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The UCLI Team

2024 UCLI Certified Legal Employers

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The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is proud to announce the legal employers that participated in and completed all requirements for the 2024 Certification Program. Through the Certification Program, legal employers statewide participate in a program that gives them resources to create their office culture effectively and deliberately. The program provides a four-requirement certification process for legal employers that allows them to set goals regarding their workplace strategies and practices, support causes in the broader community that help improve the legal recruitment pool, and evaluate their current performance through an annual survey. Additionally, the program provides training on relevant topics for legal employers for CLE credit. In all, we offer this program in order to commit to the mission of greater access and opportunity in the Utah legal field. 

Last year, 66 legal employers participated in the program, including four new employers who joined: Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, Armstrong Teasdale, Nelson Jones, and Stowell Crayk (Ogden). Out of the 66 participating legal employers, 22 completed the four requirements for certification. Many other employers completed some but not all of the goals. As an organization, we are grateful for the dedication and commitment expressed by all the legal employers who participate in the program.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion would like to congratulate the following firms for completing the 2024 UCLI Certification Program:

2024 UCLI Certified Organizations: 

Ballard Spahr

Dentons Durham Jones & Pinegar

Greenberg Traurig

Holland & Hart

Intermountain Health

Keller Preece

Kirton McConkie

Kunzler Bean & Adamson

Lowenstein Sandler

Maschoff Brennan

Michael Best & Friedrich

Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Parsons Behle & Latimer

Ray Quinney & Nebeker

SF Firm

Snell & Wilmer

Stowell Crayk (Ogden)

Strong & Hanni

TraskBritt

University of Utah Office of General Counsel

Utah Association for Justice

Workman Nydegger

Congratulations to the 2024 UCLI LSAT Scholarship Recipients

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UCLI recently awarded the UCLI LSAT Scholarship to nine recipients. These awards have now been offered to pre-law students for the fourth year in a row. The Scholarship is aimed at expanding opportunities for students pursuing legal education who have a record of service to Utah’s underrepresented communities and display a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in their future legal career. University students, recent graduates, and others in the state of Utah who have taken or who anticipate taking the LSAT examination in 2024 were eligible to apply. We are grateful to ACE Test Prep for providing discounted test preparation materials to our winners who plan to study for the test in the latter half of the year. We congratulate the winners and wish them luck as they take the next step in their journeys toward becoming legal professionals. Learn more about the nine incredible 2023 recipients below.

 

Siale Hifo

“Siale is a Utah native who graduated from American Fork High School. She was awarded an athletic scholarship for volleyball at BYU where she later graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She played an additional year of volleyball at UCR while starting her master’s degree. Siale married her husband Aleva in 2020 and they were blessed with the addition of their son Ace in 2023. Her hobbies include reading and coaching volleyball. Siale loves to uplift and advocate for others and hopes to elevate her efforts in doing so by achieving her lifelong dream of going to Law School.”

 

Salma Rios

“Salma Rios is a first-generation student from Mexico, passionate about fostering positive change in her community. She earned an Honors Bachelor of Science in Criminology, with a thesis on “Police Response to IPV in Communities of Color,” as well as a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Utah. She has extensive experience working with Latino-focused organizations, including serving as a Community Organizer at Comunidades Unidas. Salma is an active member of the Latino Leaders Network, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing leaders together, where she volunteers at events like the Latino Leaders Luncheon Series. Recently, Salma has expanded into the legal field, gaining experience in personal injury law and currently working as a Legal Case Manager at Fuerza Legal. Bilingual in Spanish and English, she is committed to using her expertise to empower her community and make a meaningful impact. Outside of her professional endeavors, Salma enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, traveling, attending concerts, watching movies, reading, and staying active, while always remaining open to new adventures and challenges.”

 

J. Enrique Sanchez

“J. Enrique Sanchez is the Intermountain State Director for the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC). A graduate of the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College, he previously interned with the Latino Leaders Network in Washington, D.C., and served as the Community Specialist for the Park City Police Department. Enrique serves on the boards of the University of Utah Latinx Alumni, the Park City Community Foundation, and the Park City Youth Football Ute Conference. A proud DACA recipient and advocate, Enrique brings his experience as a Utah-raised Latino immigrant to his work, promoting sensible immigration solutions.”

 

Tate Warren

“Tate Warren is a first-generation college student at Weber State University, studying Political Science and Quantitative Economics. He has completed a total of five internships across private and public spaces, including both state and federal levels. Currently, Tate serves as Chief Justice for the Weber State University Student Association (WSUSA) and is involved in researching state solicitor generals’ litigation strategies before the US Supreme Court. In his free time, Tate enjoys participating in sports, spending time with family, and listening to Supreme Court podcasts. Tate aspires to a career in Appellate Litigation.”

 

Raquel Andreasen

“Raquel Andreasen is a first-generation student and graduate driven by a passion for advocacy and uplifting underrepresented populations. Since earning her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and legal studies from Weber State University, she has begun pursuing her dream of attending law school, undeterred by the challenges she faces. Having aged out of foster care herself, Raquel deeply understands the obstacles faced by individuals in underprivileged communities. Throughout her legal career, she aims to contribute to creating a more inclusive legal community, ensuring that diverse voices are heard.”

 

Diane Bahati

“Diane Bahati is a student at the University of Utah, finishing up the last semester of her undergraduate degree. Diane was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to the United States in 2006 as a refugee. For the past three years, Diane has been an intern in the Utah State Legislature. She spent seven months interning for the Office of the Governor, where she discovered her passion for public service. Her passion for policy and law is what motivated her to pursue law school. She is truly grateful for the many opportunities she has been given.”

 

Aranza Castillo

“Aranza Castillo is a proud first-generation immigrant from Mexico. She graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Business Management in 2021. As she navigated the higher education system, she became increasingly aware of the various systems of oppression and how they affect underrepresented communities. These experiences fueled her passion for social justice and motivated her to pursue roles that empower, educate, and uplift her community. During her time in school, she actively participated in programs that support first-generation and undocumented students. Aranza is deeply grateful for this scholarship and the support UCLI has provided in helping her work toward her goal of becoming an attorney.”

 

Shai Salas

“Shai Salas Alvarez, originally from Southern California, graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and now works at the Matheson Courthouse. They’re passionate about pursuing a career in law, with a focus on immigration, debt collection, and workers’ rights. Having witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by those without access to legal resources, they aspire to advocate for marginalized individuals and work toward transforming the legal system into a more inclusive and equitable space for all.”

 

Lea Cinq-Mars

“Lea Cinq-Mars is a student at the University of Utah, pursuing a degree while managing two jobs and preparing for the LSAT. She is graduating Spring of 2025 with a Major in Philosophy and Certificates in Criminology and Social Justice Advocacy. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, she mentors a diverse group of students at Endeavor Hall, empowering them to navigate academic challenges. Additionally, Lea is a critical team member of the law firm Gardner and Taylor, PLLC, specializing in employment-based immigration. At the firm, she helps foreign nationals navigate the ins and outs of working and studying in the US. Inspired by her family’s journey as immigrants, Lea is passionate about making a meaningful impact in the legal field.”

All Rise Utah Program’s Fall Banquet

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The All Rise Utah Program held a banquet on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 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 Chief Justice Durrant of the Utah Supreme Court, as well as to network with judges and attorneys. Chief Justice Durrant reiterated the Utah State Courts’ commitment to attracting well qualified judges who reflect the increasingly diverse demographics of the State of Utah. 

The All Rise Utah program is an ongoing collaborative effort directed by the Utah State Courts, to build a pipeline of 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 will also provide 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 Jon 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 mingle at the event before dinner

A group of law students chat with Judge Augustus Chin of the Third District Justice Court

UCLI executive director Kaitlyn Pieper speaks with law students and law school deans

UCLI’s Back-to-School Drive: Inspiring Lifelong Learning

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Learn how a UCLI intern’s personal journey with the Boys and Girls Club inspired an impactful back-to-school drive in Utah. Sabrina shares how this experience has shaped her commitment to lifelong activism. Learn how two organizations are making a difference, one student at a time.

The Drive

This past month, UCLI had the privilege of spearheading a Back-to-School Drive in collaboration with Backman Elementary School and the Boys and Girls Club, which serves local schools across Utah. We put out the call and Utah’s legal community answered in a big way; attorneys, legal professionals, and community members donated hundreds of items, including backpacks, notebooks, pencil cases, pencils, pens, crayons, erasers, highlighters, folders, and hygiene items. UCLI interns, volunteers, and staff members assisted with packaging the items into individual backpacks containing everything a student could need for their first day of school. Monetary donations allowed us to purchase items in bulk to supplement all the supplies and ensure we had everything we needed. Once the items were ready, it was time to share them with students!

The first drop off event was held on Saturday, August 10 in Utah County, where UCLI’s hundreds of donations joined the many more provided to the Boys and Girls Club, and students could select the items they needed for the school year. The second drop off event was held at Backman Elementary School’s Back-to-School night on August 28. Children and their families poured into the auditorium and had the opportunity to select a backpack full of supplies and learn more about UCLI and its resources. Overall, the Drive was a smashing success and it was thanks to the generosity and engagement of the legal community. It is great to know that despite the many barriers being enacted for underserved students across the state, we can still make a difference.

The Story Behind the Drive

UCLI’s summer intern, Sabrina Ruiz Monroy, led this project. For everyone who donated, this effort was about contributing to students’ success across Utah, even if in a small way. But for Sabrina, this project held an especially deep and personal significance.

Sabrina spent most of her life growing up in South Florida. Due to financial constraints, she couldn’t always participate in paid school sports or join clubs that required extra fees. During this challenging time, the Boys and Girls Club became a lifeline for her family. After her mother was introduced to the program by word of mouth, she soon enrolled Sabrina.

For Sabrina’s family, the Boys and Girls Club was a reliable support system. It provided her with opportunities to engage in STEM lab environments, play volleyball and other sports, and, most importantly, benefit from a mentor who guided her through her academic journey. Fast forward to today, Sabrina has helped gather school supplies for students in Boys and Girls Clubs across Utah County. She is now nearing graduation from Brigham Young University and preparing to apply to law school, with the hope of continuing to give back to her communities. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of community support and personal resilience.

The Boys and Girls Club has a motto that Sabrina believes is essential for all of us to embrace: “Whatever it takes.” This philosophy recognizes that it takes an army of people, a safe environment, high-quality programs, and unique experiences to level the playing field for all kids. As they say, “The Boys & Girls Clubs don’t just do one thing; we do whatever it takes to build great futures.” This mission aligns closely with UCLI’s belief in the fundamental dignity and equality of all people, as both organizations are committed to seeing individuals for who they are and who they can become, while fostering a safe and inclusive environment where everyone is heard and respected. This shared commitment to social justice and equality unites us in our efforts to make a difference.

Reflecting on the impact of the Boys and Girls Club, Sabrina shared, “The Boys and Girls Club means so much to me because they are an organization that truly cares about students and their lives. They care about whether you have food, your mental health, your spelling bee, your winning goal. So when UCLI gave me the chance to lead a fun side project, organizing a school drive to support students in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club was a no-brainer.”

As Sabrina continues on her academic and professional journey, she hopes to leave behind a legacy of activism. She recalled a moment from a class when a professor said, “Each of you is here because we know that you care profoundly about something greater than yourselves. You all want to make a change… We are the activists of our time.” At first, Sabrina hesitated, worried she might be diminishing the work of those who have founded justice movements or written bestselling books. But she came to realize that activism is not a title; it’s a practice. It’s about doing the deep and devoted work of lifelong change-making.

For activism to be consistent, it must be sustainable—lasting a lifetime, not just a season. It must make sense in the context of who we are, what our lives look like, what we are skilled at, what inspires us, and what our capacity is. The Boys and Girls Club understands this, and Sabrina firmly believes that UCLI does too. She looks forward to continuing the upward cycle, and empowering students to begin their own journeys of activism, education, and service.

UCLI Intern Sabrina Ruiz Monroy at the Boys and Girls Club drop-off event on August 10

Participants get ready for the school year, picking up the items they need

Students at the Boys and Girls Club event select new backpacks

UCLI executive director Kaitlyn Pieper tables at the Backman Elementary Back-to-School Night

A family selects supplies for the school year

A student picks out a new backpack

Students display their new backpacks at Back-to-School Night

UCLI Encourages Secondary School Students to Consider Legal Careers During Career Fair Season

By News

Each spring secondary schools across Utah hold career fairs to expose students to professionals from various careers. UCLI had the opportunity to participate in a number of these fairs to share with students the incredible opportunities available to them in the legal profession. UCLI Associate Director, Jon Wayas, was able to attend three of these events in March and April.

The first event was March 8 at the Utah Military Academy in Lehi, UT. This charter school focuses on career and college readiness with an emphasis on pursuing military service upon graduation. The school serves grades 7-12. This tabling event was a great way to connect with students and educate them on the ways attorneys serve all sectors of our society, including through military service.

Utah Military Academy

On April 10, Jon attended the career fair at Canyon View Junior High in Orem, UT. This fair was a breakout session style event. 8th grade students were able to pick from a variety of careers and were able to attend 30 minute presentations. This style was a great chance to elaborate more in-depth on what attorneys do, and what is needed to become an attorney. It also gave the students a chance to ask great questions about the legal profession. This format provided the chance to talk to over 125 students during the 3 hour event.

The final event on April 26 was with the Utah International Charter School based in South Salt Lake, UT. This was the third year we have been able to participate in this event. The school is open to all students. However, the student body is made up primarily of new immigrants and refugees. These students come from all over the world, with many coming from the Middle East, Africa, and Central and South America. Despite some language barriers the event is a great chance to expose students to the legal profession, and to consider it an option for their future.

Utah International Charter School

We are honored to be asked to attend these events. They are extremely rewarding. We appreciate the chance to connect with students who are interested in the law, or who are open to learning more about the profession. UCLI is always looking to extend our reach to more students. If you are interested in having us come to the next career readiness event at your school contact us at . We look forward to sharing more with students in the 2024-2025 school year.

Donor Spotlight: B.W. Bastian Foundation

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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 second 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 2024, these funds will allow us to continue to support networking events for LGBTQ+ students at both of Utah’s law schools, provide CLE offerings to attorneys on the topics of inclusion, and create resources that will allow for better community engagement. 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.

Donor Spotlight: Utah Bar Foundation

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The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) cannot work towards its goals without the support of incredible foundations, donors, and partners.

One of UCLI’s very first supporters was the Utah Bar Foundation (UBF). Founded in 1963, UBF was created in order to promote legal education and increase the knowledge and awareness of the law in Utah, assist in providing legal services to lower income Utahns, improve the administration of justice, and serve other worthwhile law-related public purposes. UCLI and UBF share a common vision for the legal profession, and in 2024 UCLI is honored to be a fifth-year recipient of a significant UBF grant award.
Thanks to this generous grant, UCLI will be able to continue its PLEDGE Program (Promoting Legal Education to Diverse Groups Everywhere) and serve a new generation of aspiring attorneys. In 2024, these funds will allow us to continue our mentoring programs, scholarships and fellowships, and outreach, and allow for us to launch new programming: the Pre-Law Fellowship and the Street Law high school outreach program. We are excited to continue this important work and are grateful for the donors who make it possible. Thank you, Utah Bar Foundation, for the great work you do for our organization and so many others in the community!

2023 Community Member of the Year Award

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We are delighted to announce that UCLI’s executive director, Kaitlyn Pieper, has been selected by the Utah State Bar Commission to receive the 2023 Community Member of the Year Award! The Community Member of the Year Award is “Awarded to a non-lawyer member of the community who demonstrates outstanding service toward the creation of a better public understanding of the legal profession and the administration of justice, the judiciary or the legislative process.” A distinguished list of community members have received the Award may be viewed here.

Kaitlyn’s nominator, Cliff Parkinson is the UCLI Community Outreach Co-Chair and said in part, “Kaitlyn spends her days introducing underrepresented populations to the Bar and explains how the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is trying to close the gap between what the Bar looks like and what the population of Utah looks like.” Kaitlyn expresses her gratitude to the UCLI board for the opportunity to work so closely with incredible members of the legal profession, as well as members of the community at large, on matters of importance to all Utahns. Kaitlyn also thanks the Utah State Bar for this honor and for the many ways they support and empower UCLI and its mission. 

The award was presented to Kaitlyn on November 17 at the 2023 Fall Forum at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City. 

UCLI Associate Director, Jon Wayas Participates in the Utah State Bar Leadership Academy

By News

UCLI Associate Director Jon Wayas was chosen to be a part of the 2023 class of the Utah State Bar Leadership Academy. Each year 12 Utah attorneys are chosen to participate in this program. Generally, participants have been attorneys for 10 years or less. The program is a chance for lawyers to learn leadership skills and build camaraderie with the other members of their cohort.  The program aims to put participants on a path to become leaders in their own firms and organizations, as well as in the wider Utah State Bar and legal community. As part of the program, participants are also required to serve on a bar committee for at least one year. Jon began serving on the Character and Fitness committee in the summer. This committee reviews applications for those seeking to take the Utah State Bar Examination. The program has been a great benefit to Jon in his work with UCLI. 

The Leadership Academy started with a retreat where attorneys participate in workshops and social activities to quickly build trust and a sense of community. The group then met monthly to learn from respected attorneys and experts. These meetings included topics such as bystander training, how to have difficult conversations, and how to better advocate for yourself in your career. The group also had the opportunity to meet with the Utah Supreme Court to gain perspective and advice on career goals and growth. Of the program Jon says, “The program has helped me gain a close group of friends I would not have met otherwise. It has been great to see the reciprocal help we have been able to give each other in our various professional roles. On a personal level, it has been great to have people to turn for support, and to celebrate our personal and professional successes. I am immensely grateful to have been chosen to participate in the program this year. I would encourage everyone to apply in the future.”

Click here to apply for the 2024 year. The application deadline is November 17, 2023.

UCLI Highlighted in Law 360 Article

By News

UCLI Associate Director Jon Wayas recently participated in a panel discussion with fellow Utah Attorneys at the Federal Bar Association’s national Convention in Memphis, TN. The panel was a chance to highlight the inclusion efforts being made by various organizations across Utah’s legal community. As a result of this panel, Jon Wayas was interviewed by an editor at the website Law 360. The interview and subsequent article are a great opportunity to highlight UCLI on a national level. The article can be read here or here.

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