All Rise Utah: Cultivating a Deeper Connection with Justice

On Wednesday, September 30th, the All Rise Utah Opening Social took place at The Ballpark at America First Square. Graciously hosted by All Rise Utah, a committee led by the Utah State Courts Office of Fairness and Accountability and supported by many in the legal community, this annual event is dedicated to connecting current law students with an interest in becoming a judge with judicial officers from across the state. The event began with a tour of the field and facilities, and Justice Jill Pohlman made a keynote speech about the importance of the legal community committing themselves to promoting justice not just in their future legal professions, but in their everyday lives. 

After that, mixed tables of law students and judicial officers alike began sharing anecdotes of their experiences in law school and what it is actually like to work as a judge in Utah today. I personally had the opportunity to speak in depth with Justice Paige Petersen and Judge Todd Olsen. Justice Paige Petersen was appointed to the Utah Supreme court in December 2017, and Judge Todd Olsen was appointed 4 months ago. Speaking with them and the other law students and hearing their dynamic experiences was not just an eye-opening moment for me, but for everyone at the table. A key idea I took away from both of them was this: not just current law students, but anyone in the legal profession and beyond should aim to maintain the importance of leading with integrity when it is integrated with justice and equity. 

Thank you again to All Rise Utah, Justice Jill Pohlman, The Ballpark at America First Square, and everyone who helped in creating and setting up for this lovely event.