Last month, California LAW Pathways (Cal LAW) hosted the tenth annual Pathways to Law Summit at the Dale E. Fowler, Chapman University School of Law. 

The event celebrated Cal LAW’s eleventh anniversary of championing diversity in the legal field. Nearly 250 attendees, including law practitioners, students, and educators from high schools, community colleges, universities, and law schools from across the state came together to share ideas, make connections, and advance diversity and inclusion within law schools and the legal profession. 

A highlight of the event was an inspiring keynote session featuring Nadine Youssef, Assistant Chief Counsel at The Walt Disney Company, and Honorable Judge Elizabeth Macias of the Superior Court of Orange County, who shared their remarkable career journeys into law. In addition to the engaging discussions, the event featured a college fair with 21 participating schools, including 15 law schools and 6 undergraduate partners. Attendees gained valuable opportunities to connect with representatives and gain insights into pursuing a legal education.

The Summit also provided a platform for Cal LAW’s annual awards ceremony, highlighting each recipient’s invaluable work in advancing equity in the field of law through diversity, educational opportunity, and supported student success. Congratulations to all of the awardees!

California Law Pathways Education Pipeline Award:

• Delta Community College

California Law Pathways Diversity Champion Award:

• Kristen Mercado, Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, University of California, Davis School of Law

California Law Pathways Outstanding Student Scholarship Award:

• Bianca Cano, Roosevelt High School Law and Public Service Magnet Pathway Program
• Samantha Molina, University of California Berkeley, and East Los Angeles College Cal LAW Scholar

Cal Law is a FoundationCCC Collaborative Impact Partner and was established under the leadership of the State Bar of California’s Council on Access and Fairness with support from the Law School Admission Council. The program helps coordinate programs that are part of the educational pipeline for diverse students seeking a career in the legal profession or law-related fields so that the legal profession reflects the diverse population of California. Cal Law’s mission aligns with our strategic goal to expand student access and success to all Californians.

Learn more about Cal LAW >
View more photos from the event >