2026 Pre-Law Symposium at J. Reuben Clark Law School

On Friday, September 18, over 90 undergraduate students braved the pouring rain to attend the annual Pre-Law Symposium at BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School. Hosted by the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) and Kirton McConkie, the event offered prospective law students a chance to learn about the application process, explore legal careers, and connect with others considering law school.

The day began with a warm kolache breakfast and a welcome from volunteers at registration. UCLI Associate Director Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy and PLEDGE Committee Co-Chair Geidy Achecar opened the Symposium with an overview of the path to law school. Geidy also offered encouragement to non-traditional students, reminding attendees that there is room in the legal profession for people with a wide range of experiences.

Next was a law school admissions panel with BYU Law Admissions Director Andrea Fitzgerald and S.J. Quinney College of Law Administration Program Coordinator Sam Nyborg, moderated by UCLI Fall 2026 intern Jacen Call. They shared practical guidance on application timelines, personal statements, recommendation letters, scholarships, and what students can expect after submitting their applications.

Attendees also heard from attorneys practicing in different areas of law. Moderated by Jascha Clark, a shareholder at Parr Brown Gee & Loveless, the panel featured Abby Dizon-Maughan with Parsons Behle & Latimer, Jesse Nix with Nix Law, and Melinda Bowen with Spencer Fane. The panelists reflected on their law school experiences, changes in their career interests, realities of legal practice, and how they manage their professional and personal lives. Their candid perspectives helped students picture the many paths a legal career can take.

The Symposium also offered breakout sessions that are tailored to students’ interests. Workshops included financial resources for law school from AccessLex Institute’s Regional Director Zachary Smith and LSAT preparation from founder and instructor of ACE Test Preparation, Brent Dunn. Later on, a mock law class was taught by BYU professor of law, Lucy Williams, giving attendees a glimpse of a law school classroom. BYU Preprofessional Advisement Director Kris Tina Carlston also presented on how to craft a compelling personal statement for law school applications.

The Symposium concluded with a panel of current law students from Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. UCLI’s Fall 2026 intern Cate Carson, moderated the panel, and law students shared their personal paths to law school, advice about submitting law school applications, and reflections on their experiences as students.

We are grateful to the speakers, law students, professionals, and volunteers who shared their time and knowledge with prospective students. Their efforts helped make the path to law school feel more accessible, reflecting UCLI’s commitment to supporting future legal professionals.

We want to thank our event sponsors: Kirton McConkie, Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School, AccessLex Institute and Helix Bar Review, ACE Test Preparation, and the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, and all UCLI Sustaining Sponsors, who can be viewed here.

For prospective law students who could not attend this year, please note that the Pre-Law Symposium is held each year in the fall, and we hope to see you at the next one. However, the search does not have to wait, as the UCLI website offers a variety of resources, programs, and opportunities to help explore and prepare for a legal career. Applications for the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship are currently open and accepting applications through November 29, 2026. Students interested in gaining mentorship, professional development, and hands-on experience are encouraged to learn more and apply.

We also recommend listening to Season One of UCLI’s original podcast, The UCLI Legal Lounge, to hear more from legal professionals and academic personnel.