Eliza Lucia Mancilla, Intern

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) is delighted to recognize Intermountain Health as a 2026 Sustaining Sponsor at the Advocate level. As a UCLI Sustaining Sponsor, Intermountain Health demonstrates commitment to expanding access, strengthening professional connections, and helping shape a more inclusive legal profession across the state.

Intermountain Health is a powerful example of what intentional leadership, empathy, and care can look like within Utah’s legal community. Sustaining Sponsors give foundational, ongoing support that allows UCLI’s work to grow with long-term impact. Rather than supporting a single event or initiative, Sustaining Sponsors invest in programs that make systemic change possible. Intermountain Health has stepped meaningfully into that role not only through sponsorship activities, but also through active participation in other UCLI initiatives. Intermountain has shown that inclusion is not a one-time experience, but a long-lasting commitment embedded into organizational culture.

Intermountain Health has been a committed partner of the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion since UCLI’s founding, demonstrating consistent leadership in advancing equity within the legal profession. Intermountain’s legal team has participated in the UCLI Certification Program year after year, taking its goals seriously and creating meaningful impact across their organization. As a Sustaining Sponsor, Intermountain continues to invest in the growth of education and mentorship initiatives, with their attorneys actively volunteering and supporting students throughout the state. Their long-standing involvement reflects a deep commitment not only to supporting UCLI’s mission, but to shaping a more inclusive and connected legal community in Utah.

One of the most impactful projects Intermountain Health has led is the Utah Legal Inclusion Fellowship. Originally created by Intermountain Health in partnership with UCLI and Kirton McConkie in 2022, the Fellowship was designed to expand professional and practical growth opportunities for law students who may not have had access to robust support systems throughout their academic career. Intermountain Health’s involvement with the program adds another layer to the traditional internship or summer experience. Fellows have the opportunity to work directly with Intermountain’s in-house legal department, gaining exposure to legal practice within one of the largest health systems in the region. From health law and regulatory compliance to transactional, litigation, and employment matters, students get to see firsthand how legal supports expansive healthcare operations in the Intermountain West.

Collectively, Intermountain Health’s initiatives represent more than a professional development program. Their role in the legal community has helped create a meaningful bridge between education and practical legal experience. Several past fellowship recipients now reflect on how this partnership helped cultivate their legal skills and individual talents, and strengthened the future of legal leadership within Utah.

For Gabrielle Anguiano, a 2023 Fellow, Intermountain Health mentorship and hands-on training were essential in shaping her future career. During her journey, she shadowed in-house counsel, received extensive contract training, and worked on meaningful projects that strengthened her legal skillset. She said of her experience, “[I was given] training with contracts which I felt was really relevant to the kind of work that I do now.” Further, the collaborative and welcoming environment within Intermountain’s legal department expanded her understanding of healthcare law while reinforcing her confidence as a developing professional.

For Kricia Tauilili, a 2023 Fellow, the Fellowship’s scholarship component relieved financial pressures as she navigated law school with limited resources. The stipend allowed her to more fully cultivate her academic and professional pursuits while also maintaining personal balance in her life. Her time shadowing Intermountain’s legal teams, including HR attorneys and contract specialists, offered clarity and direction in shaping  her own legal interests. Being a part of this program not only strengthened her career direction but also heightened her sense of belonging within the profession. Kricia said, “It was a huge blessing to my husband and I. We were both in school and taking loans out to finish. We didn’t know how my investment [in my legal education] would play out once I had graduated. The scholarship took a lot of pressure off as a student.”

The journey of Gloria Aquino, a 2024 Fellow, reflects the Fellowship’s long-term impact. With a background in healthcare, she was drawn to the unique professional opportunity Intermountain Health offered to study the intersection between law and medicine. Her summer included legal research, writing, and consistent shadowing with Intermountain Health in-house counsel. Gloria feels the mentorship and professional access she gained during the Fellowship led to her continued success, and ultimately to additional summers in the program and a full-time role at Kirton McConkie following graduation. In Gloria’s words, “The experience changed my life and opened doors that I didn’t know could be opened for me. Through mentorship and guidance, I am a more confident and competent law student.”

The experiences of these amazing Fellows underscores how impactful Intermountain Health’s engagement has been. Support from the legal community is both meaningful and necessary to the development of emerging lawyers within Utah. By introducing opportunity for robust exposure in real-world professional environments, Intermountain is not simply supporting students but investing in Utah’s legal pipeline and modeling what intentional partnership can accomplish. UCLI is grateful for Intermountain Health’s continued support and leadership.

Organizations inspired by this work are encouraged to explore how they, too, can support UCLI’s mission. Firms interested in becoming Sustaining Sponsors or expanding their involvement are invited to connect with UCLI to learn more about partnership opportunities and the impact they can make.

2026 Sustaining Sponsor, Intermountain Health.

2024 Fellowship recipient, Gloria Aquino.

2023 Fellowship recipient, Gabrielle Anguiano.

2023 Fellowship recipient, Kricia Tauilili.

On Thursday, March 5th, the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion, in partnership with All Rise Utah, hosted a mindful law event at the Salt Mine Productive Workspace in Sandy, Utah. The event brought together legal professionals and law students participating in the Utah Law Student Mentoring program and judicial mentoring program, and focused on topics such as mental health and well-being in the workplace. Additionally, guests were able to practice contributing to a more sustainable culture within the legal profession.

The evening began with guests checking in and immediately engaging in interactive icebreaker activities designed to encourage conversation. Judicial officers and students were able to become connected while participating in activities like ‘get-to-know-you’ bingo, where they moved around the room meeting others to complete prompts and learn about each other’s experiences. This created a natural way for guests to come together, share insights, and build greater community in a warm, welcoming atmosphere before the program began.

Judge Dianna Gibson, head of the All Rise Utah kicked off the event by sharing a few personal remarks and formally introducing the guest speakers. Representatives from All Rise Utah and UCLI were also present and warmly thanked the speakers, sponsors, and attendees for joining the conversation around mental health and sustainability in the legal profession.

Attendees then had the privilege of hearing from two guest speakers: Justice Paige Petersen of the Utah Supreme Court and Dr. Abigail Scoma, BYU Law Health and Wellness Counselor. Both of their speeches centered on mental health in law school, the culture of the legal profession, and the importance of redefining success in ways that prioritize personal well-being.

Justice Petersen began by sharing reflections from her career and discussing the importance of resilience and balance while preparing for a legal career. She spoke about the necessity of finding passion projects within the law in order to establish true commitment to their craft, and shared how that dedication will inspire true excellence in the field. She concluded by encouraging guests to prioritize well-being and happiness within their careers. 

Following Justice Petersen’s remarks, Abigail Scoma continued the conversation by discussing practical strategies for maintaining mental health while navigating law school and legal careers. Her presentation, Wellbeing: Awareness, Acceptance, and Action also touched on self-regulating practices she currently shares with the law students she counsels. Her remarks encouraged judicial officers and law students alike to think critically about how they define success and to consider approaches that allow for sustainability and personal fulfillment within the profession. She concluded by reminding the audience to envision themselves living the best sustainable careers possible. 

Following the keynote speakers, guests were encouraged to ask thoughtful questions to Justice Peterson and Dr. Scoma. Participants started conversations around navigating the challenges of a legal education, maintaining professional boundaries, and overcoming roadblocks to personal wellness. This began a myriad of discussions as different guests weighed in on the topics addressed. 

The evening concluded with informal networking as attendees continued conversations with professionals and other guests. Many law students and pre-law students were able to connect with peers and mentors in the legal community because of this amazing event! 

UCLI and All Rise Utah are grateful to everyone who joined the event and contributed to this evening centered around mental health and wellness within the legal profession. We would like to sincerely express our gratitude to Justice Peterson and Dr. Scoma for their time and talents as they shared their valuable experiences with us. Events like these contribute to the success and prosperity experienced by all those who participate in the Utah legal community while encouraging thoughtful dialogue about how the legal field can continue to evolve in supportive and sustainable ways. Finally, we would also like to thank and recognize the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association. It is through their valuable support and sponsorship that the Utah Law Student Mentoring program is possible. Events like these are also possible because of their continued support. 

Participants gather at the conclusion of the 2026 UCLI Spring Social.

Following Dr. Scoma’s remarks, guests were encouraged to ask questions and continue the conversation of wellness in legal practice.

Attendees network with each other following the closing remarks of the guest speakers.