California Legal Pathways Collaborative Establishes Its First High School Law Academy Partnership in Pasadena: The Honorable David Cunningham to Serve as Advisory Board Chair

PASADENA, CA  (December 16, 2025) – California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC) has joined with Pasadena High School to establish its first-ever law academy partnership in the San Gabriel Valley. CLPC is the educational component of California Lawyers Foundation (CLF), the charitable arm of California Lawyers Association (CLA), the largest volunteer bar association in the state with 50,000 members.

CLPC’s multi-year academic programs bring civics engagement, government, and the law to classrooms across California. Students learn directly from legal professionals and are given special opportunities to meet with judges and legislators, hear court cases, attend events, and experience firsthand a broad range of career opportunities including a full array of legal and law enforcement positions. The goal is to provide a path for students from high school, into an undergraduate education and law school, through to a legal career.

The Honorable David Cunningham has been an advocate of the CLPC law academies since their inception more than a decade ago. What began as six academies in 2011 through California Education code legislation serving underprivileged students, has now grown to 25 programs in both large metropolitan regions and small communities. Judge Cunningham has agreed to serve as the CLPC Pasadena High School Advisory Board Chair, despite his demanding trial schedule. He credits CLPC founder and attorney, Ruthe Ashley, who originated the academies, with his involvement.

“When I learned there was an opportunity at Pasadena High School, I jumped at the chance,” says Cunningham. “I have had the opportunity to see young students become members of the Bar. Their commitment and dedication has really influenced me. It is a reward that you cannot quantify. It’s a matter of helping students have a plan and executing the steps so they can realize their dreams, whether that be as an attorney, law enforcement official, or a court professional.”

Pasadena High School had an existing Law and Public Service (LPS) Academy for students interested in law, government, and public service careers. The LPS that CLPC is partnering with is one of eight long-term career and technical academies in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD). Pasadena High School sought to partner with CLPC to broaden its reach within the legal community, according to PUSD Work Based Learning Coordinator, Brian Biery. As the District’s career academy liaison, his role is to bring government agencies, nonprofits, and private businesses together to engage students in innovative ways. When he heard about CLPC’s successful work, he knew they could be beneficial to the school.

“I see this as a very positive step,” explains Biery. “CLPC has so much credibility in the legal field. They have already brought us together with Judge Cunningham, practicing attorneys, the Los Angeles County Superior Court, local area law firms, the police and fire departments, and other legal professionals. Our Advisory Board members include the Pasadena Deputy Chief of Police and Deputy Fire Chief. CLPC is helping us make better connections for our enrichment activities.”

Ashely, is delighted about the partnership with Pasadena High School. “We wanted to bring an academy to this area, and Pasadena High School is the perfect partner. The students are so enthusiastic, and when they speak about what it means to them to have this program, it touches your heart.”

Patricia Lee, CLPC Chair agrees. “This is what CLPC does,” Lee says. “We bring the legal profession to the classroom. Our work with California Lawyers Foundation gives us even greater opportunities to expand and be supported, and we look forward to continuing to bring additional academies to high schools in our state.”

More than 3,100 students participate in the CLPC law academies statewide, with most going on to pursue a higher education. CLF recently awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to students attending high school, undergraduate, and law school programs, 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.

Learn how to bring the CLPC law academy program to your school.

Learn more about supporting CLF.

Learn more about Pasadena High School and LPS.