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State Bar Launches Legal Aid Leaders Fellowship Program

The State Bar of California announced today a new paid summer Legal Aid Leaders Fellowship Program for 76 law school fellows. The State Bar’s Legal Services Trust Fund Commission awarded nearly $760,000 to 35 host legal aid providers. 

The State Bar is also partnering with the California ChangeLawyers Foundation to provide the fellowship cohort support, training, and networking opportunities, including several webinars and mixers this summer. California ChangeLawyers is contributing $150,000 to fund 15 additional fellows for the cohort, bringing the total to 91.  

“There is nothing more valuable to law students drawn to public interest law than gaining real-life experience in its execution and impact,” said Leah Wilson, State Bar Executive Director. "Paid fellowships like these support the goal of encouraging more emerging lawyers to explore and remain committed to careers in legal services, while also ensuring that the state’s rich diversity is reflected in those who choose this career pathway.”  

Riverside resident Maya Gortarez is serving a 10-week paid fellowship at the Legal Aid Society of San Bernadino (LASSB). A third-year law student at the University of La Verne College of Law, Gortarez knew at an early age that she wanted to pursue a legal career. As a young child, she joined her father at a Riverside County hearing over a speeding ticket. The judge took the time to show Gortarez her chamber and let the child hit the judge’s gavel and say “order in the court.”  

“She completely changed my life, and I knew I wanted to be her one day,” Gortarez said. “I used to dress up as a judge in kindergarten for Career Day.”  

Gortarez is the youngest of three daughters who have pursued higher education. She’s excited about helping people with housing and other critical issues at LASSB, while pointing out her family’s limited means and expressing appreciation of a paycheck for her efforts through the State Bar’s Legal Aid Leaders Fellowship program.  

“Going to law school you come out with a lot of debt, so it’s nice to get paid,” Gortarez said. 

Funding comes from the California Legislature and Governor Newsom, via Assembly Bill 2958 and its amendment to the Business and Professions Code (section 6140.03). The amendment allows an additional $5 in attorney licensing fee contributions to support a paid fellowship program with legal aid providers. Grantees received between $10,000 and $50,000 to support between one and five fellows.  

A 2019 State Bar Justice Gap Study found that law students who participated in summer internships with legal aid providers had a higher rate of pursuing a career in legal aid.  

Learn more about the Legal Aid Leaders Fellowship Program.

 

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The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.