Welcoming the Future of Law: CLA Members Provide Paid Summer Internships For High School Students

July 2025

Attorney Gabriel Campos is the youngest of 10. Five of the Campos family children were born in Mexico, and five, himself included, were born in the United States. The family settled in south Sacramento, California, where it was “difficult for my parents,” says Campos. Three of his brothers never graduated high school. “But that didn’t mean my parents didn’t have dreams for their kids.” In fact, Campos credits his mother with his decision to become an attorney. “My mother planted the seed that I needed to be an immigration lawyer, so that’s what I did.”

Anh Phoong, Esq., is also from an immigrant family that, “built everything from the ground up,” she says. “I know firsthand what hard work, perseverance, and resilience look like.” Phoong grew up in Antelope, part of the greater Sacramento region. She says that her multicultural background and heritage have shaped her perspective on justice and advocacy as a personal injury attorney.

Now, both Campos and Phoong are giving back by supporting California Lawyers Foundation’s (CLF) California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC) and its Law Academy program. The program brings civics, government, and the law to high school classrooms across the state through 24 academies. More than 3,000 students participate in the three-year program each year, with nearly 100 percent of its graduates making the decision to attend college. The Foundation is the charitable arm of California Lawyers Association (CLA).

Luther Burbank High School, in Sacramento, is home to one of the 24 academies, and situated in the neighborhood where Campos grew up. In fact many of his siblings and friends attended Burbank High. He and Phoong serve as mentors, program advisors, and provide paid summer internships in their law offices for CLPC students.

“It’s important for kids to know that the law is for everyone in a favorable way. They also need to know that they can be part of it, to move changes forward that we think need to be made,” explains Campos. “When they hear my story, that I didn’t have a 4.0 or perfect LSAT score, they are surprised. They see someone from their own community and it clicks.”

Phoong feels similarly. “I remember what it felt like to be in their shoes—figuring things out, facing pressure, and trying to see a future that sometimes feels out of reach.” She notes that she didn’t have a mentor to help her navigate her undergraduate or law school education. “I try to be real with the students and connect on a less formal level. I identify with them and let them know, I’ve been there, and I know how difficult it can be.” 

Connecting with the students is a key reason why both attorneys volunteer their time with CLF, and specifically with the high school students. “When I first heard about the law academy, I immediately knew it was something I wanted to be part of. It’s the meaningful, fulfilling side of our work—the chance to engage with students, support their growth, and maybe even help shape their future. That’s incredibly rewarding,” shares Phoong.

“The reasons I volunteer are so deep,” Campos notes. “I am with the kids on Fridays when the program meets, but I wish I could be with them every day. I’m probably learning more from them than they are learning from me.”

Phoong and Campos want people to be aware of the barriers confronting people who wish to pursue careers in the legal profession, specifically discussing a lack of being exposed to opportunities, a lack of knowing individuals who are successful, and the financial costs. They also see changes starting to occur and that as the legal profession evolves, so should efforts to make it more accessible. Both say it’s more important than ever to create pathways for individuals who might not have the same opportunities or resources.

As professionals who volunteer their time with CLPC, they applaud the work of their colleagues, high school teachers, and other contributors to administer and ensure the success of the law academies statewide. In fact, CLF and CLPC hope to establish an additional three academies next year. “We have a responsibility to open doors for those who are just as capable but may need a clearer path forward. Expanding access isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s how we build a legal profession that truly reflects the communities we serve,” notes Phoong.

She adds, “I want students to see that success isn’t about having all the answers right away—it’s about showing up, being willing to learn, and not giving up when things get tough. My goal is to be real with them, to connect in a way that’s genuine and relatable, and to hopefully give them the confidence to chase opportunities they may not have thought were for them.”

The two attorneys have opened up their offices to high school interns for the past two years. Campos wants to help students build their resumes and have first-hand experiences working in the legal environment. He also thinks summer internships are necessary tools to continuing a legal education. Phoong says it is important for high schoolers to have a supportive climate where they can ask questions, observe the justice system in action, and gain a better understanding of both the challenges and rewards of a legal career. They both agree that internships help to build confidence and are a critical way to invest in the future of the profession to ensure that it becomes more inclusive, informed, diverse, and representative of the communities they serve.

Campos encourages his colleagues to support CLF, CLPC, and to consider providing paid internships at the high school level. He thinks every attorney has a responsibility to give back, whether it be by volunteering their time or providing other resources. He also believes the government needs to make it easier for younger students to serve as interns. Currently, there are age and education requirements which reduce options for students who are still in high school. “These kids are extremely smart. They are tech savvy, as well, and there is a lot that they can do.”

“I deeply believe in the power of early exposure to the legal profession—especially for students,” says Phoong. “It’s incredibly rewarding to help inspire the next generation of legal thinkers and leaders. California Lawyers Foundation is a powerful platform. It’s a meaningful way to invest in the future of our profession and ensure that it continues to grow in both strength and diversity.”

CLA hopes its members will consider contributing their time and talent to its foundation. The “one billable hour” campaign is one such way to help provide scholarships and other student resources.

For more information on California Lawyers Foundation and CLPC’s program, please visit: https://calawyersfoundation.org/