Melesisi Pau'u, Intern

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion hosted a LGBTQ+ social for law students. This was a wonderful opportunity for LGBTQ+ students, lawyers, professors, and allies to come together, connect, and celebrate our community.

Dr. Daniel G. Aaron, the only LGBTQ+ faculty member at the S.J. Quinney College of Law, gave an uplifting speech that resonated deeply with everyone and that focused on how we can build unity across differences. He reminded the students that, as an LGBTQ+ community, they can “still have that fight and grit while also being empathetic. You all have the chance to enter the legal profession and advocate for LGBTQ+ people. Just by being an LGBTQ+ lawyer or ally, you can make a difference and represent a unity that many people need. Plus, you can use your voice to lift up those who might not otherwise be heard.”

 The students were touched by his words, and some shared thoughts like, “This event was so needed for many of us!” and, “I’m really happy to see everyone together in one space!”

 This event was focused on ensuring that everyone feels included, no matter their race, gender, gender or sexual identity, or socioeconomic background. One student put it beautifully: “If we don’t share our perspectives, we allow people to become intolerable.” It was a heartwarming reminder that together, we can create a more welcoming and supportive community! We are very grateful for Brandon Mark and the LGBT and Allied Lawyers of Utah (LALU) for supporting the event, for Mary Ann Davies and the Disability Law Center for providing a great venue for the evening, and for the B.W. Bastian Foundation, whose generous funding allows UCLI to create LGBTQ+ focused programming.

S.J. Quinney law students showing their support for their LGBTQ+ friends and allies!

Students and lawyers listening to Dr. Dan’s powerful speech.

Dr. Dan imparting wisdom on how to be more empathetic and understanding.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is excited to welcome its newest member to the Fiduciary Board, Joshua Gifford! Joshua will serve as UCLI’s Tax/Accounting Advisor, replacing Matt Connors who will step down at the end of 2024 after many years of valuable service. 

A proud native of Sugar House in Salt Lake City, Joshua grew up in a loving family with two brothers and two sisters. He attended Highland High School and went on to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Utah. Joshua began his career as a Tax Associate at Tanner LLC and eventually transitioned to Rocky Mountain Advisory as a Senior Associate and is now a manager. He describes this experience as both challenging and rewarding. With his versatile skill set as an accountant, Joshua’s expertise includes business valuation, fraud investigation, dispute analysis, and much more.

 Joshua first discovered the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion while helping with their tax return reviews at Rocky Mountain Advisory. When the opportunity to join the Fiduciary Board came up, he jumped at the chance. Joshua remarked, “I think UCLI is a vital cause, and I’m excited to support its mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal community.”

 Above all his professional achievements, Joshua considers his greatest achievement to be his beautiful wife and their two wonderful daughters, ages 4 and 7. The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is proud to announce Joshua Gifford as the newest member of the Fiduciary Board and are grateful for his willingness to serve in 2025.

To support the legal journeys of the future leaders of tomorrow, UCLI partnered with Utah State University (USU) to host a Pre-Law Event on October 24, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00pm. The event was held at the David Haight Alumni House on the USU campus. Dinner was provided, and pre-law students were given the opportunity to connect with lawyers, access pre-law resources, and meet prospective peers in the field.

 Cliff Parkinson, Associate General Counsel at Utah State University and UCLI Community Outreach Co-Chair, kicked off the event and then played the UCLI First Generation Outreach video. Kaitlyn Pieper, the Executive Director of UCLI, provided an informative presentation about the inequities that exist in Utah and the legal profession, and highlighted the importance of changing these dynamics. Following her presentation, Melesisi Pau’u, an intern at UCLI, shared her personal journey pursuing a legal education. The evening concluded with a keynote speech from Jacey Skinner, the chair of the Utah State Board of Trustees and the UCLI Advancement Committee Co-Chair. She recounted her experience in law school and offered guidance on navigating the legal field, including where to find resources and how to overcome feelings of imposter syndrome. Pre-law students then heard from various representatives of USU programs, including the Institute of Government & Politics, Transforming Communities Institute’s Access to Justice Program, Pre-Law Society, and Law & Constitutional Studies Program. It was a dynamic evening where students received resources and information on many programs and resources. 

 Law is one of the least diverse professions in the nation. By partnering with universities like Utah State to host pre-law events, our aim is to inspire students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams. It is essential that all voices and perspectives are heard and represented as we work towards safeguarding justice and driving meaningful change. UCLI is incredibly grateful to Dr. Christy Glass, professor of Sociology at USU and UCLI Tracking Progress Committee Co-Chair, for her leadership and passion in organizing this event. We are grateful to USU’s hospitality and generosity in hosting this event and allowing UCLI to participate.

UCLI partners at the USU event

Jacey Skinner’s motivational address encouraging students to pursue their dreams

Students watch the UCLI First Generation Outreach Video

Melesis Pau’u presents an inspirational keynote about her own journey through higher education

USU Pre-Law Event

On the evening of October 22, 2024, Women of the World (WoW), in collaboration with the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI), hosted a workshop focused on basic rights at the South Salt Lake Promise Co-Op. The third legal workshop in the four-part series was presented by Abby Dizon-Maughan, a dedicated member of UCLI’s fiduciary board. As an experienced litigator at Parsons and the Chairperson of the Criminal Justice Committee of the NAACP, Abby passionately enlightened community members about their essential residential rights in the USA. These rights encompass equal access to education, privacy in educational records, the essence of informed consent, and strategies for engaging with the police. Abby emphasized that these rights are particularly crucial for people of color, as these groups are often the most vulnerable to exploitation. One key point she made regarding medical treatment was to always ask the doctor: “What are the costs? What are the benefits? And what are the alternatives?” Abby advised that posing these questions could enhance the quality of care received and reduce the likelihood of being charged for unnecessary treatments.

 A grateful community member captured the sentiment perfectly when they said, “People like Abby make this community better.” We extend our heartfelt thanks to Abby Dizon-Maughan for her unwavering commitment to the community, to the translators for their invaluable support, and to Halab’s Jasmine Kitchen for the delicious catered food. Together, we are building a more informed and hopeful future.

Abby teaches community members about their legal rights.

UCLI is entering its fifth year of the mentoring program with Mr. John Arthur’s 6th grade class at Meadowlark Elementary in the Rose Park neighborhood of Salt Lake City. The school educates about 400 students, 98% of whom are economically disadvantaged and 90% of whom come from diverse backgrounds. 

To help improve the proficiency of his students, Mr. Arthur – known as “Captain” by his students – collaborated with his friend Melina Shiraldi, an attorney in the Salt Lake City US Attorney’s Office, to create the Meadowlark Mentoring initiative. This program, which brings attorneys into the classroom every week to mentor students in writing skills, has become very popular and is one of the most long-standing and rewarding initiatives UCLI has been involved in. 

On most Fridays during the school year, 20-30 attorneys visit Mr. Arthur’s classroom to help students improve their creative and persuasive writing skills. In recent years, attorney mentors have invited the class to visit their law firm offices and even the Utah Supreme Court. This year will be no different. The 2024-2025 attorney mentors joined a kick-off party on October 1 to discuss their lives as lawyers and participate in a group activity with the kids, where they respectfully debated different topics. The class then enjoyed donuts and a kickball game, allowing students to interact with the various visiting attorneys and interns. The event was successful and enjoyable for all involved! 

UCLI is grateful for Mr. Arthur and his outstanding students, and for the wonderful attorneys who devote time to this great cause every week. We are excited for the growth and relationships that will be built this upcoming year. There are still a few volunteer spots remaining; if you are interested in participating as a mentor, please get in touch with UCLI at .

The Meadowlark Mentors with their students after a close round of kickball

Meadowlark students enjoying their donuts

UCLI staff, attorneys, and interns chatting with the students

Treat time!