About

The California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving access to justice and increasing diversity in the legal profession. We invest in programs and partnerships that educate and inspire the next generation of legal professionals and the communities they serve.

Guiding Our Purpose

Our Core Mission

The California Lawyers Foundation is committed to promoting excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.

How We Started

Building a Foundation for Change

The California Lawyers Foundation (CLF) was formed in 2019 as the charitable partner of the California Lawyers Association (CLA), California’s voluntary statewide bar. We were created with the specific goal of establishing a separate, nonprofit entity to conduct charitable programs and activities. While a new organization, we immediately began developing and supporting projects that improve access to justice, increase diversity in the legal profession, and educate Californians about the role of lawyers and the rule of law.

This structure allows us to partner directly with individuals and organizations to implement a wide range of initiatives—from continuing legal education and youth programs to pro bono projects—all aimed at fostering a legal system that is more efficient and equitable for everyone.

How to Help

Donate & Support

Help fund scholarships, fellowships, and youth education programs that expand access to justice.

Volunteer to Mentor

Guide the next generation of legal professionals by sharing your expertise and experience.

Attend Fundraisers

Join us for events that raise critical support and build community around our mission.

Be a Speaker

Inspire others by presenting at CLF events, panels, or law-focused educational sessions.

Join our Leadership

Serve on a board or lead a committee to shape CLF programs and strategic direction.

Partnering With
the Foundation

The Foundation is proud to support and encourage programs, services and activities that further our mission to promote excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession, fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law, access to justice, and greater civic engagement and understanding.

Interested in our mission and would like to support our work? The CLF has developed a Gift Acceptance Policy.
Interested in our mission and would like to volunteer? Please reach out to our CEO to join our Fundraising Committee.
Interested in our mission and would like the Foundation to co-sponsor and support your work? The CLF has developed a Co-Sponsorship Policy.
Ready to request that the Foundation co-sponsor your work? Complete this form.
FAQs about how to partner with the Foundation.

testimonials

From Opportunity to Achievement

My fellowship provided me with great experience and professional connections, and was an excellent springboard for a career in public interest, environmental law. I also met wonderful mentors who continue to guide me and promote my career to this day.

Miles Hogan

Assistant City Attorney, City of Ventura

Fellowship made it possible for me to pursue a career in environmental justice lawyering. The fellowship enabled me to spend two summers with public interest environmental justice organizations, which launched my career as an EJ attorney.

Camille Pannu

Associate Clinical Professor of Law

With the help of my fellowship, I was able to afford to take an unpaid internship at the California Office of the Attorney General my 1L summer.

Philip M. Hoos

Deputy Attorney General, California Attorney General’s Office

Latest News

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August 21, 2025

Championing Legal Futures – 12 Scholarships Awarded to Students Across California

August 21, 2025

California Lawyers Foundation Awards 12 Scholarships: Funding Provides Education and Career Pathway for Students Statewide

March 21, 2025

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning failure.

- OLIVER SANDERO

September 10, 2020

Providing Clean Water on the Blue Planet

September 10, 2020

Contacts

Our Core Mission

Building a Foundation for Change

How to Help

Donate & Support

Volunteer to Mentor

Attend Fundraisers

Be a Speaker

Join our Leadership

Partnering With
the Foundation

From Opportunity to Achievement

Miles Hogan

Camille Pannu

Philip M. Hoos

Latest News

Championing Legal Futures – 12 Scholarships Awarded to Students Across California

California Lawyers Foundation Awards 12 Scholarships: Funding Provides Education and Career Pathway for Students Statewide

NBA Star Keegan Murray Visits Luther Burbank High School

California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC) Legislative Day 2025

Building a Foundation: 2024 Ruthe Catolico Ashley Scholarship Winners Honored at Law Academy Symposium

2024 Ruthe Catolico Ashley Scholarship Winners

California Lawyers Foundation Hosts Students for Capitol Visit

Take Your Online Donation to the Next Level!

Giving Voice To The Voiceless

In Africa a Little Help Can Go a Long Way

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning failure.

Providing Clean Water on the Blue Planet

Get Ready For #Giving Tuesday 2020

Contacts

The Foundation

How to Help

Contacts

About

Our Core Mission

Building a Foundation for Change

How to Help

Donate & Support

Volunteer to Mentor

Attend Fundraisers

Be a Speaker

Join our Leadership

Partnering Withthe Foundation

From Opportunity to Achievement

Miles Hogan

Camille Pannu

Philip M. Hoos

Latest News

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning failure.

Contacts

The Foundation

How to Help

Partnering With
the Foundation