California Lawyers Association
Momentum, Reach, and Impact: Incoming CLF President, Jerrilyn Malana, is Ready to Take the Next Steps
Jerrilyn Malana is no stranger to the California Lawyers Association (CLA) or the California Lawyers Foundation (CLF). She was the inaugural Chair of CLA’s Civic Engagement and Outreach Committee, and she has a long history of volunteering her time to advocate for civic education, access to justice, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. As a Chief Deputy District Attorney with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, she serves as chief of human resources and special counsel. Beyond her professional job, she is actively involved in various volunteer and community service activities. Throughout her legal career, which spans over 27 years, she has served in local, statewide, and national leadership roles for multiple bar and nonprofit organizations.
“I’m incredibly honored to serve as CLF’s President and I look forward to working with our Board and staff on various programs and initiatives including those that support the next generation of lawyers. I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jeremy Evans, our immediate Past President, for his leadership and dedication over the past two years. Together with our Board and staff, we’ve laid down solid groundwork for our organization and are ready to propel CLF into its next exciting chapter.”
Calling it a “natural yes” when first asked to accept a nomination to be considered for CLF’s Board of Directors two years ago, Malana says her new role as President feels like the next natural step in her progression, and she is excited to work alongside the Board and staff to continue to advance the Foundation’s presence. She has three priorities for CLF: continue the momentum, expand the reach, and deepen the impact.
“CLF is focused on key issues such as building the pipeline into the legal profession through our law academies and the California Legal Pathways Collaborative, awarding student scholarships, civic education and outreach, advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, expanding access to justice, supporting the rule of law and fairness in the administration of justice, and promoting civility and ethics in the practice of law,” explains Malana. “Over the coming year, we will be working to elevate the work of the Foundation, and generate both excitement and support to help fuel our programs. We invite you to join us in our work, and help shape a brighter future!”