2024 Annual Report
Dear Friends,
2024 was a pivotal year for ChangeLawyers, one marked by bold visioning and important strides toward our future. We completed a year-long planning process, the sum of which is our 2024-2026 Strategic Directions. This work was essential in refining our mission for modern times and sharpening our focus on the path forward.
“We envision a fully-inclusive democracy led by vigilant changemakers who safeguard the humanity of all.”
Our new organizational vision statement above declares our core belief that a strong, inclusive democracy depends on a well-functioning, representative legal system. When the public loses trust in the rule of law itself, it weakens the very foundation of our democracy.
We are so proud to show our work, organized around four commitments we made in 2024 and that will guide us into 2025.
- Harness the power of lawyers for social good;
- Kickstart the next generation;
- Connect the next generation; and
- Mobilize resources to fuel the movement
Thank you for being a partner on our journey. We are stronger together!
Onwards,
Chris Punongbayan
Executive Director & Class of 2003 Scholar
the Big Picture
In 2024, we raised and granted over $2,000,000 to Californians fighting to transform unjust laws and institutions, including:
Harness the Power of Lawyers for Good
Grants to legal groups are a core aspect of our philanthropy. In 2024, we disbursed $943,870 through two Funds: the Legal Empowerment Fund (LEF) and the Legal Aid Fund. The LEF harnesses the power of lawyers to make a positive difference in California. Since 2020, the ChangeLawyers Legal Aid Fund has invested over $2 million in organizations provided critical legal support to our neighbors who are living in poverty.
Kickstart the Next Generation
Scholarships
Scholarships to law students are an investment in the future. The 55 students who’ve been awarded scholarships in 2024 are the leaders of tomorrow. We know this because they have already shown incredible determination, have overcome the odds to be where they are, and are passionate about becoming legal changemakers.
Paid Fellowships
ChangeLawyers is committed to the next generation of public interest lawyers. In 2024, we supported 20 public interest students and recent law graduates across three programs: Immigration Legal Fellowships (multi year), Legal Empowerment Fellowships (year long), and Legal Aid Leader Fellowships (summer).
Connect the Next Generation
Our scholars want to be leaders in law and society more broadly. To help make their goals a reality, we provide resources beyond cash awards: access to a cohort through mentorship, networking, and training. Crucially, we show our students what is possible by uplifting and amplifying the work of changemakers through our narrative building.
Mobilize Resources
2025 is a big year for ChangeLawyers—we’re turning 35! We’re celebrating the entire year, including a special event on April 10 called Raise the Bar.
Thank you to our many supporters, including ChangeCatalyst monthly donors.
Giving monthly as a ChangeCatalyst feels great because I know ChangeLawyers has and will continue to leverage and maximize my donation to make sure it goes toward their mission of building a better justice system. After meeting countless scholars and hearing from many of the organizations ChangeLawyers support, I have seen the positive impact ChangeLawyers has made and continues to make in the legal community and the California justice system. Each time I give it makes me feel like I am part of the mission and doing my part to help shape the future of the legal landscape of California.
Bennie J. Mackey, II – ChangeLawyers Board of Directors
2025 Board of Directors
2025 Staff
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ChangeMaker Magazine is a quarterly publication for supporters of ChangeLawyers, featuring stories of scholars, fellows, and role models.
