BUILDING A BETTER JUSTICE SYSTEM FOR ALL CALIFORNIANS.
Celebrating 35 Years!
We envision a fully-inclusive democracy led by vigilant changemakers who safeguard the humanity of all.
THE NEED
Social inequities, including racism and classism, were built into our laws and institutions. For those facing a persistent lack of opportunity, this has resulted in a crisis of confidence in the legal system itself and disparities in legal outcomes for marginalized communities.
THE SOLUTION
We raise money for those fighting to transform unfair laws and institutions, and distribute those funds to the California legal community so that more resources flow to the movement for justice for all.
We create opportunities for young and/or future lawyers so that the next generation of legal changemakers can rise to positions of power and effect an inclusive and fair legal system.
We advocate to change California laws and policies so that our state can live up to the promise of equal justice under the law.
We shine the spotlight on changemakers fighting for our shared humanity to amplify the efforts of those on the frontlines of change.
TRANSFORMING THE JUSTICE SYSTEM WITH EMPATHY & VIGILANCE
California ChangeLawyers strategically channels funds to individuals and partner organizations that drive real change. We have our finger on the pulse of the legal field, enabling us to identify the most effective partners and initiatives that align with the urgent needs of our communities. Your support of ChangeLawyers isn’t just a donation; it’s a long-term investment that will build a better justice system for all. We ensure that every dollar is used to its fullest potential.
Supporting ChangeLawyers amplifies your impact across California’s legal landscape. Guided by our deep understanding of our state’s unique legal needs and our commitment to be in service to communities directly impacted by social inequities, we see it to that your contributions reach the right people and the right places.
Our five team members represent California and reflect the demographics of our alumni, scholars, fellows, and other program beneficiaries. We’ve been embedded in California’s legal community for 35 years, positioning us as trusted experts with a bird’s eye view to understand the opportunities and challenges facing first-generation, BIPOC, undocumented, LGBT, and attorneys of many other types of backgrounds.
Over the last 5 years, we distributed funds across California to:
280
Law Student Scholars
53 Public Interest Fellows
California Bar Foundation was founded Founding Executive Director- James Pfeiffer served from 1990-2003
Made first-ever grants to California non-profit legal organizations
Launched Public Interest Scholarship Program*
Name changed to California ChangeLawyers
Christopher Punongbayan, a 2003 ChangeLawyers scholar, is named Executive Director
Distributed our first fellowship grant ever (benefitting the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation) 35 YEARS OF
ChangeLawyers co-led an effort to lower the CA Bar Exam pass score, which reduced a major institutional barrier to admission for BIPOC attorneys
Ran Legal Heritage Institute to bring legal education to high school students from 2001-2006
Launched the Diversity Scholarship Program*
The California Bar Foundation legally separated from the State Bar and became an independent organization
A queer, Latina, firstgeneration public interest lawyer became the first ChangeLawyers alum to be appointed as a federal magistrate judge, and is fifth alumni overall to be elevated to the bench
ChangeLawyers co-filed an amicus brief that was cited by Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, in her dissent in the affirmative action case
Our 35th Anniversary
*Now known as Next Gen Scholarship Programs
“ChangeLawyers has created a place of belonging.”
—CHANGELAWYERS SCHOLAR
OUR APPROACH
All of our programs, from our scholarships to fellowships to grants to trainings, aim to expand the ecosystem of lawyers for social change.
EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATION
ChangeLawyers empowers the next generation of legal changemakers through scholarships for first- and third-year California law students. Since our founding, we’ve reached more than 1400 students including many who are the first in their family to attend college and law school.
HARNESS THE POWER OF LAWYERS FOR GOOD
Every year, ChangeLawyers raises and then distributes $1M in grants to non-profit organizations that harness the power of lawyers for good and provide access to justice for Californians who cannot afford legal assistance.
CREATE PUBLIC INTEREST CAREER PATHWAYS
ChangeLawyers currently supports 3 statewide fellowship programs that create entry points into public interest law for scores of law students and recent graduates annually.
YOUR SUPPORT IS VITAL!
Whether you give personally, through your firm or other capacities, at ChangeLawyers your contributions directly supports all our programs including scholarships, fellowships and community legal services.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT TODAY BY:
DONATING AT ANY LEVEL
Any personally significant contribution amount can be donated via check, cash, DAF, stock, or on our website.
SPONSORING OUR EVENTS
We host dozens of events each year; and offer sponsorship opportunities all year round that come with exclusive benefits.
To celebrate our 35th, consider donating $35, $350, $3,500, etc.
BECOMING A CHANGECATALYST
Sign up to be a monthly giver and join our community of fierce supporters (and get cool merch too).
To celebrate our 35th, consider giving at $35/month
BUILDING COMMUNITY POWER
Offer your services as probono help, advocacy work, mentorship for our alumni, etc.
To celebrate our 35th, consider a $3500 corporate sponsorship
SPONSORING OUR PROGRAMS
Whether through your company, firm, or bar organization, we have pledge commitments starting at $2,500 for scholarship programming.
OTHER WAYS
You can support us via your license bar renewal, name us as a cy pres awardee, or reach out to us for more ways to support.