Kaitlyn Pieper

The All Rise Utah Program held a banquet on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. The event was well attended by Utah judges from all levels of judiciary, including justices from the Utah Supreme Court, as well as dozens of law students from both Utah law schools. They were joined by practicing attorneys from supporting firms and organizations. 

The event was a chance for students to hear from Justice Jill M. Pohlman of the Utah Supreme Court, as well as to network with judges and attorneys. Justice Pohlman spoke about the importance of trust in the judiciary to make fair decisions, and encouraged the law students to consider becoming a judge at some point in their future career. She also shared an inspiring message about the importance of unity, and encouraged attendees to join hands to tackle the most pressing problems facing Utah today. Utah Executive Director Kaitlyn Pieper was also happy to join representatives of other supporting organizations to share a few words about the resources UCLI offers to law students. It was a fantastic event that provided helpful and motivational information to the law students in attendance.

The All Rise Utah program is an ongoing collaborative effort directed by the Utah State Courts, to build a pathway for students and attorneys who will one day seek judicial appointments in Utah. The program helps law students and attorneys begin to see themselves as future judges. It also provides mentorship opportunities at both the law school and attorney level to help individuals prepare for and apply for judicial openings. All Rise Utah is led by Judge Diana Gibson of the Utah Third District Court, and Jonathan Puente, Director of the Utah State Court’s Office of Fairness and Accountability. Supporting organizations include: the Utah State Bar, Utah Minority Bar Association (UMBA), LGBT and Allied Lawyers of Utah (LALU), Women Lawyers of Utah (WLU), The Young Lawyers Division of the Utah State Bar (YLD), The Disability Law Center (DLC), and the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI). 

We look forward to continuing to help plan and support events for both law students and attorneys for All Rise Utah. If you have questions or would like to be involved in the program please contact Jonathan Puente, the Director of the Utah State Court’s Office of Fairness and Accountability, . 

Attendees from across the state, including Utah’s two law schools and many of its courts, pose for a photo at the event during dinner.

Justice Jill Pohlman provides the keynote address for attendees during the event.

Law students chat with judicial officers prior to the start of the banquet.

Law students and judicial officers register for the event and mingle.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) has many ambitious goals and important programs, but without community support from volunteers, legal professionals, and incredible donors and foundations we couldn’t make any of it a reality.

UCLI is proud to be a second-time award recipient of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. Founded in 2007, the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation aims to continue the philanthropic spirit exemplified by Larry and Gail Miller for future generations. The Miller Family Foundation supports programs that enrich lives and communities in the areas of health and medicine, shelter and food security, education and skill development, jobs and economic self-reliance, and cultural and spiritual enrichment. UCLI and the Miller Family Foundation share a common vision for a state where all individuals have access to educational opportunities, regardless of their background, and UCLI was honored to be one of the recipients of their grant awards in 2025.

 Like the Miller Family Foundation, UCLI is dedicated to facilitating educational advancement for Utahns from all walks of life. Thanks to this grant, UCLI will be able to continue its PLEDGE Program (Promoting Legal Education to Diverse Groups Everywhere). In 2025, these funds will allow us to work with K-12, undergraduate, and law students – mentoring, encouraging, and providing meaningful fellowships and scholarships. We are excited to continue this important work and are grateful for the donors who make it possible. Thank you, Miller Family Foundation, for the meaningful contributions you make in the community and for your generous support of UCLI’s mission.

UCLI is grateful to receive – for the fourth consecutive year – a grant award from the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association. The Foundation supports the Federal Bar Association’s efforts to promote and support legal research and education; advance the science of jurisprudence; facilitate the administration of justice; and foster improvements in the practice of Federal law. UCLI was awarded the Pathways to the Profession Grant, which is designed to support educational, community service, or outreach projects and initiatives that support pathway programs and events that encourage high school, college and law school students, and newer lawyers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue and succeed in a legal career through educational, networking, mentorship programs and other opportunities. It’s a perfect fit for UCLI’s work in these efforts. 

UCLI and the Federal Bar Association share many common goals within the legal profession, and UCLI is honored to be one of the recipients of their grant awards in 2025. The funds received from the Foundation will go towards the Utah Law Student Mentoring (ULSM) program, ensuring that law students in Utah have access to mentors, networking events, and the resources they need to thrive as students and beyond. We are grateful to the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association for their support of Utah students; you are shaping the future of the legal profession in the state!

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) likes to dream big for Utah’s legal community and students, but would not be able to actually implement programming without the vision and time of amazing attorney volunteers and leaders, or without the generous donations of foundations. 

UCLI is grateful to receive – for the seventh consecutive year – a significant grant award from the Florence J. Gillmor Foundation. The Gillmor Foundation aims to support many worthy initiatives within Utah, including the promotion of education and the pursuit of justice. UCLI and the Gillmor Foundation share a common vision for a state where students are supported in their educational pursuits and able to follow their vocations of choice, and UCLI is honored to be one of the recipients of their grant awards in 2025. We are also delighted to announce that the funds received from the Gillmor Foundation included a 1:1 matching grant for both the Michael Foundation grant award and for the individual donations and silent auction contributions at the UCLI Fundraiser Luncheon: A Seat at the Table on March 27, 2025. 

 Like the Gillmor Foundation, UCLI is dedicated to improving educational outcomes for Utahns of all backgrounds. Thanks to this generous grant, UCLI will be able to continue its PLEDGE Program (Promoting Legal Education to Diverse Groups Everywhere). In 2025, these funds will allow us to work with students aspiring to be attorneys at every level – K-12, undergraduate, and those within law school – to provide crucial resources that will allow them to meet their goals. We are grateful to continue these vital efforts and are indebted to the donors who allow UCLI’s work to continue. Thank you, Gillmor Foundation, for the many ways you make Utah a more vibrant and inclusive community, and for your kind support of the UCLI mission.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) has a lot of dreams and is committed to making them a reality, but would simply be unable to do it without the support of amazing volunteers, gifted professionals, and generous donors and foundations. 

UCLI is grateful to receive – for the fourth consecutive year – a grant award from the Herbert I. and Elsa B. Michael Foundation. The Michael Foundation aims to support the promotion of education, the advancement of health and scientific achievements, and the prevention of cruelty to children. They are especially interested in giving to programs that encourage secondary and higher education. UCLI and the Michael Foundation share a common vision for a state where students are supported in their educational pursuits and able to follow their vocations of choice, and UCLI was honored to be one of the recipients of their grant awards in the 2024 cycle. 

 Like the Michael Foundation, UCLI is dedicated to facilitating educational advancement for Utahns of all backgrounds. Thanks to this grant, UCLI will be able to continue its PLEDGE Program (Promoting Legal Education to Diverse Groups Everywhere). In 2025, these funds will allow us to work with K-12, undergraduate, and law students – providing mentoring opportunities and financial aid in the form of fellowships and scholarships to students at various stages of their journey to and through law school. We are happy to continue these important efforts and indebted to the donors who make it all possible. Thank you, Michael Foundation, for the contributions you make to Utah’s educational landscape and for your generous support of the UCLI mission.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) is unable to accomplish its aims without the community volunteering their time and expertise and without incredible donors and foundations who support our work financially.

For the third year running, UCLI is privileged to receive a grant award from the B.W. Bastian Foundation. The B.W. Bastian Foundation strives to build community and understanding by supporting local and national institutions, specifically supporting the arts and educational outreach. They place a strong commitment on programs and organizations that benefit, encourage, and preserve the rights of individuals and promote equality for the LGBTQ+ community. The B.W. Bastian Foundation supports organizations who wholeheartedly embrace the principle of equality. UCLI and the B.W. Bastian Foundation share a common vision for a legal profession that is more inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals, and UCLI is honored to be one of the recipients of their grant awards in 2024.

Like the B. W. Bastian Foundation, UCLI is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the rights, equality, and fair treatment of the members of the LGBTQ+ community. Thanks to this grant, UCLI will be able to continue its LGBTQ+ outreach initiative with the PLEDGE Program (Promoting Legal Education to Diverse Groups Everywhere). In 2023, these funds allowed us to continue to support networking events for LGBTQ+ students at Utah’s law schools, provide CLE offerings to attorneys on the topics of LGBTQ+ inclusion, and create a handbook that allows for better community engagement. In 2024, this grant award will facilitate the continuation of networking events for LGBTQ+ law students, allow us to provide additional CLE offerings to attorneys on relevant topics, as well as offer direct student support for an LGBTQ+ student in the 2025 Pre-Law Fellowship program. 

We are excited to continue this important work and are grateful for the donors who make it possible. Thank you, B.W. Bastian Foundation, for the meaningful contributions you make in the community and for your generous support of UCLI’s mission.

The Utah Law Student Mentoring Program is in full swing: 52 law student mentees have been paired with 94 volunteer attorney mentors, and we imagine lots of great conversations and professional skill-building have already happened. The Opening Social was another great opportunity for mentors and mentees to meet in person while enjoying good food and stress relief activities. The Social was held on the evening of Thursday, October 17 at the And Justice For All Building and focused on thriving practices for law school and beyond. Attendees were able to select which mini-workshops to participate in; options included sessions on Breathwork, a Mindfulness Meditation, and a Community Workshopping Circle. 

Scarlet Smith, attorney at Strong & Hanni and PLEDGE: Law Co-chair welcomed students to the event. Mary Anne Davies of the Disability Law Center, who kindly made arrangements for us to meet in the venue, then kicked the event off by discussing accommodations at law school, so that all students could understand resources available to them to ensure their physical, mental, and emotional well-being while at school. Program participants were then able to choose from one of the mini-workshops described below. We had a great time together not just learning about but also embodying wellness practices, and letting our hair loose in a casual and fun environment. 

Law is one of the careers with a notoriously poor mental health reputation and reality. UCLI wants to ensure that law students have the tools they need to survive and thrive in this environment, starting now to build the practices and habits that will serve them throughout their career. We are so grateful to the practitioners who shared their wellness wisdom with us and to the attorney volunteers who showed up to provide mentorship and care. We also thank the Disability Law Center once more for the fantastic venue and caterers Zaatar & Zayton for the delicious hors d’oeuvres. Wishing all Utah law students a healthy and happy fall semester!

Breathwork with Katie Schiffgen, Utah-based somatic practitioner

Participants were guided through a 20-minute “Breathwork Journey” along with some optional movement practices. This journey is intended to allow participants to blow off some steam, release suppressed emotions, and ultimately reconnect to a more integrated and whole version of themselves.

Mindfulness Meditation with Cliff Rosky, Professor of Law at S.J. Quinney College of Law

In this session, participants learned to practice mindfulness—paying attention to what is happening in the present moment, with non-judgmental acceptance. Studies have found that the practice of mindfulness is associated with a wide range of benefits, including the reduction of stress, anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors. 

Community Workshopping Circle with Sunné East, community strategist specializing in restorative practices and relationship-building

Participants in this session gained valuable insights and fostered meaningful connections through reflection and wisdom sharing. Participants paired up for one-on-one discussions, exploring personal perspectives and experiences on various topics related to the educational journey. Then they returned to the circle to share key takeaways, highlighting the gems from individual conversations. This session offered a supportive environment for navigating life’s challenges to foster growth and balance.

Attendees practice breathwork.

PLEDGE Co-chair Scarlet Smith welcomes everyone to the event.

Participants in the Community Workshopping Circle.

Mary Anne Davies, attorney at the Disability Law Center, speaks to law students about accommodations.

Students and attorneys connect.

UCLI was thrilled to be invited by Utah Global Diplomacy to address their 2024 International Leadership Academy. Utah Global Diplomacy is a local non-profit whose goal is to build global connections between the people of Utah and other nations, promoting mutual respect and international goodwill. The International Leadership Academy they sponsor is a cohort-based program that brings together dynamic young professionals or students each week to dive into world affairs topics, engage with local subject matter experts, and join in immersive, hands-on activities designed to enhance their knowledge, confidence, and professional skills. 

On the evening of Wednesday, October 9 Kaitlyn Pieper, UCLI executive director, presented about diversity and equity in Utah with a special focus on the legal profession and why workplace inclusion is so important. Following her presentation, local attorney at the Attorney General’s office Chris Pieper spoke about lawyers as bridge builders and led a discussion on the importance of disagreeing thoughtfully. The presentation was a great opportunity to connect with future attorneys, as many of the program participants are law-school bound, and to make new community connections. We hope to see many of the International Leadership Academy participants join Utah’s legal profession and look forward to seeing the great ways they change this state for the better.

The 2024 International Leadership Academy with presenters Kaitlyn Pieper and Chris Pieper

International Leadership Academy participants engage in a small group discussion

Attorney Chris Pieper presents on the topic of Lawyers as Bridge-Builders

One of the things we hear most often from practicing attorneys is “I wish the Utah Center of Legal Inclusion had been around when I was in law school!” Now that UCLI does exist, we hope that no student has to make it through law school without knowing about the services and resources it offers. UCLI staff, interns, and volunteers spent the last month meeting law students on their campuses and sharing information about the valuable programs, fellowships, and scholarships they can take advantage of throughout their law school career. We successfully recruited 53 law students to the Utah Law Student Mentoring program – the highest number of students we will ever mentor during the course of an academic year. 

UCLI staff were able to join students at the University of Utah’s S. J. Quinney College of Law on August 13, 2024 for the Law School Orientation Resource Fair, where we met dozens of 1Ls excited to begin their law school experience. On September 3, UCLI staff and volunteers went back to this campus for the Public Interest Careers Fair, which was sponsored by the Career Development Office in collaboration with the Pro Bono Initiative and Public Interest Law Organization. We were able to share a bit about UCLI’s purpose and programming while tabling and during an informal networking and hors d’oeuvres hour. 

UCLI staff and interns also attended the Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Opening Social on September 5, 2024. The social took place on the west patio of the law school and was a great chance to connect with new and returning BYU Law students, while getting to know their clubs and offerings. 

We are grateful for the hospitality of university staff and faculty for welcoming UCLI onto their campuses, and were delighted to meet so many incredible law students through these events. We wish them the best of luck this academic year and are standing by to assist in any way we can.

UCLI Executive Director Kaitlyn Pieper talks to students about UCLI programming at the U Law School Orientation Resource Fair

UCLI Interns Melesisi Pauu and Mirabella Keogh share information about the Utah Law Student Mentoring Program with BYU law students

UCLI Executive Director Kaitlyn Pieper oversees law student recruitment at the Public Interest Careers Fair

UCLI is grateful to receive – for the third consecutive year – the Diversity Grant award from the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association. The Foundation supports the Federal Bar Association’s efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion by awarding grants that fund educational, community service, or outreach projects or programs with a diversity focus that involve FBA Chapter, Section, Division, or member participation. 

UCLI and the Federal Bar Association share a common goal of eliminating bias and promoting diversity within the legal profession, and UCLI is honored to be one of the recipients of their grant awards in 2024. The funds received from the Foundation will go towards the Utah Law Student Mentoring (ULSM) program, ensuring that law students in Utah have access to mentors, networking events, and the resources they need to thrive as students and beyond. We are grateful to the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association for their support of Utah students; you are shaping the future of the legal profession in the state!