UCLI is excited to announce this year’s Maschoff Brennan & ACE Legal Leaders LSAT Scholarship recipients. The 2026 cohort is made up of 22 individuals, making it UCLI’s largest cohort to date, who are preparing to take on one of the most challenging steps in the law school application process: the LSAT, the admissions test used by law schools as part of the application process.

Through a long-term partnership with ACE Test Prep, founded by Brent Dunn, LSAT scholars have access to structured preparation, resources, strategies, and guidance designed to help them approach the LSAT with confidence and a clear study plan. Two of this year’s scholarships were also generously donated directly by ACE Test Prep, further expanding the opportunity for aspiring law students to access comprehensive LSAT preparation and support.

We are excited to welcome the new cohort of UCLI-Ace Legal Leaders and we are excited to see them progress. 

Maschoff Brennan & ACE Legal Leaders LSAT Scholarship Recipients:

Nathanael To’a Aiu
Nathanael (Toʻa) Aiu is from the ahupuaʻa (village) of Kahuku on the mokupuni (island) of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi nei. He is a Family Life major with an emphasis in Family Studies in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences at Brigham Young University, pursuing dual minors in Sociology and American Indian Studies. From a young age, the ʻōlelo noʻeau (Hawaiian proverb) “Hoʻi i ka loʻi” (return to the land that has nourished you and nourish it back) has guided his desire to give back to his family, religion, and community. Toʻa plans to attend law school and become a family lawyer, and later hopes to serve in the political sphere, using law and public policy to strengthen families and core social institutions.

Meryam Al-Barkawi
Meryam Al-Barkawi is a first-generation pre-law student at the University of Utah pursuing degrees in English and Political Science. Her interest in law took root in her childhood in the diaspora, where she grew up watching how law and language can become barriers for marginalized communities, such as her own. She hopes not only to bridge the gaps that may prevent access for immigrant and refugee communities, but also to assist women and young girls who often go unheard and unseen by the legal system.

Daniela Aldama

Ryan Calvert

Ryan is a 2024 graduate of the University of Utah, where she studied psychology and criminology. She is currently working in the Salt Lake County jail with Odyssey House, providing addiction treatment within a correctional setting. Through this experience, she has witnessed firsthand the intersection of the criminal justice system and substance use recovery, as well as the systemic challenges these individuals face. These experiences sparked her interest in pursuing a career in law. She is currently studying for the LSAT and plans to apply to law school in the upcoming admissions cycle.

Holden Cheney
Holden Cheney is a graduate of the University of Utah Honors College, where he earned degrees in Economics and Political Science. His interest in law began after visiting the Eastern State Penitentiary, where an exhibit on mass incarceration sparked his curiosity, and was further shaped through his volunteer work as a high school mentor with Salt Lake Peer Court. He continued to develop his interest in law at the University of Utah through the three-year Pre-Law LEAP program, where he graduated as a Pre-Law LEAP Scholar. Holden currently serves as a UCLI Ambassador and is excited to continue his journey toward law school while supporting UCLI’s mission of expanding access to the legal profession.

Ava Elmore
Ava Elmore is a senior at Weber State University who grew up in Davis County. Inspired by an interest in politics and the legal system from a young age, she has pursued opportunities in legislative offices, legal internships, and civic leadership to better understand how the law shapes communities. After graduating with a Political Science degree in December, she plans to attend law school the following fall to continue building a career in public service.

Camille Martinez
Camille Martinez is a student at Utah Valley University. She spent her childhood in Mexico, and her interest in law is rooted in advocating for others. In her free time, she enjoys learning languages and reading.

Antoine Mwamba
Antoine Mwamba is an international student at Utah Valley University majoring in International Business with a minor in Political Science. Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he is passionate about law, diplomacy, and public policy, with aspirations of becoming a policymaker or diplomat. Antoine has represented Utah Valley University at United Nations conferences, where he has contributed to discussions on sustainable development and global governance. He is actively involved in student leadership and community service and plans to attend law school after completing his undergraduate degree.

Brynn Nielson
Brynn Nielson recently graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Spanish. She became interested in law through her passion for public service, advocacy, and expanding access to legal opportunities for others. She plans to attend law school and hopes to build a career focused on making a meaningful impact through the legal profession. As a UCLI Legal Leaders Scholar, Brynn is excited to continue preparing for the LSAT and the next step in her legal journey.

Kamaile Paikuli

Camilo Palacios

Susana Pettis-Londoño
Susana Pettis-Londoño is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a B.A. in Dance and an MLS from the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. She first became interested in law after participating in a mediation process during her undergraduate studies. She currently works as a Legal Assistant.

Mari Ramos
Mari Ramos is a student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration with a minor in Finance. She grew up primarily in Louisiana before moving to Utah during her freshman year of high school. Her interest in law developed through her experience working in healthcare, where she saw how legal issues affect patients, providers, and healthcare organizations. Mary plans to attend law school and hopes to build a career advocating for individuals while combining her knowledge of healthcare, business, and the law.

Louis Rodriguez
Louis Rodriguez is a history student at Brigham Young University who was born and raised in New York. Growing up in a neighborhood with a large immigrant population and with immigrant parents, he became interested in immigration law. After seeing his parents receive help from an immigration lawyer, he was inspired to help other immigrant families and decided to pursue a career in immigration law. At BYU, he has taken classes related to immigration, conducted research with a professor who specializes in immigration history, and completed an internship with NOMAS to further his exposure to immigration law.

Valeria Rodriguez-Hernandez
Valeria Rodriguez-Hernandez is a first-generation student from Caldwell, Idaho, pursuing degrees in Law and Constitutional Studies and Criminal Justice at Utah State University after earning three Associate of Arts degrees from the College of Southern Idaho. Her passion for law grew from witnessing how much a single advocate can change someone’s life and believing that everyone deserves to be heard. Valeria hopes to become an attorney who helps make the legal system more accessible and compassionate for all. She is committed to using her education not only to build a career, but also to create opportunities and inspire others to believe that their circumstances do not define their future.

Dulce Salazar Gutierrez
Dulce Salazar Gutierrez is a student at Utah Tech University with aspirations of attending law school and pursuing a career in immigration law. As a first-generation college student, she is committed to making the most of her education and preparing for a future in the legal field. She is currently focused on her studies and developing the skills needed to succeed. Dulce hopes to use her future legal career to advocate for and support individuals navigating the immigration system.

Cassandra Schrammen
Cassandra Schrammen is an undergraduate student at Utah Tech University. She is a wife and mom to three children and has a passion for public health, philanthropy, and system reform. Her passions ultimately led her to pursue law.

Joshua Soifua

Joshua Soifua is a first-generation student at Utah Valley University. He has been interested in becoming a lawyer since elementary school. He is married to his wife, McCall, and they have one son together.

Nathan Stoker

Andres Uscategui

Henry Weight
Henry Weight was born and raised in Utah and attends Weber State University. His first interest in law was sparked when he was younger after watching a television show, but it did not become a serious interest until about a year or a year and a half ago. His original dream was to join the military, but his goals have since changed. Henry began majoring in Criminal Justice at Weber State, which further contributed to his interest in law and becoming a lawyer.

McKay Winder

On Friday, August 21st, UCLI kicked off its orientation seminar for this year’s Maschoff Brennan & ACE Legal Leaders LSAT Scholarship recipients, graciously hosted by the law firm of Strong & Hanni. This year’s cohort is made up of 22 individuals who are preparing to take on one of the most challenging steps in the law school application process: the LSAT examination, the admissions test used by law schools as part of the application process.

While preparing for the LSAT can feel daunting, this cohort has an extra layer of support through the UCLI LSAT Scholarship and its partnership with ACE Test Prep, founded by Brent Dunn. Through this partnership, Scholars have access to structured preparation, resources, strategies, and guidance designed to help them approach the LSAT with confidence and a clear study plan.

The orientation featured several presentations designed to introduce Scholars to the program and set them up for success. UCLI Associate Director Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy provided an overview of the scholarship, including program expectations, resources, and what scholars can expect throughout the year. Cate Carson, UCLI Fall Intern, introduced the cohort to UCLI, highlighting the organization’s website, programs, and community partnerships. Scholars then received a detailed and insightful introduction to ACE Test Prep from the one and only Brent Dunn, who walked the cohort through the platform and shared strategies and study tips for approaching the LSAT.

With orientation officially underway, the cohort is now equipped with the tools, resources, and support to begin their LSAT study journey. Over the coming months, scholars will not only prepare for the LSAT but also begin curating their law school lists and preparing the many pieces of their law school applications, finalizing it all by hitting ‘Submit!’ by the end of October 2027.

The cohort was also accompanied by attorney Eli Leggett, part of the aviation, construction, and insurance defense teams at Strong & Hanni. He gave a full office tour to the group, filled with the stunning views Strong & Hanni’s office has to offer, as well as personalized introductions to the different attorneys in the building, going over the various law practices Strong & Hanni offers.

The whole team at UCLI is excited to watch the 2026-2027 LSAT Scholarship recipients embark on this new adventure, and we are grateful to be with them every step of the way.

Thank you again to Strong & Hanni for allowing us to host our orientation event, to Eli Leggett for the personalized tour, and a big thank you to Brent Dunn for showing our cohort the ropes on his highly effective LSAT preparation course. UCLI also expresses its gratitude to the 2026 Sustaining Sponsors whose generosity has made this LSAT Scholarship possible.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion’s final seminar for the 2026 Pre-Law Fellowship was held on September 11 at the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah, marking the conclusion of another successful year of the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship Program. The Fellowship is designed to support students who are seriously interested in pursuing a legal education by providing mentorship, professional development, exposure to the legal field, and guidance throughout the law school application process.

The final seminar gave Fellows an opportunity to reflect on the work they had put into the program while experiencing what it is like to be a law student. The day began with activities designed to bring the cohort together and celebrate the relationships they had built throughout the Fellowship. UCLI Intern Silvia Caballero and Helen Wang helped lead a writing activity that encouraged fellows to reflect on their experiences, connect with one another, and consider the goals they hope to pursue in the future.

One of the highlights of the seminar was a mock law class led by Professor Brigham Daniels. Fellows were provided with a case in advance and came prepared to participate in a law school-style classroom discussion. The class centered on Goddard v. Boston & Maine Railroad Co., a 1901 Massachusetts case involving a passenger who slipped on a banana peel at a railroad station. Fellows worked through the facts of the case, considered the legal issues presented, and experienced the type of preparation and classroom participation expected of law students.As the discussion progressed, it was clear that the Fellows’ minds were turning. What began as a case about a banana peel quickly became a refreshing insight into what law school could look like for these Fellows. 

Furthermore, the Fellows also participated in a law school panel moderated by UCLI Intern Cate Carson. The panel featured law students who shared their experiences navigating law school and answered Fellows’ questions about the transition to legal education, the realities of being a law student, and what students can expect as they begin their own journeys. Panelists included Taha Benadallah, Sakina Steflik, and Sven Karabegovic. Sam Nyborg, a Utah Law faculty and administrative representative who works with admissions and financial aid, also joined the panel to provide details and tips into the admissions process and financial considerations associated with attending law school.

The panel gave Fellows the opportunity to hear directly from people who are currently experiencing law school, while also providing practical information about how to prepare for the application process and what resources are available to prospective students. The conversation allowed students to ask questions that extended beyond what can be learned from an application website or information session and offered a more personal perspective on the law school experience.

One of the most meaningful moments of the seminar was the keynote address delivered by Dean Elizabeth Kronk Warner. Dean Kronk Warner spoke about the perseverance required to pursue a legal education and encouraged the fellows not to give up on their goals. She reminded students that law school is attainable for them and encouraged them to continue moving forward even when the process feels difficult or uncertain. Her message reinforced the importance of perseverance and served as an encouraging reminder that the work the Fellows have already put in is part of a larger journey toward becoming attorneys and leaders in their communities.

UCLI Board Member Christina Jepson also joined the Fellows during the seminar and spoke with the group about the hard work required to reach law school. She encouraged the students to recognize how much they have already accomplished and reminded them that UCLI is proud of each of them. Christina, along with Stephen Kelson, was one of two volunteer attorney mentors who attended the event to support the Fellows and participate in photographs commemorating the conclusion of the program.

The seminar concluded with a graduation celebration recognizing the Fellows for completing the 2026 Pre-Law Fellowship. Fellows received certificates commemorating their participation in the program and gathered for individual and group photographs with UCLI representatives and attorneys. The celebration provided an opportunity for everyone involved to recognize the Fellows’ commitment, hard work, and progress throughout the year. Throughout the Fellowship, students have had opportunities to learn about the LSAT and law school admissions, connect with attorney and law student mentors, strengthen their applications, and gain a better understanding of what a career in law can look like. The program is designed not only to provide information about the law school process, but also to give aspiring law students a community of people who believe in their potential.

UCLI is grateful to the S.J. Quinney College of Law for welcoming the Fellows and to the attorneys, law students, faculty, mentors, speakers, and volunteers who contributed their time throughout the program. Their support helps provide Fellows with meaningful opportunities to see themselves in the legal profession and take concrete steps toward law school. Most notably, UCLI congratulates the 2026 Fellows on reaching this milestone. Their completion of the Fellowship represents the culmination of months of preparation, mentorship, studying, reflection, and hard work. As they move forward with their law school journeys, UCLI hopes they carry with them the encouragement shared throughout the program: law school is attainable and their communities are proud to see them pursue their goals!

Applications for the 2027 Fellowship Program are now open and will close on November 29, 2026! Apply here.

On Friday, August 14, 2026, UCLI held its seventh Pre-Law Fellowship Seminar at Parsons Behle & Latimer, who graciously welcomed us for the day. This seminar focused on personal statements, diversity statements, other application essays, and the law school admissions process. 

Paula Gluzman from Spivey Consulting joined us for a detailed workshop and presentation on law school personal statements and other essays. Her presentation was full of valuable guidance on what these essays should look and sound like, with significant emphasis on dimension, authenticity, and strong writing. One message especially stood out: “Create an opportunity for them to connect with you.” Throughout the session, she emphasized the importance of essays that are not only well-written, but also authentic and reflective of your own voice.

Victoria Roberts, a 2024 UCLI Pre-Law Fellow, is now approaching her 2L year at the University of Kansas. She shared her law school journey and the personal statement she used to apply to law school. Victoria walked us through her writing process and what it was like working with Paula, from brainstorming to narrowing her ideas into a final direction. She also described how challenging it can be to revisit personal details within the story being told. Fellows saw the depth and vulnerability of her essay, and how Victoria shaped a difficult life experience into an opportunity to demonstrate how that experience would make her a better attorney.

Fellows then met with Paula, Victoria, and other attorneys currently working with Parsons Behle & Latimer, where they received constructive feedback on their personal statements and the opportunity to discuss their writing one-on-one.

Following lunch, Judge Augustus Chin graciously joined us to share his experience as a judge. A University of Utah graduate, he described his nontraditional path to law school, beginning at age thirty-two with two children. Judge Chin offered insightful advice on building a fulfilling legal career and serving as a judge. He shared how meaningful his experience as a law clerk for Judge Medley was. In that role, he felt honored to be placed in a position of trust, and it was there that he began his journey toward becoming a judge. Throughout his talk, Judge Chin highlighted qualities important to the legal profession, including respect, balancing ego, collegiality, and vicarious learning. As he plans to retire in six years, he was asked, “What do you want your legacy to be when you retire?” His answer was simple: “He was fair, he was honest, and he was a good judge.”

Last, but definitely not least, our final speaker of the day was Anthony Grover, the Dean of Admissions at BYU Law, where he also oversees the Trial Advocacy Program. The J. Reuben Clark School of Law is currently ranked No. 24 in the nation, and Dean Grover noted that BYU’s median LSAT and GPA have been steadily increasing. Dean Grover reviewed the admissions process and highlighted elements that are especially important to BYU, including the reality of “LSAT inflation.” He shared what can make an application stand out: academic excellence, strong letters of recommendation, character, and how an applicant will contribute to the law school community.

Current Fellows Asia Reid and Maximus Garcia-Olazabal brought a celebratory cake for everyone who took the August LSAT. Thank you to them, and congratulations, to everyone who took the test! It was a fitting way to end a day centered on the next steps toward law school. We also extend our thanks to the mentors, volunteers, presenters, and attorneys who made this seminar possible.

Earlier this month, the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion wrapped up its 2026 Back-to-School Drive, and it came together better than we dared to hope. Over 600 backpacks went home with students across Salt Lake and Utah Counties, each one packed with school supplies and ready for the first day of school. The drive ran through most of August and included two restaurant fundraisers, generous donations from Costco and Target, an afternoon backpack assembly, and three community events.

We kicked things off on Tuesday, August 4th, with a fundraiser night at Chipotle in Salt Lake City, where supporters could order a meal and send a percentage of the proceeds to the drive. The following evening, we did it all again at Café Zupas in Orem, and saw more support and additional proceeds. Costco also approved an in-store donation credit that went straight toward school supplies.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many individuals who donated to this year’s drive. We are especially grateful to Greenberg Traurig, UCLI Board members, and everyone who participated in UCLI Board Member Jascha Clark’s matching campaign, which helped us stretch every donation even further. Their generosity, along with the support of our many individual donors, made it possible for us to provide even more backpacks and supplies to students across our communities. Those gifts are worth pausing on. Every one of them became a real backpack, carried by a real student into a real classroom, and none of this would have happened without them. Between those donations, the two fundraiser nights, and the Costco credit, we sailed past our fundraising goal.

After we collected donations and funds, we ordered the supplies. On Monday, August 10th, Ambassadors, interns, and staff met at the Utah State Bar building to put the backpacks together. It took most of the afternoon and turned into one of the best parts of the whole drive, with everyone working down the line and talking while the stacks grew taller. By the end, we had over 600 backpacks sorted, boxed, and ready to go out three days later.

Our first two events both landed on Thursday, August 13th. We started at Backman Elementary for their Back-to-School Night, arriving early in the afternoon to unload supplies and get set up before families came through. Volunteers passed out backpacks, talked with students and parents about what UCLI does, and ran a trivia wheel with candy prizes. The questions were on the sillier side, including, “What do attorneys usually wear in court: a clown suit, a suit, or a bathing suit?” The kids loved them. For many of the students spinning that wheel, it was the first time they had ever talked with someone who works in the legal field, and a few minutes like that can open a door years down the road. Spanish-speaking volunteers were especially helpful at both schools. We are grateful to Sharon Chavez at Backman for coordinating our access, our setup, and everything else.

At 6:00 PM, we split up and headed to Meadowlark Elementary School, for their back-to-school event. Volunteers laid the backpacks out in rows by color along the steps and had everything staged before the doors opened. There was already a line outside when we arrived.

Meadowlark needed more than school supplies, and we were glad we could help. Along with backpacks and information about UCLI, we handed out hygiene items and canned and packaged food for the school’s pantry, which serves families in need and had been significantly depleted going into the school year because of rising costs. Watching those shelves fill back up was one of the best moments of the night. One of our volunteers also spent the evening in an inflatable dinosaur costume, which delighted just about every kid who came through the door. We are grateful to John Arthur, a sixth-grade teacher at Meadowlark, for facilitating our participation and for coordinating everything on the school’s end.

Two days later, on Saturday, August 15th, we headed south to Provo for a back-to-school event at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County’s new clubhouse. From about 9:30 to 11:30 in the morning, we handed out backpacks filled with school supplies, along with UCLI pamphlets, stickers, swag, and treats. More than 400 people – 200 of them kids! – came through, which made for a busy and very happy couple of hours. We are grateful to Allison Evans, Special Events Coordinator for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County, for inviting us and for helping make the event possible.

Overall, the Back-to-School Drive was a joy from beginning to end. It put supplies into the hands of students who needed them, connected UCLI with three wonderful schools and organizations on Salt Lake’s west side and in Utah County, and gave Fellows, Ambassadors, interns, and attorneys a chance to serve alongside one another before the school year began.

UCLI is grateful to Costco for the donation credit; to Chipotle and Café Zupas for hosting fundraiser nights; and to the incredible individuals who made it all possible We also thank everyone who bought dinner on a weeknight because a flyer asked them to, and every volunteer who filled backpacks on a Monday afternoon and then spent a long Thursday evening handing them out. Because we passed our fundraising goal, we were able to put together more backpacks than we ended up needing, and the extras are already set aside for next year’s Back-to-School Drive. It is a good problem to have and a happy place to start from next August.