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Monique Alires, Intern

Women of the World Workshop: Workers’ Rights

By News

On the evening of October 15, 2024, Women of the World (WoW), in collaboration with the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI), hosted an important workshop focused on workers’ rights at the South Salt Lake Promise Co-Op. Laura Henrie, the Legal Director of the Disability Law Center (DLC), was the featured presenter, offering valuable insights to empower displaced women with the legal knowledge necessary to navigate workplace challenges.

Laura Henrie has been an integral part of the Disability Law Center since 2007 and was permanently appointed as the agency’s Legal Director on April 19, 2021, after serving in the role on an interim basis since late 2020. Henrie is passionate about ensuring equal access and full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life, including employment and education.

During the workshop, Henrie covered key topics such as discrimination, accommodations, employment law, and workplace injury. She emphasized the critical importance of understanding workers’ rights, particularly for those who may face additional barriers such as language difficulties or unfamiliarity with U.S. labor laws. Henrie stated, “[accommodations look like] large print materials, it could look like providing an interpreter… it also can include providing additional leave.” The session was highly interactive, with participants engaging in discussions about their personal experiences and asking questions regarding workplace violations. Henrie provided practical advice and encouraged attendees to seek legal assistance when necessary. She also highlighted available resources for those needing further guidance or support in dealing with workplace issues.

This workshop is part of WoW and UCLI’s ongoing effort to provide legal education and foster an inclusive environment where women can feel empowered to protect their rights. Upcoming sessions in the series will address topics such as immigration law, housing discrimination, and more. By equipping displaced women with essential knowledge, the Women of the World workshops continue to serve as a vital resource in building a more equitable and just society for all.

Attorney Laura Henrie discussing employment law at the Women of the World workshop on Workers Rights.

Attorney Laura discussing Worker’s Rights, by elaborating on Discrimination and Workplace Injury.

Attorney Laura discussing the Basics of Employment Law to participants at the Women of the World Workshop on Worker’s Rights.

Pre-Law Fellows Learn About Life in the Law

By News

On Saturday, October 12th, UCLI hosted the Pre-Law Fellowship Workshop at the Utah Law & Justice Center. The workshop was designed to provide Pre-Law Fellows with valuable insights into maintaining mental health throughout law school and legal practice, along with an overview of various career pathways in the legal profession.

The event kicked off at 10:00 AM with a welcome session led by Utah State Bar staff, where Fellows had the opportunity to introduce themselves and participate in a brief tour of the Utah Law & Justice Center, guided by Jon Wayas. This initial session helped attendees get acquainted with each other and familiarize themselves with the venue.

Following the welcome, Martha Knudsen, Executive Director of the Bar’s Well-Being Committee for the Legal Profession, delivered a session on mental health strategies for both law school and legal practice. This hour-long presentation focused on practical tips and tools for managing stress, prioritizing well-being, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance throughout the rigors of legal education and beyond.

The highlight of the workshop was the “Life in the Law” panel discussion, featuring a diverse group of UCLI attorneys representing various areas of law. Maria Cruz shared her experiences in nonprofit, in-house counsel, and healthcare law. Melinda Bowen discussed her work in law firms and government positions. Daniel Black offered insights into immigration and criminal defense law, while Kendra Brown spoke about her work in appeals, commercial litigation, and employment law. Each panelist provided unique perspectives on their career paths, followed by a Q&A session where Fellows engaged with the speakers.

The workshop concluded with a lunch and networking session, where Fellows had the chance to connect more informally with the panel members and other attorneys in attendance.

A special thank you to all our panelists for their time and expertise, and to the Utah Law & Justice Center for hosting the event. We are also grateful for the volunteers who showed up to support the event: Ivy Telles, Raissa Rohbock, and Olivia Berhan. We also extend our gratitude to the sponsors, including Kirton McConkie, the University of Utah Office of General Counsel, LSAC DEI Pipeline, the Utah Bar Foundation, and the Family Law Executive Committee Bar Section, whose financial support of the program has made each workshop possible.

Kendra Brown chatting with UCLI Pre-Law Fellow Sophie Gordon about her work in appeals, commercial litigation, and employment law.

A panel moderated by UCLI Interns Monique Alires and Mirabella Archibald at the Pre-Law Fellowship Workshop.

Panelists discuss the areas of law they have experienced, including the benefits and interesting aspects of various types of practice.

UCLI intern Mirabella networking with Raissa, a paralegal in the field and past UCLI intern.

UCLI Pre-Law Fellow Noa Leituala networking with Ivy Telles, an attorney with experience in the field.

UCLI Pre-Law Fellow Iradukundua Esperance networking with Daniel Black, an attorney with experience in immigration and criminal defense.

UCLI Pre-Law Fellow Bubba Walker networking with Maria Cruz, an in-house attorney at Intermountain Health.

UCLI intern Monique Alires networking with Jon Wayas, Administrator for NLTP and LPP in the Office of Admissions.

Martha Knudson speaking on mental health strategies for both law school and legal practice.

A panel moderated by our UCLI Interns, Monique Alires and Mirabella Archibald at our Pre-Law Fellowship Workshop.

Empowering Latino Attorneys: The Formation of the Utah Hispanic Bar Association

By News

On October 9, 2024, the legal community in Utah witnessed a momentous occasion with the launch of the Utah Hispanic Bar Association. This new affinity bar association aims to empower Latino legal professionals and address the unique legal needs of Utah’s Latino community. The launch event brought together attorneys, law students, and community members, creating a vibrant space for dialogue and connection. The event was marked by an inspiring keynote Javier Chavez, Jr., the president of the Utah Hispanic Bar Association, who emphasized the importance of representation and support for Latino attorneys in the state. 

The formation of the Utah Hispanic Bar Association is particularly timely, given that Latino attorneys make up only 5% of the legal profession nationally, despite comprising 18% of the U.S. population. The Utah Hispanic Bar Association aims to address this disparity by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and support for its members. The association’s initiatives will also focus on issues such as immigration, labor rights, and language barriers—critical areas for the Latino community.

I was among the attendees and found special significance in the event as a first-generation college student and aspiring law student. I have encountered challenges that many in the Latino community can relate to. At the launch, I seized the opportunity to network with established Latino legal professionals. I spoke with various members of the Utah Hispanic Bar Association, gaining insights into their career paths and experiences in the legal field. These connections will prove invaluable as I prepare my law school applications. Being able to talk to other Latino attorneys about their journeys has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams. I’ve learned that our stories and experiences matter, and we can support each other in navigating the legal landscape.

As the event concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the future of the Utah Hispanic Bar Association. I was also inspired by the discussions and connections I made, which left me feeling more determined than ever to pursue a career in law, advocating for my community and helping to amplify the voices of those who have been historically underrepresented.

The Utah Hispanic Bar Association is set to host various meetings, workshops, and events in the coming months to foster community among Latino legal professionals and support the broader Latino community in Utah. For those interested in joining or learning more, Javier Chavez, Jr. can be reached at . The association is ready to make a significant impact, not only in the legal profession but also within the community it serves.

Empowering Displaced Women Through Legal Knowledge: Women of the World Workshop Series Begins

By News

On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the first Women of the World Workshop took place at the South Salt Lake Promise Co-Op, featuring a presentation by Ramzi Hamady with catering provided by Kafé Mamai. This workshop is part of a 4-session series hosted in collaboration with Women of the World (WoW) and UCLI, designed to enhance legal knowledge and empower displaced women. Women of the World is a nonprofit organization that offers boutique service and capacity-building programs aimed at fostering displaced women’s self-reliance and community building. Their mission is to provide personalized support to immigrant and refugee women, helping them achieve economic empowerment and integration into their new communities.

Ramzi Hamady, the presenter, is an experienced associate at Ray Quinney & Nebeker, practicing in the firm’s Family Law and White Collar Crime sections. Ramzi has also served as Past President of the Utah Minority Bar Association and as a Panel Member for both the ACLU Legal Advisory Panel and the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion. He has been recognized as a “Rising Star” in Family Law by Mountain States Super Lawyers for 2023-2024 and currently serves on the Utah State Bar’s Family Law Executive Committee. We were grateful for his willingness to share his legal expertise with the attendees, empowering them with knowledge that would serve them as they navigate life in a new environment. 

This workshop aligns with WoW and UCLI’s shared mission to foster safe and inclusive spaces, especially for individuals from immigrant and refugee backgrounds, and to enhance their understanding of their legal rights. Future sessions will cover key issues such as workers’ rights, basic USA residents rights, and immigration. We are grateful to Ramzi Hamady for his informative presentation and to Kafé Mamai for providing delicious food for the event. This workshop series continues to serve as an invaluable resource for legal education and community empowerment.

Entrance to the WoW Workshop

Attorney Ramzi presenting on custody at the Women of the World Workshop

Attorney Ramzi answering questions from the community

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