CLPC Launches First Legal Education Pilot at College

NAPA, CA, UNITED STATES, October 6, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC) has announced a partnership with Pacific Union College, the Napa County Superior Court, Pacific Union College Preparatory School, and St. Helena High School to bring a 10-week “Introduction to Law” dual credit course to high school and college students in the Napa Valley region. The course, which is the first of its kind in the state, will be led by Napa County Deputy District Attorney Shashawnya Worley, who will also serve as the lead professor alongside other legal professionals.

This initiative marks a significant step forward for CLPC, which has a long history of establishing Law Academy programs in high schools and community colleges across California. These programs, founded by attorney Ruthe Ashley, have now grown to 28 programs, making them the largest and most successful in the state. Ashley, who is the first Filipina and only the second Asian Pacific American woman to serve on the State Bar of California Board of Governors, has played a crucial role in the development of these programs.

The Introduction to Law course will offer students a gateway to understanding different legal options and careers, providing them with a broad spectrum of legal and civic engagement opportunities. The course will be offered at Pacific Union College, a four-year institution known for its pre-law program but lacking an Introduction to Law course until now. The course will also include mentorship, curriculum, internship, and scholarship resources, giving high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to participate in the program.

Napa County Deputy District Attorney Shashawnya Worley, who is also the High School Mock Trial Program Coordinator for both Napa and Sonoma counties, will serve as the lead professor for the course. Worley believes mentorship is crucial for students considering a career in law. She has been an attorney for nearly nine years and has experience in various types of legal cases, including mock trials. She is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with Pacific Union College and help students understand the impact of the law on daily decisions and society.

Napa County Superior Court Executive Officer Bob Fleshman, who has a long career in public service and court administration, is also involved in the program. He sees the value in providing students with real-world exposure to the legal system, such as a visit to the courthouse. He believes that students often have a limited understanding of how the courts function and the services they provide, and he is excited to offer this unique learning opportunity.

The California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC) is a crucial education partner with the California Lawyers Foundation (CLF), the charitable arm of the California Lawyers Association (CLA), which has over 50,000 members. Ashley, the founder of CLPC, has been instrumental in establishing the pilot program at Pacific Union College. Ashley believes that this new dual credit course will open new opportunities for students to explore a career in law.

The partnership between CLPC, Pacific Union College, and the Napa County Superior Court aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and its impact on daily life. The course will offer students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and knowledge, potentially leading to a career in law. The program's success could serve as a model for other institutions looking to expand their pre-law offerings.