Inspiring Students: California Legal Pathways Collaborative Legislative Day 2025

March 2025

More than 250 students and their teachers converged on California’s State Capitol for California Legal Pathways Collaborative’s (CLPC) Legislative Day held on February 27, 2025. Sponsored jointly by California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) and CLPC, this annual event offers high school students a special opportunity to engage with political leaders, judges, attorneys, and others in the legal profession. The goal of the day-long gathering is to inspire a diverse legal future.

Traveling from as far away as San Jose, the students are all participants in CLPC’s Law Academy Program, a theme-based, college preparatory curriculum which provides extensive extracurricular and academic support. First organized 14 years ago, the program began with 6 academies in coordination with the State Bar of California and the California Department of Education. Today, in partnership with CLF, there are 24.

“We are very fortunate to bring together students with attorney role models and mentors. They volunteer their time to support students who might not otherwise consider a future in law,” says Ruthe Ashely, CLPC Founder and Chair.

The motto for CLPC is: “If you can see it, you can be it.” Legislative Day proved to be just that, as California Lawyers Association CEO, Chris Nguyen, kicked-off the day’s activities with a message of welcome. Lori Wilson, California State Assemblymember, encouraged students to consider a wide range of opportunities in the legal field. Assemblymember Mia Bonta spoke with students about her priority to make California a more inclusive place for all, and Assemblymember Jessica Caloza shared her story about triumph, setbacks, and her passion to represent her community.

The high-schoolers, from seven northern California campuses, observed live assembly and senate sessions, literally setting foot on California’s assembly floor. Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye (retired), was the day’s keynote speaker, offering the participants inspiration about what they may accomplish as they continue their education.

Ruthe Ashely explains that the activities and events are designed specifically with the students in mind. “Legislative Day gives the students a chance to see the legislative system in action and to hear from diverse legislators about what they do, how they got there, what their plans are, and to feel empowered and motivated by people who started out just like they did.”

To cap off the afternoon, a “Women in Power Panel” was presented. Participants discussed what it means to engage and to be visible. Students were reassured that they can have a future in law, whether or not they want to be attorneys and that advocacy can come from behind a desk, as well as in a courtroom.

Legislative Day is just one of many events and programs put on each year by CLPC, with the help of generous sponsor and donors. Funding is essential to help students in high school move through an undergraduate education and into law school.

For more information about CLPC, its work, and to consider sponsorship, please visit: https://calawyersfoundation.org/pathways/.