Ruthe Catolico Ashley, ‘88, is a leading advocate for diversity in the legal profession, currently serving as the Chair of the California Legal Pathways Collaborative (CLPC). Founded in 2010, CLPC supports high school law academies by introducing students to law and law-related careers through a comprehensive three-year curriculum. Ashley’s initiative engages 22 high school law academies, fostering a new generation of legal professionals. 

Ashley’s commitment to diversity began during her tenure on the State Bar of California’s Board of Governors, where she chaired the Diversity Pipeline Task Force in 2007. This pivotal task force launched the first Judicial Diversity Summit, marking a significant step toward enhancing judicial diversity in California. Furthermore, she established the Council on Access and Fairness with the State Bar, aimed at promoting equity within the legal profession.  

Ruthe Ashley, ’88 at the 2023 Alumni Association Board of Directors retreat.

In addition, Ashley was the first President/CEO of CaliforniaALL and the Founder/Executive Director of California LAW Pathways — two non-profit organizations dedicated to diversifying the legal profession through educational initiatives. McGeorge School of Law joined California LAW Pathways as one of the program’s institutional partners in 2021. 

Ashley’s first career was as a nurse and nursing professor. Ashley became a lawyer at 41 in 1988. She practiced as a litigator for 15 years before returning to her alma mater, McGeorge School of Law, as the Assistant Dean for Career Services from 2001-2008. Recognizing the need for greater diversity in legal and financial services, she created the role of Chief Diversity Officer for CalPERS. Her extensive leadership experience includes serving as past president of the Asian Pacific Bar of Sacramento, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, and Legal Services of Northern California. She has also chaired the Women of Color Committee for the Commission on Women and led the Council on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Educational Pipeline. 

Ashley’s influence extends nationally as she chaired the ABA’s Public Education Committee, overseeing programs such as the National Civics and Law Academy and Law Day. She is currently active with the ABA’s Fund for Justice and Education, the Retirement Fund Board, and the Law Library of Congress. In a significant legislative achievement, Ashley collaborated with the California Legislature to incorporate diversity and inclusion language into the State Bar’s 2018 Fee Bill, further solidifying her commitment to equity in the legal field. 

A dedicated supporter of McGeorge School of Law, Ashley serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and is actively involved with the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association. Her efforts have been recognized through numerous awards, including the ABA’s prestigious Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award in 2020, the NAPABA Trailblazer Award, and the Inaugural Excellence in Civics Engagement Award from the California Lawyers Association. 

Now retired, Ashley devotes her time to promoting diversity in the legal profession while enjoying world travel.  

Throughout 2024, the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law will celebrate members of its vast alumni network in honor of the school’s 100-year anniversary. This post is part of a series highlighting 100 exceptional McGeorge School of Law alumni. 

Stay tuned for more blog posts as we celebrate the law school’s centennial anniversary.