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The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) is proud to announce the 2025–2026 recipients of the Christine M. Durham Fellowship—an honor awarded annually to one law student from the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law and one from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School.

Named after Justice Christine M. Durham, former Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court and current UCLI Co-Chair, this prestigious fellowship recognizes law students who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to justice, inclusion, and equity within Utah’s legal profession.

Each fellow receives a stipend of up to $1,500, which can be applied toward tuition, housing, food, or other living expenses. In addition to financial support, Durham Fellows collaborate closely with UCLI’s staff and Leadership Council to enhance programming for law students across the state.

We are thrilled to introduce one of this year’s distinguished fellows:

Alexa Brown – J. Reuben Clark Law School

Alexa Brown is a JD/MPA candidate at Brigham Young University and a proud first-generation Latina student. She earned her undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Utah, where she first discovered her passion for public service and community engagement.

Alexa brings a strong background in public policy and legal advocacy. She has interned with Senator Mitt Romney, World Trade Center Utah, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP in Washington, D.C. (specializing in technology and regulatory law), and the Office of General Counsel for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico City.

Alexa aspires to build a legal career that uplifts underrepresented communities and expands access to justice. She is deeply committed to mentoring, creating inclusive spaces, and advancing equity in the legal field. Outside of her professional pursuits, Alexa enjoys cooking Colombian and Mexican food, practicing yoga, and spending quality time with her family.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Alexa and her co-fellow from the S.J. Quinney College of Law (to be announced soon). We are inspired by their achievements and excited to support them as they lead the charge in shaping a more inclusive legal profession in Utah.

Sinndy Rios – S.J. Quinney College of Law

Sinndy is a rising second-year law student at the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. She was born in Chiquimula, Guatemala, and grew up in West Valley City, Utah. Sinndy graduated with an Honors Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Utah. During her time at the U, Sinndy found a passion for advocating for undocumented immigrants and increasing access to higher education. As a result, she served as a lead presidential intern for higher education at the U. Upon graduating, she worked for three years with the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, where she helped work on strategic projects that promoted student success and belonging on campus.

Sinndy is currently a legal intern at Western Governors University and will intern for Justice Jill Pohlman at the Utah Supreme Court this fall. Sinndy is attending law school to help the underserved and undocumented immigrant population. She is most proud of being the first in her family to attend law school and have the opportunity to pursue a career that can uplift and support her family and her community.

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, UCLI had the pleasure of honoring the four recipients of this year’s Bar Review Scholarship — Paulina Barboza, Alyssa Hunzeker, Ashley Zulema Whetten Soroa, and Courtney Gamangasso — at a special event hosted by the Utah State Bar Young Lawyers Division.

The Bar Review Scholarship provides financial support to law students taking the July 2025 Utah State Bar Examination, helping to offset costs related to exam registration and preparation. This year’s recipients were selected for their outstanding service and commitment to the community throughout law school. The celebration took place at the beautiful Tracy Aviary in Liberty Park, offering a meaningful setting for the scholars, UCLI staff, interns, and ambassadors to connect with seasoned attorneys who generously shared their insights and legal journeys. The evening also created space for rich networking and mentorship opportunities.

Guests enjoyed the rest of the evening exploring the aviary, home to a remarkable collection of bird species from around the globe — including several endangered species — adding a unique and memorable backdrop to this celebration.

The Utah State Bar Young Lawyers Division plays a vital role in supporting early-career attorneys in Utah. With automatic membership for all Bar members under the age of 36 or within their first 10 years of practice, the Division fosters community, mentorship, and professional growth during a pivotal time in a lawyer’s career.

UCLI is grateful to the Young Lawyers Division for hosting this special event and providing the perfect setting to honor and celebrate our Bar Review Scholarship recipients. We are excited to see each of these scholars move forward, succeed on the bar exam, and continue their legal journeys with the same passion and commitment to service that earned them this recognition.

UCLI Ambassadors, Interns, and Staff gather for a photo.

Utah House Representative and Attorney, Grant Miller, connects and talks with UCLI interns.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) is pleased to welcome Jascha Clark to our Board of Directors. Jascha brings extensive experience as an employment attorney and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, respectful workplaces.

As a partner at Parr Brown Gee & Loveless in Salt Lake City, Jascha provides employers with clear, practical advice and skillfully navigates complex litigation when it arises. His approach goes beyond policies to focus on creating environments where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Jascha’s skilled work has earned him recognition as one of Utah’s Legal Elite and a Super Lawyers Rising Star—peer-nominated honors that reflect the high regard in which he’s held within the legal community.

Beyond his practice, Jascha is actively engaged in mentoring and supporting others in the legal profession. He believes real change requires removing barriers and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed—a philosophy that aligns directly with UCLI’s mission to build an inclusive legal community in Utah.

Reflecting on joining the UCLI Board, Jascha shared:

“Inclusion isn’t something we achieve alone—it’s the work of all of us, and it happens in the conversations we’re willing to have and the bridges we’re willing to build. It requires staying true to our values, even when it’s hard. I’m grateful for the chance to join UCLI in this work and to keep learning, listening, and helping wherever I can.”

We’re honored to have Jascha join our leadership team and look forward to his contributions in building a legal profession that is truly representative, welcoming, and inclusive for everyone.

Jascha Clark, UCLI Board Secretary

On April 22, 2025, UCLI proudly launched its newest initiative, the UCLI Ambassador Program with an orientation held at the Utah State Bar. The Ambassador Program is a formal volunteer program for undergraduate students. It is designed to provide opportunities for future legal leaders planning to join the law field to help support different programs within UCLI such as outreach and community engagement. Throughout the program, Ambassadors are able to gain opportunities to talk with different lawyers across Utah and form valuable connections across different legal fields. 

Led by UCLI staff members, the orientation introduced Ambassadors to the goals, expectations, and responsibilities of their new roles. With this orientation, Ambassadors were able to gain a foundational understanding of the mission of UCLI and how they can contribute in a meaningful way to the work that is undertaken. Our Ambassadors were able to provide insight into what they were interested in gaining from the experience and showed excitement for their future UCLI contributions.

We thank all of our Ambassadors for their passion and dedication and we look forward to the projects, conversations, and connections they will bring forth to UCLI in the upcoming months. This orientation marks the beginning of an important new chapter in UCLI’s commitment in expanding outreach across Utah. The following undergraduate students are the first cohort of the 2025 Summer Ambassadors: Daniele Aldama, Ale Benavides, Maya Hughes, Ella Marie Paligo, Tyson Udy, and Jordan Evans. 

On Tuesday, May 13, UCLI returned to Meadowlark Elementary for another unforgettable afternoon of mentorship, collaboration, and friendly competition. As part of UCLI’s long-standing partnership with the classroom of Mr. John Arthur—affectionately known as “Captain” by his 6th grade class—attorneys, UCLI interns, Ambassadors, and Fellows came together to support the incredible students of Meadowlark Elementary, beginning with what they do best: empowering young minds through writing and mentorship.

The first half-hour was dedicated to speechwriting, where students worked one-on-one with mentors to prepare for upcoming graduation presentations at school. It was great to witness the students’ confidence shine through as they drafted thoughtful, bold speeches.Their enthusiasm and openness to learn were matched only by the joy of their mentors in seeing them grow.

Next came a sweet intermission—literally. Delicious donuts, generously donated by Laura Kyte, associate attorney at Mayer Brown’s Salt Lake City office, gave everyone a well-earned treat and a chance to recharge.

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for: the kickball rematch. With UCLI staff and attorneys ready to redeem last year’s loss, the field was set for a competitive showdown. Despite the adults’ best efforts (and plenty of cheering), the Meadowlark students once again proved unbeatable, delivering a decisive victory and plenty of laughter along the way. Even with the wind whipping and a bit of chill in the air, spirits were high and smiles were everywhere.

UCLI is beyond grateful for Mr. Arthur and his fantastic students, and for the wonderful attorneys who devote time to the Meadowlark Mentoring program each week through the school year. We are excited for the growth and relationships that will be built this upcoming year. There are still ample opportunities for volunteers! If you are interested in participating as a mentor in the 2025-2026 academic year, you may sign up here. If you have any questions, please get in touch with UCLI at .

Thank You Cards Created by Meadowlark Students

Attorney Mentor, Jascha Clark, Holding Up a Thank You Card

Attorney and Staff Mentors Gather for a Photo Alongside Mr. Jon Arthur

Associate Director, Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy, Holds up a Thank You Card

On Friday, May 9, 2025, UCLI hosted the third seminar for the 2025 Pre-Law Fellowship at Parsons Behle & Latimer. Parsons Behle & Latimer, a law firm founded around 140 years ago, is known for its commitment to exceptional service with foundations based in ethics, professionalism, and community engagement. Today, Parsons Behle & Latimer is one of the largest Utah-based law firms with more than 200 attorneys practicing across multiple states. UCLI is grateful to continue its partnership with Parson Behle & Latimer and deeply appreciates the firm’s generosity in hosting this seminar in their offices.

Continuing the momentum from the previous seminars, Fellows were able to engage in another critical aspect of applying to law school through specific parts of the application. Paula Gluzman, the law school admissions consultant from Spivey Consulting Group, led a practical and engaging workshop focused on several critical aspects of the application process. During the workshop, Fellows learned about law school resumes, letters of recommendation, when to consider asking for a letter of recommendation, and when an addendum is appropriately used. After an informative lecture by Paula, Fellows adapted what they learned into their resumes and recommendation letter strategies.

After lunch was provided, Fellows were allowed an opportunity to connect and network alongside UCLI attorneys, some of whom are mentors to a few of the Fellows. During this time, Fellows could talk and work on their resumes or seek to gain an understanding of the law school process from the attorneys who were able to join. 

To continue fostering community amongst the Fellows, a get-to-know-you activity was done that allowed for a bit of fun as well. The seminar concluded with a panel discussion on life in the legal field, featuring attorneys from Parsons Behle & Latimer—Abby Dizon-Maughan, Jazmynn Pok, Emily D. Holt, and Christina M. Jepson—who shared insights into their personal journeys and professional experiences. While the Fellowship focuses on helping participants gain admission to law school, the panel emphasized the importance of also envisioning the impact they can make throughout their legal careers.

UCLI would like to thank everyone who participated in this seminar and contributed their mentorship and insight to support the Fellows and their path in the legal field. We look forward to seeing our Fellows continue to build on what they have learned and prosper during the time in the Fellowship and beyond. We also express a heartfelt thank you to the generous sponsors who make the 2025 Fellowship Program possible:

Utah Bar Foundation

Law School Admission Council (LSAC)

Litigation Section of the Utah State Bar

Bastian Foundation

Fellows Listen Attentively as Guest Attorneys Share Their Experiences

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is proud to launch the new UCLI Ambassador Program, a volunteer-based initiative designed to expand outreach and empower future legal leaders. The first semester will run from May to August 2025, aligning with the UCLI Pre-Law Internship time table but providing a distinct and separate opportunity.

This program welcomes Ambassadors for its inaugural summer cohort. Participants will engage in impactful volunteer work such as reaching out to underserved students in elementary, middle, and high schools to share resources and creating social media and digital posts that can reach potential future attorneys across the state. In return, the Ambassadors are able to participate in the UCLI Career & Law Readiness Series as well as networking opportunities with current law students and attorneys. While unpaid, the program offers valuable law school preparation, networking, and leadership experience, with just a 10-hour minimum time commitment per semester. Future terms will follow in the fall (August–December) and winter (January–April) semesters.

By launching this program, UCLI aims to extend its support to more undergraduate students and pre-law individuals while enhancing its reach in schools, communities, and work spaces across Utah.

Summer 2025 Ambassadors 

Please find information about the inaugural summer cohort of UCLI Ambassadors below. 

Daniela Aldama

Daniela Aldama is a pre-law student at Utah Valley University pursuing a career in Forensic Science with a minor in Constitutional Studies. Her passion for justice, legal analysis, and public service has guided her academic and professional journey. In Summer 2024, she was selected for a pre-law fellowship at the University of Utah, where she experienced the rigors of law school and deepened her commitment to a legal career. Originally from Barinas, Venezuela, Daniela volunteers her translation skills with the University of Utah’s pro bono legal program, continuing her dedication to service and her Latin community.

Daniela Aldama

Ella Marie Paligo

Ella Marie Paligo is a Political Science major at Brigham Young University with a Legal Studies Emphasis and minors in Business, Civic Engagement Leadership, and Global Women’s Studies. A Dean’s List and Honors Program student, she is passionate about criminal justice reform and legal equity. Ella has interned with the Provo City Justice Court, the ACLU of Tennessee, and the Sumner County District Attorney’s Office, gaining hands-on experience in legal advocacy and courtroom procedure. She co-founded Operation Second Chance, a reentry initiative that provided 70 incarcerated individuals with job training, resources, and reintegration support. She currently interns for the Utah Prison Education Project. On campus, Ella serves as BYUSA Student Body Executive Vice President, works as a Religious Education Teaching Assistant, and holds leadership roles in the Interfaith Student Association, Political Affairs Society, and Women in Politics. She is a Global Politics Lab Research Fellow, published researcher, editor for campus and national pre-law journals, and a Bluebook Citation Editor for a BYU Law professor. She has been recognized as a Wheatley Institute Scholar, Coca-Cola Scholar, U.S. Senate Youth Program Delegate, and Kennedy Center Peace Advocate. After graduation, Ella plans to earn a J.D. and MBA to pursue a career as a public defender and advocate for criminal justice reform. Originally from Tennessee, she enjoys time with her large family and is excited to serve as a UCLI Ambassador!

Ella Marie Paligo

Jordan Evans

Jordan Evans is a 23-year-old student at Utah Valley University, where they are double majoring in Philosophy and Psychology. Jordan plans to attend law school and has a strong interest in public international law. Driven by a passion for justice, Jordan aims to use the law as a tool to make a positive impact on a global scale.

Jordan Evans

Maya Hughes 

Maya Hughes graduated from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. She has experience in legal research, policy analysis, and constituent engagement through her internship with Congressman Chris Stewart’s Office, as well as research and event coordination skills gained as a research assistant for The Quill Project. Maya looks forward to pursuing her J.D. next year and contributing to UCLI’s initiatives. Outside of academics, she enjoys swimming, reading, and playing the violin.

Maya Hughes

Tyson Udy

Tyson Udy is an undergraduate student at the University of Utah, majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Psychology. Originally from Nashville, Tyson moved to Utah a few years ago and plans to attend law school in the fall of 2026. He enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and has a deep passion for music. Tyson is particularly interested in pursuing a career in criminal or environmental law and hopes to be actively involved in political advocacy. His lifelong interest in the legal field has grown through personal experiences, and he looks forward to exploring the many ways law can be applied to create meaningful change.

Tyson Udy

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion in partnership with the Young Lawyer’s Division of the Utah State Bar is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of the UCLI Bar Review Scholarship. This scholarship is offered to law students who are registered to take the July 2025 Utah State Bar Examination who have an exceptional record of service during their law school careers. Scholarship funds help students cover expenses of registering and studying for the bar exam. 

Congratulations to the four recipients of the 2025 UCLI Bar Review Scholarship:  Paulina Barboza, Alyssa Hunzeker, Ashley Zulema Whetten Soroa, and Courtney Gamangasso.

Find out more below about these amazing scholarship winners.

Paulina Barboza

Paulina is a first-generation American, raised by immigrant parents from Colombia and Mexico, and the first in her family to graduate from college and pursue a law degree. She is also a proud single mother to her 7-year-old son, Mateo Gabriel. These aspects of her identity have profoundly shaped her values and her decision to pursue a career in law.

She entered law school with a clear purpose: to serve as a voice for underrepresented communities and to help shape progressive public policy that reflects the needs of those too often overlooked. During her time in law school, she has dedicated herself to working with organizations that support Utah’s diverse populations.

Her legal experience includes work with the Salt Lake Legal Defenders Association and the Utah Attorney General’s Office, where she has witnessed the powerful role legal advocacy can play—particularly for individuals navigating a justice system that has not always served them equitably. After graduation, she plans to continue this work, using her legal training to advocate for civil rights, social justice, and meaningful change in Salt Lake City.

Alyssa Hunzeker

Alyssa Hunzeker is a recent graduate from Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School. During law school, Alyssa served as the president of the Minority Law Students Association and the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association and interned with Magistrate Judge Jared C. Bennett and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Her legal experiences also include working at BYU’s Title IX Office and lobbying in Washington D. C. with the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC). After taking the bar, Alyssa will clerk for Judge Brian Y. Furuya at the Arizona Court of Appeals. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys traveling, playing the piano, and trying new restaurants.

Ashley Zulema Whetten Soroa

Ashley Whetten Soroa was born in Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico. Her family moved to Allen, Texas when she was one. Growing up as a DACA recipient, she understands the plight of undocumented immigrants in the United States. While studying International Relations at BYU, she felt drawn to serve her community by volunteering with a non-profit immigration organization called No More A Stranger Foundation. This began her passion for understanding immigration law and serving immigrants. During law school, she gained experience in various immigration issues through her time at the Mexico Regional Office of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Fragomen Del Rey Bersen & Loewy, Catholic Community Services, and Perretta Law Office. In her freetime, you can find her and her husband, Jeff, personal training their twelve-year-old pug, Jack, through his weight-loss journey. Ashley graduated from J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University. She is thrilled to return to Perretta Law Office after she takes the bar.

Courtney Gamangasso

Courtney will graduate from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law with a J.D. and a Certificate in Criminal Law. A Salt Lake City native, she earned her undergraduate degree in Philosophy with a minor in French from Westminster College (now Westminster University). During law school, Courtney served as a Note and Comment Editor for the Utah Law Review and competed on SJQ’s Trial Advocacy team, advancing to the semi-finals of the TYLA Competition in Portland, Oregon. She also volunteered at the Pro Bono Initiative and studied international, refugee, and asylum law in Rome and Cambridge. Courtney is passionate about criminal law and committed to promoting fairness, empathy, and justice for all parties involved in the legal system.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion welcomed over 200 guests to its fourth annual Fundraiser Luncheon, “A Seat at the Table”. The luncheon was held at the Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek on March 27, 2025, with the gracious support of Event Sponsor, Kirton McConkie, and Impact Sponsors, Ray Quinney & Nebeker and Parsons Behle & Latimer. We thank our wonderful participants from the Utah legal community and our honored guest speakers and presenters. 

The luncheon was kicked off by Christina Jepson, UCLI Co-President, and Carla Swensen-Haslem, UCLI Utah Hispanic Bar Association (UHBA) Representative, who warmly welcomed all participants and introduced the theme of the afternoon: A Seat at the Table. A special thank you was also provided to Event Sponsor Kirton McConkie, and Impact Sponsors Ray Quinney & Nebeker and Parson Behle & Latimer, who helped make the day possible. Next, Javier Chavez Jr., President of the newly formed Utah Hispanic Bar Association (UHBA), was invited to the stage to present and bring awareness to their important mission of supporting and uplifting Latin-American members of the legal community. 

Following Mr. Chavez’s speech, a video showed the vital impact of UCLI’s PLEDGE programming on students; you may watch the video here. UCLI and the many volunteers in the legal community who give their time have a priceless impact on the students they encounter. The effect is spread through many age groups, from elementary students to admitted law students. The video segued into an inspiring speech by Mr. John Arthur, a 6th-grade teacher at Meadowlark Elementary and a cornerstone of the Meadowlark Mentoring Program. Mr. Arthur opens his classroom to UCLI and its volunteers, and he recounted the positive influence UCLI activities have had on his students, whether it be mentoring sessions or kickball games. “If you want to diversify the legal field, you can’t plant trees. You have to plant seeds,” he said regarding the importance of empowering younger generations. You can listen to his speech here. 

Abby Dizon-Maughan, UCLI board member, next introduced the keynote speaker and her impressive biography. Stacy Bernal is an author, a TedX speaker, current Ogden School District Representative, and the former Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager for the Utah Jazz. Ms. Bernal opened her presentation with a quote from the great Shirley Chisholm, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” Bernal continued sharing the story of how she became the first DEI Manager of the Utah Jazz, while simultaneously managing the Ogden School District elections around the same time. She eventually continued to run for her local Utah Senate seat. Though she did not secure the seat, she made it clear to all luncheon attendees that some of us may be sitting at tables that we are meant to flip. She further inspired all to have the courage to leave a table that does not serve you. Her inspiring keynote address can be accessed here.

Finally, UCLI Development Co-Chair Juliana Yee wrapped up the event by encouraging attendees to donate to the important cause of UCLI. For anyone who missed the chance to attend or donate at the luncheon but would like to support the cause, you may donate here. Carla Swensen-Haslem joined her on stage to close the luncheon out, instructing attendees to check under their seats at the table for a small gift. Each seat featured a gift, and a select few attendees won tickets to the Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trailblazers game on April 9, 2025. Many attendees also took home their winning bids from the silent auction, which featured 24 prizes, from framed original paintings to an at-home private chef dining experience. All donations made at the luncheon were generously matched by the Florence J. Gillmor Foundation. 

UCLI thanks all those who participated in the 2025 luncheon and contributed to the event’s success. We thank each individual, organization, and law firm for their continued support of UCLI’s mission of providing mentorship and support for students as they work towards their goal of joining the legal profession. We appreciate you taking a seat at our table!

Thank you to our Event Sponsor:

Kirton McConkie 

Thank you to Impact Sponsors:

Ray Quinney & Nebeker 

Parsons Behle & Latimer

Thank you to Scholarship Sponsors:

Rocky Mountain Advisory

Keller Preece

Thank you to Table Sponsors:

Kirkland & Ellis

Workman Nydegger

Greenberg Traurig

Holland & Hart

Spencer Fane

Fabian VanCott

Strong & Hanni

UMBA

Snell & Wilmer

Lowenstein Sandler

Wilson Sonsini

Jackson Lewis

Thank you to Silent Auction Donors:

Leslie Wignall

Arturo Thompson

Tuacahn Amphitheatre 

Utah Opera & Utah Symphony

Erik Christiansen and Christina Jepson

Walnut Golf Club

Little America Hotel

Cinemark Provo

Kings English Bookshop

Log Haven 

Cactus and Tropicals 

Utah Hogle Zoo

Clark Executive Detail

Momentum Climbing Gym

Utah Jazz

Kelly Fletcher Jewelry

Mazza

Body Bar Pilates

Streamline Pilates

The Salt Lake Golf Lounge

Keynote Speaker Stacy Bernal takes a selfie along with luncheon attendees to kick off her keynote address.

Attendees Michelle Oldroyd (Utah State Bar), Christine Durham (Co-Chair, UCLI), and Javier Chavez Jr. (Utah Hispanic Bar Association).

Mr. John Arthur shares the impact that UCLI has on his sixth-grade students.

On Saturday, March 8, 2025, UCLI hosted its first seminar for the 2025 Pre-Law Fellowship at the S.J. Quinney College of Law in Salt Lake City. The UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship program was created to expand Utah’s legal field and help develop pathways for pre-law students in their pursuit of legal education. Fellows participate in engaging monthly seminars focused on providing law school information and advancing their legal careers. This year, we were pleased to host our first seminar in March, welcoming 14 amazing Fellows and introducing them to the program. In addition, Saturday’s seminar offered a valuable educational opportunity for pre-law students to learn more about law school admissions, LSAT preparation tips, and the resources available at the S.J. Quinney College of Law.

The seminar began with program coordinators Kaitlyn Pieper and Sabrina Ruiz offering an introduction to the program, highlighting significant responsibilities and program objectives. This was followed by an engaging get-to-know-you activity, where Fellows had the opportunity to connect, network, and get to know their cohort for the duration of the year. We enjoyed lunch together, generously sponsored by the law firm Ray Quinney & Nebeker. The seminar then featured an informative session from Brent Dunn, the founder and expert LSAT instructor at ACE Test Preparation. Brent provided the Fellows with an initial overview of the LSAT, sharing strategies for tackling reading comprehension questions, maximizing study time, and interpreting questions effectively. He also offered important insights on approaching the exam. 

After the Fellows received a tour of the S.J. Quinney College of Law, they participated in a S. J. Quiney law school preview panel with Jason Owen, Assistant Dean of Admission for S. J. Quinney, and Alannah Trombetta, a current law student at the school. Dean Owen and Alannah shared valuable insights on navigating the law school application process, what admissions representatives seek in applicants, and key information about the opportunities and resources available at S. J. Quinney. Dean Owen also reminded students of the importance of maintaining strong academic performance, emphasizing its consideration in the admissions process. 

This first seminar established a firm foundation for UCLI’s 2025 Pre-Law Fellowship by creating an enriching program that promoted educational growth and highlighted resources. We would like to thank the S. J. Quinney College of Law for generously providing the beautiful venue, as well as for their time and participation. We express gratitude to Ray Quinney & Nebeker for supporting the Fellows through their lunch sponsorship. A special thank you to Brent Dunn for his valuable presentation and LSAT mentoring, and to Dean Jason Owen and Allanah Trombetta for sharing their knowledge about law school. Finally, we are grateful for the program sponsors who made all of this possible: the Ligitation Section of the Utah State Bar, the Bastian Foundation, and the Utah Bar Foundation. This seminar was the beginning, and we look forward to seeing the 2025 Fellows grow further in the program!

UCLI Fellows, UCLI Staff and SJQ Staff Pose for a Photo

Pre-Law Fellows at the First Fellowship Workshop for 2025

Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy, Associate Director, Welcomes the 2025 Pre-Law Fellows

Brent Dunn, Founder of Ace Test Prep, Reviews LSAT Materials with the Fellows