Kaitlyn Pieper

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!

On Saturday August 10th, UCLI held the sixth UCLI & Kirton McConkie Pre-Law Fellowship Workshop. This workshop was doubly sponsored by the Utah Attorney General’s Office, who located a beautiful venue for us next to their office in the Utah State Capitol, and Ray Quinney & Nebeker, who provided a fantastic lunch for all participants.

We were honored to be joined by Paula Gluzman, a consultant and the director of Diversity & Inclusion at Spivey Consulting Group, who came out to Utah from California to provide in-person advisement for the last time this year. This workshop was the final of three that focused exclusively on law school and scholarship applications, walking the Fellows through the process and helping them hone their application materials. The focus of this last workshop included topics like why statements, scholarship essays, and how to put all the pieces of the law school application together. Fellows received targeted information about how to be successful with each of these components and then had time for one-on-one consultations with their mentors or attorney volunteers who showed up to assist for the day. Following the one-on-one component, Fellows heard from Attorney General representative Chris Pieper, as he led a tour of the Attorney General’s space in the Capitol and shared a presentation about government track careers and the significant impact attorneys can have in that space. We even had a surprise drop-in from the (cardboard cutout version of) Attorney General Sean Reyes. At the close of the workshop, UCLI intern Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy generously volunteered her time and talent to take professional headshots for each Fellow. Thank you, Sabrina, and thank you to each of the amazing attorney volunteers who attended, including Ben Harmon from Intermountain Health, Geidy Achecar from Achecar Law, and Chris Pieper from the Attorney General’s Office. Each attorney had helpful advice to share and the Fellows benefited greatly from their participation. We fully expect to see the 2024 Pre-Law Fellows back at the Capitol someday as legal professionals as well as decision-makers, leaders, and community activists.

We thank Paula Gluzman and each of the attorneys for their time and effort on behalf of the 2024 Pre-Law Fellows. We also extend our gratitude to workshop sponsors Utah Attorney General’s Office and Ray Quinney & Nebeker, as well as to program sponsors Kirton McConkie, University of Utah Office of General Counsel, LSAC DEI Pipeline, Utah Bar Foundation, and Family Law Executive Committee Bar Section for their contributions that have made all of this possible.

Attorney Ben Harmon reviewing the law school application materials of Fellow Ruby Vejar

Paula Gluzman, Iradukunda Esperance, and Camden Alexander

Fellow Aranza Castillo playing a get-to-know-you game with her attorney mentor, Geidy Achecar

Pre-Law Fellows on the steps of the Capitol

Chris Pieper presents about the Attorney General’s Office and government track legal careers

2024 Pre-Law Fellows with UCLI staff, Paula Gluzman, and attorney volunteers

Women Lawyers of Utah (WLU) and the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) were pleased to co-host an evening discussion with Justice Durham and friends on the future of diversity and inclusion in Utah, particularly as it relates to the retention of women in the legal profession. The event was held on July 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Federal Courthouse, in the Jury Assembly Room. Before beginning, WLU presented the Christine M. Durham Woman Lawyer of the Year Award to Jacey Skinner. This award recognizes an outstanding woman in the legal profession who exemplifies professionalism, excellence, and a dedication to furthering the opportunities for women in the law. Jacey Skinner has held a variety of senior leadership roles in Utah state government, and her expertise includes all areas of government related legal issues. In accepting the award, she spoke about the importance of having a supportive community and thanked WLU for providing that to her throughout her legal career.

Following the presentation of this award, Justice Durham introduced the topic by highlighting some of the grave issues Utah faces today in the context of equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging – particularly in the legal profession. The panel was comprised of an incredible line-up of presenters which included Mickell Jimenez, Partner at Holland & Hart; Christina Jepson, Shareholder at Parsons Behle & Latimer; Andrea Martinez, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney; and Kim Cordova, Partner at Brass & Cordova. Each panelist in turn spoke to the topics, highlighting that despite the challenges and legal action that law firms are being threatened with, there is still a lot that we can all do. They reiterated the business case for DEI, and spoke to the ways that incorporating equitable programs and initiatives can benefit all employees. They talked about the need to push ourselves and step outside of our comfort zones in order to be in places of influence and create better outcomes for other people. The panel was inspiring and left event attendees with great information and lots of resolve to continue to help Utah’s legal profession reach its full potential.

Christina Jepson provides information about the state of DEI in Utah’s legal profession

Justice Christine Durham engages with audience members

Jacey Skinner is presented with the Woman Lawyer of the Year Award

Andrea Martinez shares her insights during the panel

On Saturday May 11th, UCLI held the third UCLI & Kirton McConkie Pre-Law Fellowship Workshop. Parsons Behle & Latimer kindly offered to host us in their law offices in downtown Salt Lake City, providing a beautiful venue and a great lunch for all participants. Special thanks to Parsons Behle’s Chief People Officer, Nicole Farrell, who made all the necessary arrangements and took time out of her weekend to join us in person for the event. 

We were honored to be joined by Paula Gluzman, a consultant and the director of Diversity & Inclusion at Spivey Consulting Group, who flew to Salt Lake City from California to join us for the day. This workshop was the first of three that Paula will conduct in person to focus exclusively on law school applications, walking the Fellows through the process and helping them hone their application materials. The focus of this first workshop was resumes, letters of recommendation, and addenda. Fellows received targeted, specific information about how to be successful with each of these components of the law school application, then sat down with a mentor to implement the principles they learned about. 

Utah is full of incredible attorneys who routinely sacrifice their time to make our community a better place to be, and it was inspiring to see the four who joined our workshop this past week. Nicole Farrell, beyond facilitating the event logistics, also provided an introduction to her firm and her own legal journey for Fellows, then assisted them one-on-one with their resumes. Her colleague Monica McCann, an associate attorney at Parsons Behle, volunteered to join and not only worked with Fellows individually but also provided an impromptu presentation during lunch that described her own journey to a legal career in Utah and provided additional pointers on successful resume characteristics. Two of the Fellowship’s formal mentors joined on Saturday as well, Maria Cruz, Legal Counsel at Intermountain Health, and Scarlet Smith, a shareholder at Strong & Hanni. Each had helpful, practical advice for the Fellows and powerful personal examples of how to combine professionalism and a people-driven passion in their careers.

We thank Paula Gluzman and each of the attorneys for their time and effort on behalf of the 2024 Pre-Law Fellows. We also extend our gratitude to program sponsors Kirton McConkie, University of Utah Office of General Counsel, LSAC DEI Pipeline, Utah Bar Foundation, and Family Law Executive Committee Bar Section for their contributions that have made all of this possible.

Maria Cruz, attorney at Intermountain Health, assists Sophie Gordon with her resume

Monica McCann, an attorney at Parsons Behle, discusses resume pointers with University of Utah student Iradukunda Esperance

Strong & Hanni attorney Scarlet Smith looks over law school application materials with Utah Valley University senior Victoria Roberts

The 2024 UCLI & Kirton McConkie Pre-Law Fellows with attorney volunteers on May 11, 2024

*This project received funding from the Law School Admission Council, Inc. (LSAC).  The opinions and conclusions contained in this document are the opinions and conclusions of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of LSAC.