CLA News

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FRESNO, CA  (October 29, 2025) – California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC) announced today it has re-established its partnership with Bullard High School and the Regional Pathway in Fresno County. CLPC is the diversity educational pipeline program for its parent organization, California Lawyers Foundation (CLF), the charitable arm of California Lawyers Association (CLA). CLA is the largest volunteer bar association in the state with 50,000 members.

CLPC Founder and attorney, Ruthe Ashley, is excited to re-partner with Bullard High School and its new Advisory Council. “The program faced some challenges during the pandemic, particularly since students were not able to be in the classroom or attend events. Together, academy students, mentors, lawyers, and teachers are the synergy which propels our academies forward.”

CLPC’s multi-year academic programs focuses on diversity and disadvantaged populations of students bringing civics engagement, government, and the law to classrooms throughout California. Students interact directly with legal professionals and are given special opportunities to meet with judges and legislators, hear court cases, attend symposiums, and experience firsthand an array of legal career opportunities.

“Our mission is to help educate students about opportunities in law,” says CLF President Jerri Malana, a Chief Deputy District Attorney with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. “We are excited to watch CLPC work alongside Bullard High School to jumpstart their academy program. CLPC has a long-term commitment to help students navigate the process that takes them from high school, through their undergraduate and graduate school educations, and into the legal profession.”

A key supporter of the partnership, and Advisory Council Chair, is Judge Pahoua Lor, who made history as the first Hmong female judge in California when she was appointed to the Fresno County Superior Court by Governor Newsom in 2022. Lor grew up in Fresno and is passionate about education and giving back. “I am so excited about the number of lives we are going to touch. We are telling students that we believe in their dreams,” she explains.

Bullard High School has offered a Law and Social Justice Pathway to students and became part of the high school law academy family in 2016. Working closely in coordination with Fresno City College, California State University, Fresno, and San Joaquin College of Law, this partnership provides a 10-year pathway that offers Central Valley students a direct pipeline into the law. CLPC provides legal professionals to Bullard High School’s program, sharing opportunities for scholarships as well as greatly expanded mentorship, internships and networking avenues with judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals.  Ashely explains, “Our job is to provide the lawyers and judges schools need to bring their program to life and help students experience and learn about the justice system.” 

“We want to bring more relevance to teaching. This partnership specifically includes mentorship by people in the legal profession who work as lawyers and in other justice system capacities right now,” says Ralph Vasquez, Coordinator of College and Career Readiness for Bullard High School. “Our students are our biggest strength, and we want to build connections with law firms in our community to give our students job shadowing, internships, and job possibilities.”

Fresno City College political science instructor and Law Pathway Faculty Champion, Kau Vue, also champions the revitalized partnership. “We want to be very intentional,” says Vue. “When students are making the transition into college, we don’t want them to become lost. If individuals have an interest in the law, or the legal field, we are here to help them. We provide a foundation.”

Bullard High School Law Academy is one of 25 law academies positioned across California, with more than 3,100 participants annually. Most academy graduates go on to pursue a higher education. It is important to the program that the academies be located in both large, metropolitan areas such as San Diego, as well outlying communities because of its goal to build a legal profession that reflects California’s diverse population.

CLPC generously gave eight scholarships, for $1,500 each, to high school students in June 2025. Instructors nominate students for the important funding which helps to defray school expenses. CLF also recently awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to students attending high school, undergraduate, and law school programs, funded by individuals who are concerned about providing an educational pathway for students from diverse backgrounds who hope to have a career in the legal field.

“We want CLPC to continue to expand their academies to involve as many students as possible,” Malana shares. “I highly encourage educators, regardless of the size or location of their high schools, to connect with CLPC and California Lawyers Foundation and explore the potential to bring an academy to their students.”

To learn how to bring support CLPC and bring the law academy program to your school, go to: https://calawyersfoundation.org/our-work/youth-initiatives/

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SACRAMENTO, CA  (August 21, 2025) – 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 Arellano – University of San Diego School of Law
• Jordan Brown – UC Davis School of Law
• Gabriel Cortez – University of San Francisco School of Law
• Amanda Fabbri – Santa Clara University School of Law
• Katherine Andrea Marin – UC Berkeley School of Law
• Sharon Amisadai Valle Rodriguez – UCLA School of Law
• Isaiah Uson – University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
• 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/

Media Contact:

Janett Cabanero
janett.cabanero@calawyers.org
415/760-3782

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SACRAMENTO, CA  (July 1, 2025) –  California Lawyers Association (CLA) announced today it has elected six new distinguished officers to serve on the organization’s Board of Representatives. CLA is the largest volunteer bar association in the state, with over 50,000 members, including public and private sector practitioners, ranging from newly admitted attorneys, to nationally and internationally renowned lawyers, prestigious legal leadership, as well as Superior and District Court judges and justices. The officers-elect will assume their responsibilities in September 2025, after being sworn in by Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, Patricia Guerrero.

“I am grateful to CLA’s Board for electing such a diverse, dedicated, and knowledgeable slate of officers,” says CLA’s CEO, Chris Nguyen. “I look forward to working with the new officers to further our mission and serve our members.”

The newly elected officers practice in a broad array of legal specialties including: litigation, Antitrust and Consumer Protection Section, environmental, intellectual property, tax, and real property. They work for both private practice and government entities.

“Terrance Evans is a nationally recognized trial lawyer who has a stellar record of arguing successfully for his clients. He is also a leading advocate for civil rights, racial justice, and the rule of law. I am certain Terrance will continue to build on the work our leadership has started to impact change and make a difference for the legal profession and the communities we serve,” says Betty Williams, current CLA President. “Working alongside Terrance is an honor and an invaluable experience. Terrance Evans is the perfect next President for CLA.” Evans, who is Black, will be the first person of color to serve as President of CLA.

The new leaders will help direct CLA’s mission to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice. The organization’s volunteers dedicate countless hours each year.

“We are the leading advocacy organization for all lawyers in California,” explains Evans, who was recently honored by Law.com with its 2025 Distinguished Leader Award. “We provide the educational gateway for all areas of practice for all lawyers, at all levels. We are the voice for California lawyers with respect to any proposed rules or legislation impacting the practice of law in California. We also work closely with the California Judges Association on important issues impacting the Rule of Law and access to justice and fairness for all people in California.”

A top priority on CLA’s agenda is to continue to strengthen relationships with the state’s affinity bars and local bar associations. “We provide opportunities for lawyers to be important partners,” Evans notes.

Each incoming leader brings unique legal knowledge and experience to CLA’s Board:

• President: Terrance J. Evans, Partner, Duane Morris LLP
• Vice President: Jill Manning, Founder, The Manning Law Firm, and a Neutral at JAMS
• Chair: Jessi Fierro, Senior Attorney, California Air Resources Board
• Vice Chair: Mark Leonard, General Counsel, Sunsweet Growers Inc.
• Treasurer: Myriam Bouaziz, Director, California Office of Tax Appeals
• Secretary: Elizabeth Blair, Founder, Blair Law

To learn more about California Lawyers Association, please visit: https://calawyers.org/

About California Lawyers Association:

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. CLA members include state and nationally recognized judges, attorneys, and legal experts.

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SACRAMENTO – April 8, 2025 – Established in 2018, the California Lawyers Association (CLA) is a nonprofit, voluntary bar association serving thousands of licensed attorneys throughout California. We are the premier statewide voice for the legal community, advocating on behalf of our members on important issues that affect the legal profession.

CLA’s mission is “promoting excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.” Promoting the rule of law is a critical component of this mission; without the rule of law, including respect for the role and independence of the state and federal courts, our legal system cannot function and fairness in the administration of justice cannot be achieved. One of CLA’s key priorities is to help increase the civic awareness, knowledge, and engagement of Californians. For example, CLA’s Civics Engagement and Outreach Committee works to raise awareness about the importance of civic knowledge and participation. 

The rule of law and fairness in the administration of justice cannot be achieved if law firms and attorneys are pressured into abandoning their willingness to represent certain clients who need their representation. Litigation is the crucible through which the rights of the People under the United States and California Constitutions are guaranteed and through which the balance inherent in our constitutional design is enforced, recognizing separation of powers and the roles of the three branches of government. Being the statewide voice of our profession, CLA endorses efforts by its members to address tactics that would suppress the essential role attorneys play in preserving our nation’s constitutional design.

Keeping in mind that the rule of law and fairness in the administration of justice are critical to its members and the people we serve as officers of the court, CLA also endorses the recent statement of Chief Justice Roberts:

“For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.” 

―John G. Roberts, Jr., Chief Justice of the United States

As the statewide voice of our profession, with members who interact on a daily basis with the federal and state courts, CLA expects and urges that disagreements about judicial decisions be addressed through the normal appellate review process.

As California attorneys, we must stand together in support of the rule of law, which is the cornerstone of our democracy.  Any erosion of this principle threatens the foundation of justice, equality, and freedom that we hold dear.  We call upon all California attorneys to stand with us and uphold these fundamental values, ensuring that the law remains a safeguard for all.

About California Lawyers Association:

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. CLA members include state and nationally recognized judges, attorneys, and legal experts.

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CONTACT:

• Marketing Team, CLA, marketing@calawyers.org
• Holley Robinson, EDRM, pr@edrm.net

SACRAMENTO – January 30, 2025 – California Lawyers Association (CLA), the state’s largest volunteer Bar Association with 45,000 members, announced today is has partnered with Electronic Discover Reference Model (EDRM), the internationally recognized e-discovery global best practices leader. This elite group of attorneys, technical experts, AI industry leaders, universities, and others, will improve e-discovery, privacy, security, and information governance for California’s justice system and legal profession.

“This is a forward looking partnership for California and the practice of law,” says Chris Nguyen, CEO, California Lawyers Association. “It is imperative that all attorneys have the most relevant knowledge and a practical understanding about issues surrounding technology and how it effects their clients and practices.”

Privacy, security, and AI-enabled e-discovery technology and services will play a central role in organizations as they strive to keep their data secure. Robust e-discovery technology, supported by expertise and services, helps organizations respond to litigation, compliance, and investigation demands. In the era of hybrid and remote work at scale, organizations need to securely manage information, protect confidential and privileged access, and collaborate effectively to be efficient and productive and adhere to the increasingly complex demands of security and data privacy frameworks. The ability to have trusted relationships with organizations like CLA in the legal environment is mission-critical.

EDRM is a giant in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, e-discovery, privacy, and how everything from data collection to social media may impact fair and equitable access to justice. While these issues have received national attention recently, the organization was established 20 years ago to better educate lawyers and strengthen best practices around the world.

“California attorneys, located in the epicenter of the technical world, face novel and cutting-edge issues as they navigate the bread and butter of e-discovery practice,” explains Mary Mack, CEO and Chief Legal Technologist for EDRM. “We are thrilled by the opportunity to learn from California Lawyers Association and to share our best practices with them.”

Shannon Bales, CLA Chair, Law Practice Management and Technology Section, oversees CLA’s educational component surrounding such things as the latest innovations in law practice management and ethical concerns related to technology. “California Lawyers Association holds its principles of diversity, transparency, and fairness in the administration of justice as its mission. Our new partnership will ensure that our members are up-to-date on current trends, processes, and influences.”

CLA’s members will now have EDRM’s connections to in-person events, webinars, video programing, podcasts, and other tools available to them from around the country and the world. This helps make certain that lawyers and other legal professionals receive the most recent and accurate information regarding complex legal matters associated with generative AI, data mapping, electronic records review, and a host of technology driven issues, as well as their benefits.

More information about California Lawyers Association is available at www.calawyers.org or on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Learn more about EDRM at: EDRM.net.

About California Lawyers Association:

Established in 2018 and headquartered in Sacramento, California Lawyers Association is the statewide voluntary bar association for all California attorneys. CLA’s mission is to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. CLA members include state and nationally recognized judges, attorneys, and legal experts.

About EDRM:

Empowering the global leaders of e-discovery, EDRM creates practical resources to improve privacy, security, and information governance. Since 2005, EDRM has delivered leadership, standards, tools, guides, specifications, and frameworks to improve best practices throughout the world. EDRM has an international presence in 145 countries, spanning 6 continents and growing, and an innovative support infrastructure for individuals, law firms, corporations, and government organizations seeking to improve the practice and provision of data and legal discovery.

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