Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy, Associate Director

We are thrilled to introduce Taha Benabdallah as the 2026 Utah Legal Inclusion Fellow. 

Taha Benabdallah is a first-year law student at the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. Now in its fifth year, this partnership between Intermountain Health, Kirton McConkie, and the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) continues to create opportunities for aspiring legal professionals. 

The Fellowship this year offers one law student a coveted position in Kirton McConkie’s summer associate program. Fellows also gain invaluable exposure by working closely with Intermountain’s in-house legal team, providing a firsthand look at how law and healthcare coincide. This program is a crucial part of UCLI’s mission to empower law students in Utah by creating meaningful professional connections and advancing fairness in the legal community. We were beyond impressed by the caliber of applicants this year and are honored to select Taha as the 2026 Inclusion Fellow. His impressive achievements, lived experiences, and dedication stood out among a competitive pool of candidates. Learn more about Taha and his journey below. 

Taha was born and raised in Salt Lake City to immigrant parents from Tunisia and Brazil. Inspired by his parents’ journey and sacrifices, he is pursuing a legal career to advocate for his community.

Taha is a first-generation student who received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Middle East Studies from the University of Utah. During his undergraduate years, he was actively involved in student leadership and community-based work supporting immigrant, refugee, and Muslim communities. Following graduation, he continued working across community, nonprofit, and higher education settings. Through this work, he developed a strong interest in how organizations, systems, and the law intersect. He continues to be active in his community and currently serves as a member of the Belonging and Access Advisory Board at the S.J. Quinney College of Law.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is proud to announce the recipients of the Winter 2026 UCLI Legal Leaders LSAT Scholarship. This scholarship supports aspiring law students by providing access to high quality LSAT preparation, guidance, and a strong community as they prepare for the exam. While the scholarship does not cover LSAT exam fees, it is designed to ensure recipients are equipped with the tools and confidence needed to succeed as they prepare for the exam.

The Winter 2026 recipients include Cynthia Mellin, Keti Safonova, Marvin Ocean Saintelus, Sehrash Khan, and Sofia Low, representing university students and aspiring law students from across Utah who are preparing for the LSAT in 2026. UCLI extends sincere thanks to ACE Test Prep for their continued partnership and to the Wilson Sonsini Foundation for their generous support of this program. We congratulate these scholarship recipients and look forward to their future impact in Utah’s legal community.

Read more about the LSAT Scholarship recipients below:

Cynthia Mellin holds a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Utah and is deeply committed to advancing inclusion for marginalized populations across Utah. She is especially focused on ensuring these voices are represented in conversations that shape the future of youth and education. Cynthia is currently established at the Park City Education Foundation as the Operations Manager, where she supports organizational operations and contributes to mission-driven work focused on educational access and community impact. As a first-generation college graduate, her academic training and professional experiences reflect her growing commitment to pursuing a legal education and a career focused on dismantling systemic barriers. She previously served as President of the Utah Criminology Student Association at Salt Lake Community College, where she led initiatives and spoke publicly on social justice issues. Conversational in Spanish, Cynthia brings a global perspective shaped by extensive travel and continues to build leadership experience grounded in advocacy, public service, and equity as she prepares for law school.

Keti is a first-generation college student at Weber State University majoring in Criminal Justice. Her parents immigrated to the United States from Georgia. Keti currently works as a Judicial Assistant at the Matheson Courthouse and has seen firsthand how underrepresented communities are affected by the legal system everyday. These experiences have motivated her to attend law school and advocate for those underrepresented communities. She is particularly interested in eviction law.

Marvin Ocean Saintelus is a prospective law student with a strong background in public service, legal research, and community leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Spanish from the University of Utah and has completed upper-division coursework in judicial process, legal research, case briefing, and memorandum drafting. Marvin previously served as a congressional intern in the U.S. Senate, gaining first-hand exposure to legislative processes and public policy.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Marvin is a licensed real estate agent and an experienced professional in case management, compliance, and data-driven decision-making. He is fluent in multiple languages, including French and Spanish, and brings a multicultural perspective shaped by years of community engagement and nonprofit involvement in Utah. Through the UCLI LSAT Scholarship Program, Marvin seeks to strengthen his LSAT preparation and advance his goal of attending law school to pursue a career dedicated to justice and public service.

Sehrash is a higher education professional and aspiring law student with a strong interest in advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Toxicology, and has five years of experience in academic advising, where she has supported students from diverse backgrounds and navigated complex institutional systems.

These experiences, combined with her late father’s legal work in advocating for immigrants and refugees, have inspired her to pursue Law. Sehrash hopes to create systemic impact and support first-generation immigrants and refugees through the complex processes of the legal system. Using her language skills, medical and educational background and dedication to pursuing education, Sehrash  plans to earn a Juris Doctor degree and build a career grounded in service, fairness, and ethical advocacy.

Sofia Low is a Senior studying Criminal Justice and Sociology at Utah State University. She recently completed her term as President of the Alpha Chi Omega Beta Xi Chapter, where she led initiatives centered on leadership, service, and advocacy. Sofia has long been passionate about social justice and pursuing law as a means to support others through legal advocacy. Her commitment to law was further solidified during a study abroad experience focused on wrongful convictions, where she learned from legal advocates. Sofia is excited to continue her journey toward law school and is grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from the UCLI LSAT Scholarship Program.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) is excited to start the new year with the Winter 2026 interns. A new year brings fresh energy, new learning experiences, and opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the legal community. This semester promises engaging events, professional growth, and hands-on work that supports UCLI’s mission to foster a more inclusive and accessible legal profession.

This winter, the  interns will support social media content creation and PLEDGE programming, while connecting with attorneys, judges, law school deans, and other legal professionals and gaining exposure to Utah’s legal community. They will also have the opportunity to participate in the Career & Law Readiness series. Through this experience, they will build skills, expand their networks, and contribute ideas that make a real impact.

We are thrilled to welcome the Winter 2026 interns: Derek Adkins, Eliza Lucia Mancilla, and Luciana Chunga! Each intern brings unique experiences and perspectives, and we are excited to see how they will shape UCLI’s programs this semester. As they explore the path to law school and the legal profession, we hope they leave inspired, empowered, and more connected to the legal community.

As Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg once said, “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” We look forward to seeing our interns take those steps this semester and beyond. Welcome to UCLI, Winter 2026 interns. We are excited for the year ahead and all that you will accomplish!

If you are interested in future internship opportunities or want to learn more about the program, please reach out to or .

Eliza is a student at Brigham Young University who was raised in Southern California by Mexican immigrant parents. She is majoring in History with minors in Business, Global Business Literacy, and Civic Engagement Literacy. Her interest in law emerged through her study of modern historical events and the profound influence legal decisions have had on global affairs. An Honors Program student, she is particularly fascinated by the broader role social institutions play in shaping civil rights and the treatment of people of color. Eliza is working toward a career as an international business lawyer specializing in intelligence security consulting, while continuing her commitment to volunteering with human rights organizations. Driven by her passion for making professional opportunities more accessible to underrepresented communities, she has worked with the Geneva Office for Human Rights Development, served as an Empower Her Rise College & Community Ambassador, and been a BYU Faith, Learning, and Leadership Seminar Fellow.

Luciana, who grew up in Provo, Utah, in a proud Peruvian immigrant family is working towards finishing her degree. As a student at the University of Utah, she plans to complete her Honors Bachelor’s degree in English this spring. Through her work with campus organizations, such as the Dream Center and refugee centers outside of campus, her academic and professional focus has become working with and helping the community. In the Dream Center, her experience centered around student resources and aid, an experience that helped her gain a strong insight about the immigrant community, giving her a stronger purpose towards pursuing law. Her interest in law stemmed from community connection while working with immigrants, steering her towards her goal of working as an immigration lawyer. She hopes that she can expand on her community involvement and exposure to the legal field while working with the UCLI team.

Derek is a senior at Brigham Young University and grew up in San Diego, California. He is studying economics with interests in law and public policy. His interest in law stems from studying how economic systems shape opportunity and inequality. He plans to use his economics background to pursue a legal career that informs policy, advocacy, and decision making.

As we step into a fresh new year, we are filled with gratitude and excitement for what 2026 holds. What began just a few years ago as a vision to expand access to legal education has grown into a thriving, impactful initiative. We are proud to announce the third cohort of the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship Program, launching this January and marking another meaningful milestone for the program.

The 2026 cohort consists of 12 exceptional students and recent graduates from across Utah, each bringing unique experiences, perspectives, and a shared commitment to pursuing a future in the legal profession. These Fellows are motivated, thoughtful, and deeply invested in creating pathways to justice and representation within the law.

The 2026 Pre-Law Fellowship offers a comprehensive, nine-month long experience designed to prepare Fellows for the realities of applying to and succeeding in law school. The program includes a series of seminars covering key topics such as the law school application process, LSAT preparation, and navigating the academic and professional demands of legal education. Fellows also benefit from one-on-one mentorship with attorneys, will have the opportunity to receive consultation with a private law school admissions consultant, and can access structured LSAT preparation resources. To further remove financial barriers, the Fellowship provides opportunities for reimbursements for expenses such as LSAT exam fees, travel to seminars, and law school application costs.

At its core, the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship exists to create a more accessible pathway to law school. By offering intentional support, mentorship, and resources, the program empowers aspiring legal professionals to pursue their goals with confidence, right here in Utah.

Participation in the Fellowship is both a privilege and a commitment. Fellows are expected to actively engage in all seminars, participate fully in LSAT preparation, track their progress throughout the year, take the official LSAT at least once during the program cycle, apply to law school by the end of the program, and provide feedback through intake and exit surveys to help strengthen the Fellowship for future cohorts.

We are incredibly proud of this year’s Fellows and honored to support them as they begin this next chapter. As we celebrate the start of 2026, we also celebrate the continued growth and impact of the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship Program.

Please join us in welcoming the 2026 UCLI Pre-Law Fellows:
Melissa Ayala, Brian Fuentes, Maximus Garcia-Olazabal, Kimley Morlant, Nevaeh Parker, Valeria Pozos, Kukua Quansah, Asia Reid, Kalijah Robinson, Teon Strong, LeNora Suguturaga, and Scarlet Urey.

Here’s to a new year, new beginnings, and the continued success of our Pre-Law Fellows.

Melissa Ayala is a first generation college graduate who earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Legal Studies. Coming from an immigrant family, she developed a strong desire to pursue immigration law through both lived experiences and academic training. Her background in social work has strengthened her commitment to advocacy, client-centered representation, and fair access to justice. Melissa is particularly interested in supporting immigrant families and individuals that are navigating complex legal systems. She is preparing to apply to law schools and has continued to build the skills and experiences needed for a legal career rooted in service. She plans on pursuing a career centered on immigration law that is focused on policy, representation, and overall community impact.

Brian Fuentes is a graduate of Brigham Young University, where he earned a degree in Public Relations and Portuguese Studies with minors in Business, Psychology, and Family Life. He currently serves as a legal assistant at The Advocates Law Firm, where he focuses on case resolution, end-of-case processing, and client communication. Raised in a Salvadoran household in Washington, D.C., Brian developed a strong commitment to advocacy. He intends to pursue a long-term career in the legal field centered on public service, justice, and community impact.

Maximus grew up in Utah, where he attended Weber State University, and in 2025 was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Certificate in Juvenile Justice. Maximus developed an interest in law after seeing the impact it had on his community. In an effort to give back to his community, Maximus devoted his time to serving various programs; including Save the Kids from Incarceration, a program focused on addressing the issue of the school-to-prison pipeline by seeking reform in the criminal justice system. Maximus intends to pursue a law degree next year, where he plans to focus on juvenile law, civil rights, and criminal defense law. In his free time, Maximus enjoys motorcycle rides, reading, and weightlifting.

Kimley is a Brigham Young University student in the Marriott School of Business, pursuing a B.S. in Global Supply Chain Management. Her interest in law grew from personal experiences that showed her how deeply legal systems influence everyday life and access to opportunity. Throughout her time at BYU, she’s renewed her commitment to service through leadership opportunities, including founding and serving as president of the Caribbean Students’ Association and co-founding the BYU Apiology (Beekeeping) Association. Kimley has consulting experience improving operational efficiency and building AI-driven workflow solutions, and she is fluent in French and Haitian Creole.

 

Nevaeh Parker is a junior at the University of Utah pursuing a major in Political Science and a minor in African American Studies. She is a passionate student who aspires to earn a law degree and deepen her ability to serve communities in need. Nevaeh serves as the President of the Black Student Union, where she works to build community, advocate for equity, and support Black students on campus. As the Program Coordinator for Salt Lake Peer Court, she contributes to restorative justice initiatives rooted in accountability and care. Grounded in community, Nevaeh finds power in her voice and encourages others to do the same in all spaces.

Valeria is a BYU graduate and is excited to pursue law school. She is originally from Mexico but has lived in Arizona, Oregon, Utah, California and Washington D.C. She loves getting to know people, learning from different cultures and believes everyone has a story to tell. She wants to go to law school so that she can help others and is determined to work hard so that she can give back to her community and create a platform for others to feel heard and seen. She is grateful for her family, friends and mentors and looks forward to giving it her all as a 2026 UCLI Pre-Law Fellow!

Kukua Quansah is a first generation international student studying Criminal Justice at Utah Valley University. Her academic interests focus on community justice and the legal system and plans to attend law school after graduation. Outside of academics, Kukua explores creative projects and advocates for black students in her community. She has gained practical experience working in the courts and supporting neglected and abused children, which has reinforced her commitment to advocacy and public service. Kukua aspires to become a civil defense litigator, and to apply her legal training to help strengthen Ghana’s justice system.

Asia Lynne Reid attended Brigham Young University, graduating in April 2025 with a degree in Political Science and a minor in English Literature. During her time at BYU, she served as the President of Women in Politics, held a leadership role in the Pre-Law Presidency, and was a Fellow with the Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy. She currently works as a paralegal in the Utah Attorney General’s Office within the Constitutional Defense and Special Litigation Unit, assisting with federal and state constitutional challenges. Asia is passionate about advocating for the rights of victims, particularly for women and marginalized individuals who are often overlooked in the legal system. She is excited to continue learning and preparing to apply to law school.

Kalijah Robinson is a driven college student with a passion for law, influenced by his love for movies. He has developed strong communication and leadership skills over the past five years, thriving in fast-paced environments. As a podcast coordinator and social media manager at Weber State, Kalijah blends creativity with attention to detail in his projects. He has also excelled in public speaking, both in college and on tour for stand-up comedy. While he embraces the digital world, he has a particular fondness for traditional paperwork. An avid sports enthusiast, he values maintaining a sense of fun and teamwork in all his endeavors. Kalijah is eager to bring his unique perspective to the field of law.

Teon is a hardworking mother and a 2024 graduate of the University of Utah, originally from New York. Her interest in law was shaped early on by the strong women she admired growing up, like a state Olympic runner competing with power and determination, as well as her mother helping her in the mornings before school. This early influence helped form Teon’s deep appreciation for strength, advocacy, and perseverance. Motivated by a commitment to justice and creating meaningful change for her family and community, Teon now aspires to attend the S.J. Quinney College of Law, Syracuse University College of Law, and New York University School of Law. She brings a strong work ethic, lived experience, and a clear sense of purpose to her pursuit of a legal career.

LeNora is a senior at Brigham Young University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She grew up in Hawaiʻi as the daughter of Tongan and Fijian immigrant parents and is one of nine siblings, experiences that shaped her values of community, responsibility, and service. Her interest in law first emerged through conversations with friends and peers, but it became more concrete after attending the UCLI Pre-Law Symposium. Meeting and learning from women of color in the legal field helped her see law as both an attainable and meaningful path forward.

Scarlet is a first-generation immigrant and aspiring law student dedicated to advancing inclusion and justice within the legal profession. She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Utah and has gained hands-on experience working in immigration law, supporting clients as they navigate complex legal systems. Her interest in law is shaped by her lived experiences and a deep curiosity about how legal systems impact individuals and communities. Scarlet has also worked in legislative and political spaces, which strengthened her interest in public service and advocacy-oriented work. She is committed to learning from mentors and peers as she builds a strong foundation for a career as an attorney.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the sponsors whose generosity makes this program possible:

Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation

Florence J. Gillmor Foundation

Utah Bar Foundation

B. W. Bastian Foundation

The Utah Law Student Mentoring (ULSM) Program opened its fall season with a lively social on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Canyon Peak Venue Center in Draper. The evening brought together law students from both the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law and BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School, along with attorney mentors from across Utah.

The event blended connection and fun in a relaxed setting. Students and attorneys played rounds of Jeopardy and Bingo centered on law school trivia, competing for prizes that ranged from JBL speakers and travel backpacks to skincare kits, hammocks, and gift cards. The games helped everyone unwind while sparking conversations that continued well beyond the tables.

Two practicing attorneys, Abby M. Dizon-Maughan and Remington “Jiro” Johnson, offered thoughtful remarks about their experiences in the legal field. Abby, a shareholder with significant experience in complex commercial litigation, shared insights about professional growth and maintaining balance in demanding environments. Jiro reflected on lessons learned from his years in both Washington, D.C. and Utah, emphasizing mental health, authenticity, and finding purpose amid the pressures of practice. Both speakers reminded students that they belong in the profession and encouraged them to build support systems that will sustain them throughout their careers.

After the talks, students and mentors had time to mingle and discuss career paths, practice areas, and personal strategies for success in law school and beyond. Many mentors shared stories about their own journeys and offered practical advice about confidence, work-life balance, and navigating the transition from student to attorney.

The event also encouraged students to begin developing a personalized plan from the ULSM Program Manual to make the most of their mentoring experience. Within the program, mentoring groups rotate every six months to help participants broaden their professional networks and gain a variety of perspectives.

So far, the program has welcomed 81 law students and around 50 attorney mentors representing Utah’s two law schools and 16 firms and organizations. The law student cohort reflects the diversity and talent of Utah’s legal community, with a majority of students identifying across multiple underrepresented backgrounds.

The evening at Canyon Peak served not only as a celebration of mentorship but also as a reminder of the strong community being built among Utah’s future lawyers. UCLI looks forward to continuing this momentum as the next round of the mentoring program begins with the new school year.

 

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is proud to announce the recipients of the Summer 2025 UCLI- ACE Legal Leaders LSAT Scholarship. This scholarship helps level the playing field by equipping students with the tools, guidance, and community they need to succeed. While the scholarship does not cover LSAT exam fees (students may apply separately for LSAC’s fee waiver), it ensures recipients are prepared to face the test with confidence.

This round’s recipients include university students, recent graduates, and other aspiring law students from across Utah who will be preparing for the LSAT in 2025. UCLI extends our deepest gratitude to ACE Test Prep for their continued partnership and to the Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation for generously supporting this year’s program.

We congratulate the Summer 2025 scholarship recipients and look forward to seeing their impact as Utah’s future legal professionals. Learn more about them below:

Ale Benavides holds a B.A. in Intercultural Peacebuilding with a minor in Mediation and a B.A. in Anthropology from Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He has extensive international and domestic experience in peacebuilding and advocacy, including teaching workshops in Tonga, serving as an NGO Director in Mytilini, Greece during the Taliban takeover to assist with the refugee crisis, and working as a Case Manager for Catholic Community Services of Utah in Salt Lake City. He has furthered his legal and policy experience through work in the public defense sector as an intern with Georgetown Law in Washington, D.C., as well as with Lear & Lear in Salt Lake City, contributing to both the Oil and Gas and Immigration practice groups. His academic and professional background reflects a strong commitment to cultural fluency, humanitarian service, and the pursuit of a legal career.

Evelin Lagos is originally from Choluteca, Honduras, and is currently a senior at Utah Valley University majoring in Criminal Justice. A proud first-generation college student, Evelin’s personal experiences have shaped her passion for advocacy and her dedication to fairness. Growing up, she witnessed the systemic challenges faced by underrepresented and undocumented communities, which fueled her desire to pursue law. Through her work alongside these communities, she has seen firsthand the barriers they encounter and the silencing of their voices. These experiences strengthened her resolve to advocate for others and to create meaningful change within the legal system. Evelin aspires to use her legal education to empower others, break down barriers, and open doors for the next generation of first-generation students and aspiring attorneys.

Gabriel Zavala is an English major at Utah Valley University and a fiction author preparing to embark on LSAT studies and the path toward law school. He hopes to attend the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah, where he can build on his passions for advocacy and amplifying underrepresented voices. Gabriel looks forward to pursuing a legal career dedicated to service and justice.

Vero Martinez is a proud first-generation Chicana born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She recently graduated with an Honors Degree in History from the University of Utah and is deeply passionate about community work. Vero currently serves as a Family Advocate at Early Head Start–DDI Vantage and actively organizes in her community, fighting injustices and striving for a better future. Having been exposed at a young age to the incarceration system and systemic inequities, she developed a strong commitment to combating bigotry and discrimination. Inspired by these experiences, Vero aspires to become a defense attorney and works every day to ensure that her community and underrepresented groups are given a fair chance.

Yoselyn Martinez was born and raised in Utah and comes from a Mexican immigrant family background. She is a first-generation high school graduate and a recent first-generation college graduate, earning her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Weber State University in August 2025. During her time at Weber, Yoselyn gained hands-on experience in the criminal justice field through internships with the Utah Attorney General’s Office, Kaysville City Attorney’s Office, and Weber Valley Detention Center. She also continues to volunteer with NOMAS Legal, assisting immigrant clients in the Ogden community. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to pursuing a career in law and advancing justice for underrepresented communities.

Support the LSAT Scholarship

We are happily accepting donations from individuals or firms who would like to make a difference. LSAT Scholarship sponsors enjoy unique benefits, including opportunities to engage with recipients and serve on the selection committee.

If you are a legal employer or individual interested in sponsoring the LSAT Scholarship, please contact .

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our LSAT access partners and sponsors, whose generosity helps create meaningful pathways to legal education for students across Utah:

ACE Test Prep

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation

On Wednesday, September 10, UCLI and Weber State University partnered to host an inspiring evening for students interested in law. From five-thirty to seven-thirty, around forty Wildcats gathered for bingo, presentations, and a keynote address from Fran M. Wikstrom, Of Counsel at Parsons Behle & Latimer.

This event marked UCLI’s first large-scale collaboration with Weber State, giving students a chance to explore both campus-based pre-law resources and UCLI’s statewide programs. Students learned about opportunities including the upcoming UCLI Pre-Law Symposium on Friday, September 19, the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship, the Legal Leaders LSAT Scholarship, the Ambassador Program, and UCLI internships.

Dr. Jeffs, representing the Weber State Pre-Law Society, spoke on behalf of several programs and organizations that prepare students for careers in the legal field. She shared the work of the Pre-Law Society and also introduced resources from the Criminal Justice Program, the Political Science Department and Model UN program, and the Walker Institute, which offers a variety of meaningful internship opportunities. Through her remarks, students were able to see the many different avenues available to Wildcats who want to build a strong foundation for law school.

The evening also featured a powerful story from Weber State alumna Raissa Rohbock, now an Immigration Specialist Paralegal at Kirton McConkie. Proud of her Wildcat roots, Raissa shared her journey from a remote Brazilian village to higher education in Utah. Despite personal challenges, she persisted, finding support through UCLI and other mentors, emphasizing the importance of networking and community. Her advice to students was simple yet profound: “Collect as many keys as you can and put them in your pocket, because each key opens new doors.” She reminded students that law school isn’t limited to a few seats but that there are whole tables waiting for them.

UCLI Fiduciary Board Co-Chair and keynote speaker Fran M. Wikstrom closed the evening by sharing his own path from humble beginnings in Ogden to Yale Law School and an illustrious legal career. He reminded students that law school isn’t about knowing everything, but about embracing humility, curiosity, and growth. “Law school is for learners,” he explained, stressing that attorneys must always be willing to learn. A celebrated trial attorney and past president of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Fran talked about the willingness to learn that he always took into the courtroom. As a former Wildcat himself (class of ‘71) he was able to connect with audience members, fielding questions and inspiring them to push past barriers to make it into the profession. Fran left students with an encouraging message: each of them has a place at the table in the legal profession.

UCLI was thrilled to see so many Wildcats not only participate in the event but also sign up for the upcoming Pre-Law Symposium. Events like this are what help students imagine themselves not only in law school but in the courtroom too.

We extend our gratitude to Weber State’s pre-law associations, faculty, and student organizations for their support, to Raissa Rohbock for her inspiration, and to the Weber State Alumni Association for generously providing food and hosting us.

If your university is interested in collaborating with UCLI to bring pre-law resources to your campus, please reach out at utahcli.org.

 

Every season at UCLI brings with it a new cohort of emerging leaders who leave a lasting impact on our mission. We are proud of every intern who has contributed to UCLI over the years, and this summer’s team – Helen Wang, Alofaifo Faleono, and Marlee Jeppsen – carried forward that legacy with fresh energy, creativity, and dedication.

From the first week, it was clear that their contributions would reverberate beyond the walls of our programs. Whether lending their voices to our initiatives, publishing thoughtful pieces that shared our work with broader audiences, assisting with outreach to new community partners, or strengthening the research foundations that anchor our programming, this summer’s interns became architects of momentum. They embedded their skills, perspectives, and compassion into the very core of our mission.

Their projects were diverse yet united by impact: supporting the UCLI Back-to-School Drive, which directly benefited families preparing for the new academic year; curating communications that elevated our collective voice; and helping develop K-12 and pre-law programming that will shape future cohorts of UCLI leaders. Their fingerprints are not only on the work we accomplished but also on the culture of collaboration and purpose we seek to foster.

We are especially grateful for the ways Helen, Alofaifo, and Marlee engaged in UCLI’s Legal and Career Readiness series, leading discussions with confidence, and participating fully in the Pre-Law Fellowship program’s seminars and experiences. Their work was nothing short of amazing, and watching their growth has been an absolute pleasure! 

Read below to learn more about their personal experiences as Interns with us:

“Working with UCLI has been an incredible opportunity to be a hands-on part of the work to promote legal inclusion in Utah. As I wrote grants, publicized fundraisers, and promoted UCLI’s events and mission, I gained a deep appreciation for the legal trailblazers who paved the way to a more equitable legal system, and for all those engaged in the work today. I’m grateful to have been a part of UCLI, and look forward to watching them continue their work!” -Marlee Jeppsen

“From working with great people to being a part of initiatives that give back directly to our community, I’m very grateful to have the privilege of being a part of the team this summer. UCLI’s mission is important and UCLI does so much to help people be successful. I know for a fact that the skills, experiences, and great guidance I received as an intern will continue to help me as I continue on my law journey!” -Alofaifo Faleono 

“The power of collaboration truly is shown through communities working to uplift individuals to reach their full potential. Through this internship, I had the honor of working on a wide range of initiatives that not only uplifted voices in the community, but also empowered those voices that have not been heard in the legal field. It has truly been an insightful experience to see what impact has been made through my internship, but also all the different life experiences and perspectives I am able to connect and engage with. I truly believe that difference is made through working and empowering communities and UCLI truly exemplifies these values to allow for sustainable long-term transformative change. I am grateful to have an opportunity to intern and hope to continue fostering change through my future career from what I have learned.” -Helen Wang 

UCLI is honored to announce the resounding success of its 2025 Back-to-School Drive. This year, UCLI was privileged to partner formally with Greenberg Traurig, whose generosity provided a significant portion of the school supplies that filled hundreds of backpacks. We are also deeply grateful for the contributions from each of you – attorneys, advocates, volunteers, and friends of UCLI – whose donations of funds, supplies, and time made this effort possible. This year we exceeded our fundraising goal of $2,500 thanks to the huge outpouring of community support shown. Together, these financial and in-kind gifts allowed UCLI to assemble and distribute around 500 backpacks, complete with critical school supplies, to students across the state. What began as a modest hope to meet a few local needs has flourished into an enduring tradition of care, advocacy, and community partnership.

At times, impact is imagined only in grand gestures. But UCLI’s mission has always rested on the belief that every act of support matters. A backpack filled with notebooks and pencils is not only a tool for the classroom, but it is a symbol of dignity, preparedness, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Advocacy, as UCLI sees it, is not defined by scale, but by the sincerity of intention and the steady work of creating fairness, opportunity, and justice.

Building on the successes of the 2024 back-to-school drive which served the Boys and Girls Club and Backman Elementary School, we were happy to have had Meadowlark Elementary as an additional recipient of school supplies in 2025. Together, these schools represent vibrant communities of students whose futures are enriched not only through access to school supplies but also through exposure to UCLI’s mission and the possibility of pursuing a legal career.

As in past years, UCLI’s interns and ambassadors, as well as local attorneys, played an essential role in organizing, packing, and distributing supplies. They also shared information about UCLI’s mission at each back-to-school night, helping families and students connect with community resources and pathways into the legal profession. The season kicked off on August 9 with the Boys & Girls Club event at Dixon Middle School, followed by Backman Elementary School’s back-to-school night on August 15. The series wrapped up at Meadowlark Elementary School on Monday, August 18, where UCLI once again had a presence to ensure families were welcomed and supported.

The success of the back-to-school drive reminds us that progress comes not in isolation, but through the combined strength of partners and community members! By ensuring that hundreds of Utah’s children begin the year prepared, confident, and hopeful, we take another step toward a future where justice is within reach for all here in Utah. UCLI expresses heartfelt gratitude to this year’s partners: Backman Elementary, Meadowlark Elementary, the Boys and Girls Club of Utah County, and Greenberg Traurig, as well as to every individual who donated funds and school supplies. Your contributions have helped make this work possible, and your impact will resonate far beyond the classroom!