly fuels the California Lawyers Foundation’s mission to promote access to justice, foster civic engagement, and invest in the future of our legal profession.”

Thank you to our tournament sponsors:

To view photos from the exceptional day, click here.

For more information on CLF and its programs and activities, visit: https://calawyersfoundation.org/.