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The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) is delighted to announce a new initiative, the Utah Legal Inclusion Award. This award celebrates an individual or organization in Utah’s legal community that leads with purpose and compassion to expand inclusion and opportunity in the law. It will be awarded every year in conjunction with the annual UCLI Fundraiser Luncheon, which takes place annually in the spring.

 

In 2026, we are proud to announce that the Intermountain Health Legal Department has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Utah Legal Inclusion Award. Intermountain Health was selected in recognition of their meaningful action and innovative efforts to promote a more welcoming legal profession, including through the implementation of the Utah Legal Inclusion Fellowship in collaboration with Kirton McConkie and UCLI. The Fellowship is a truly impactful program that has been improving professional opportunities for law students since 2022. Intermountain Health’s engagement in initiatives such as the UCLI Certification Program, the UCLI Sustaining Sponsorship, and many mentorship programs have also been meaningful and inspiring to others in the legal community.

 

UCLI had the opportunity to honor Intermountain Health’s Legal Department at the annual Fundraiser Luncheon: Building Impact Together. This event was held on April 22, 2026 at the Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek. In addition to providing the award to Intermountain Health’s Chief Legal Officer, Greg Matis, UCLI also premiered a brief film featuring members of the team and highlighting the efforts that led to this recognition. This film may be viewed here. 

  

We are deeply grateful for Intermountain Health Legal Department’s continued engagement and leadership within Utah’s legal community, and congratulate them on the service-oriented, people-focused work they do.

 

 

On April 22nd, 2026, the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) hosted its fifth annual fundraising luncheon at the Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek. The luncheon serves as a significant fundraising event, financially supporting UCLI’s non-profit work to advance the goals of fairness, opportunity, and inclusion in Utah’s legal profession. The event was attended by over 200 guests representing Utah attorneys, firms, law schools, and other organizations dedicated to improving inclusion in Utah’s legal community. 

 

The event began with a warm introduction from Jonathan Hafen, attorney at Parr Brown Gee & Loveless. Next, attendees heard from Carla Swenson-Haslam, an attorney representing Event Sponsor Kirton McConkie. Afterwards, Shawn Ferrin, CEO and Board Chair of Impact Sponsor Parsons Behle & Latimer, addressed the audience. Both speakers emphasized the importance and value of inclusion in the legal profession. Following their remarks, a video presentation revealed the recipient of the Utah Legal Inclusion Award: Intermountain Health’s Legal Department, and Greg Matis, Chief Legal Officer, received the award on behalf of his team.

 

Attendees then heard from the event’s keynote speakers, Dr. Susan Madsen and Nubia Peña, in a fireside discussion. Dr. Susan Madsen, a thought leader on promoting opportunity for women, shared important insights from her extensive research about the role of acknowledging our differences. Acknowledging our differences in identity and background is necessary if we hope to create the change we advocate for. Nubia Peña, a nationally recognized advocate, shared touching stories about her work as an attorney and the importance of recognizing the humanity of the people we work with in the legal profession. Her stories illuminated the value of all perspectives and experiences in the field, especially concerning advocacy for marginalized children and vulnerable persons often overlooked within the justice system.

 

Following this powerful conversation, audience members watched UCLI’s video: “Building Impact Together: Celebrating UCLI’s PLEDGE Program”. In the video, Christina Jepson, UCLI co-president, informed viewers about UCLI’s initiatives. Along with education about UCLI’s programs, the video allowed attendees to hear directly from students who have been positively impacted by UCLI. These positive impacts ranged from learning effective LSAT study techniques, building a professional identity through networking, and gaining access to a variety of professional opportunities. After the video presentation, attorney Nate Alder shared his personal experiences with UCLI and encouraged audience members to support UCLI’s non-profit work empowering Utah’s future legal leaders. Luncheon attendees considered ‘the power of one’ as they saw the impact of adding just one drop of food coloring to a jar of water, transforming the entire body of water into a vibrant color. They also wrote a postcard to themselves; they can look forward to receiving those in the mail in six months – keep an eye out for these special pieces of mail! Finally, Jon Hafen concluded the event, and auction items were distributed to the highest bidders. 

 

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion extends its gratitude to all in attendance and a special thanks to all who donated to support Utah’s next generation of legal professionals. We are humbled to report that greater funds were raised through this event than any previous fundraiser luncheon, and we thank each of you for your support. We also express our gratitude to the Utah Bar Foundation and the Florence J. Gillmor Foundation for their matching grants that allowed the impact of all individual giving to be tripled. We hope to continue building impact together, advancing opportunity in the legal profession for all.

 

Event Sponsor: Kirton McConkie

Impact Sponsor: Parsons Behle & Latimer

Scholarship Sponsors: Keller Preece, Ray Quinney & Nebeker, Rocky Mountain Advisory, and Spencer Fane

Table Sponsors: BYU Law, Fabian VanCott, Greenberg Traurig, Lowenstein Sandler, Parr Brown Gee & Loveless, Strong & Hanni, Utah Minority Bar Association, and the Young Lawyers Division

Sustaining Sponsors: Holland & Hart, Intermountain Health, Keller Preece, Kirton McConkie, Magleby Cataxinos, Maschoff Brennan, Parsons Behle & Latimer, Snell & Wilmer, Spencer Fane, Utah Bar Foundation, and Workman Nydegger

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion recently concluded its Winter Internship program, celebrating three outstanding interns as they complete this chapter of their journeys. Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is proud to recognize Derek Adkins and Eliza Mancilla, both graduating from Brigham Young University, and Luciana Chunga, graduating from the University of Utah!

Throughout the semester, these interns demonstrated exceptional dedication, initiative, creativity, and creativity. From supporting events and leading projects to contributing thoughtful writing and outreach efforts, each brought a strong work ethic and a genuine commitment to UCLI’s mission. Their contributions not only strengthened ongoing initiatives but also expanded access to the resources and opportunities that UCLI strives to provide.

As they graduate and take their next steps, all three interns are continuing to invest in their legal aspirations. Derek plans to take the LSAT and apply to law school, while Luciana and Eliza are also preparing for the LSAT and will take gap years to gain additional legal experience and further develop their interests before applying. While their paths may differ, what remains clear is the lasting impact they have made. Each of them leaves behind meaningful contributions through their projects, events, and the connections they helped foster within the UCLI community. More importantly, they leave a legacy defined by their character, curiosity, and commitment to growth.

We are incredibly grateful for all that Derek, Eliza, and Luciana have given to UCLI. They will be deeply missed, and we are excited to see the ways they continue to grow and lead in the years ahead! Please read more about the Winter’ 26 interns below.

“One of the most impactful parts of my experience with UCLI was the opportunity to learn from a wide range of perspectives while contributing to its mission. Being in a space where different backgrounds and viewpoints were not only present but actively valued gave me a deeper understanding of what inclusion truly looks like in the legal profession.

Through this experience, I developed a much stronger appreciation for professional inclusivity  and the role it plays in shaping more thoughtful, effective, and fair legal work. It challenged me to think more critically, listen more intentionally, and recognize the importance of creating spaces where everyone’s voice can contribute to meaningful progress.”

“One of the most meaningful parts of my internship with UCLI was helping plan the 2026 Luncheon. I had the opportunity to work behind the scenes gathering materials, coordinating auction items, and connecting with attorneys who are deeply committed to advancing UCLI’s mission. Watching the event come together showed me how much intention and care goes into building spaces that support fairness in the legal profession.

I also really valued being part of a community of pre-law students who are not only ambitious but genuinely supportive of one another. UCLI creates an environment where growth feels collaborative rather than competitive, and that is something I will carry with me moving forward. I look forward to staying connected and continuing to engage with this community in the future.”

“One of the things I appreciated most about UCLI was the way it created space for me to grow without limitation. I always felt supported in exploring my interests and developing my path in the legal field. That encouragement gave me the confidence to take initiative and fully invest in my pre-law journey.

Beyond the work itself, the relationships I built through UCLI are what will stay with me the longest. I know that the connections I made here will continue to shape both my personal and professional life, and I am grateful to be part of a community that feels lasting and meaningful.”

 

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) is proud to recognize Maschoff Brennan as a Sustaining Sponsor at the Advocate level. Through this partnership, Maschoff Brennan helps expand access to the legal profession and supports UCLI’s mission to build a more inclusive legal community across Utah.

Maschoff Brennan’s contribution to UCLI is a reflection of the firm’s internal values. As Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee, Mikhael Mikhalev leads initiatives that promote inclusion across all levels of the firm. In this role, he organizes trainings, supports outreach and recruiting efforts, develops mentorship programs, and works closely with firm leadership to ensure policies reflect a strong commitment to equity and belonging. As he explains, this work is centered on “promoting diversity across all levels of the firm” and creating systems that support long-term impact. At the core of these efforts is a clear goal: “to empower everyone to bring their unique perspectives to the table,” creating a stronger and more inclusive workplace for everyone.

This work is also deeply personal for Mikhael. As a first-generation asylum refugee from Russia, he understands firsthand the barriers that can exist when pursuing a legal career without established networks or resources. His experiences continue to shape his passion for expanding opportunity and access for others. Supporting UCLI’s mission is one way to help ensure that individuals from all backgrounds can see law as a viable and attainable path.

Looking more broadly at Utah’s legal community, Mikhael sees unique opportunities to expand inclusion through outreach and mentorship. “One of our greatest opportunities lies in expanding outreach and mentorship programs for students and young professionals from diverse backgrounds,” he notes. “Letting people know that becoming a lawyer is even an option for them is critical.”

Maschoff Brennan is optimistic about the future of its partnership with UCLI. “I hope that our partnership will continue to grow and inspire others to prioritize inclusion,” Mikhael shares. “I’m very optimistic that we can create a legal community in Utah where belonging is not just a goal, but a reality, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

We are pleased to honor Maschoff Brennan’s ongoing partnership, and we express gratitude for their generous support. Together, we look forward to continuing UCLI’s mission of creating a more inclusive legal environment.

Learn more about becoming a Sustaining Sponsor or contact us directly at to support UCLI’s mission.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) is pleased to welcome Yvette Donosso to its Fiduciary Board. Yvette has been practicing law for 25 years, specializing in family law and criminal defense. She has practiced in both state and federal courts in Utah, creating a deep connection to Utah’s Legal System.

Currently, Yvette serves on the Board of Trustees for Salt Lake Community College and remains actively engaged with organizations including the Utah State Bar and the Utah Minority Bar Association. Through this work, she continues to support diverse voices in the legal field, and help create pathways for broader participation and success.

​​Throughout her career, Yvette has been recognized for her leadership and impact, including receiving the Raymond Uno Award for Advancement of Minorities in the Law. Her work reflects a deep belief in building a legal community where opportunity is accessible to all.

Reflecting on joining the UCLI Board, Yvette shared: “As a Latina and first-generation college graduate, throughout my entire career I have strived to promote inclusion and fairness in the legal profession. Now more than ever, these goals are pivotal to under-represented communities in Utah. I have been a fan of UCLI from its inception and am honored to join its cause.”

We are honored to welcome Yvette to the UCLI Board and look forward to her contributions in strengthening a legal profession that is inclusive, representative, and supportive for everyone.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) is proud to welcome Sylvia Grace Acosta to the UCLI Fiduciary Board. Grace is a highly accomplished litigator with over 25 years of experience, having served in Nebraska’s Supreme Court and Utah’s Court of Appeals. We are honored to have such a dedicated attorney who has already been an advocate for UCLI’s vision in all her work. 

Grace’s contributions to the community are born of a commitment that has been cultivated by her upbringing. Her family’s dedication to public service has helped shape who she is today. “I come from a family that’s dedicated to public service. My parents were very philanthropic. It’s literally in my blood to just give of myself. Extending my time, knowledge, and treasure to UCLI fits perfectly in who I am as a person and as a lawyer.”

Grace’s impressive accomplishments include being licensed in four states, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and English at Auburn University, and later her J.D. at the University of Nebraska. Her skills as a litigator are commendable, and match her commitment to inclusion and educational opportunities in the legal profession. 

Grace has a notable legal career and an outstanding track record of involvement in her community, both of which will add great value to the UCLI  Fiduciary Board. As a daughter of Uruguayan immigrant parents, she brings an understanding perspective for our mission to keep expanding opportunities in the legal field for all communities. She shares: “[UCLI is] open to all kinds of people, no matter where they come from. It’s dedicated to educating others to accept people who are different from them. And that really fits into exactly who I am… It resonates with me very strongly as something that I want to do.”

Grace’s vision of who we are and can become as a legal community will propel forward the UCLI mission and contribute to the many successes that we hope to continue providing for students in the years to come. She stated: “I’m excited to interact with other people who are dedicated to making our profession better. I’m also really committed to helping the next generation along.” We are confident that Grace’s many accomplishments and leadership will aid us in that journey. On behalf of everyone at the UCLI team, we extend a warm welcome and gratitude to Grace and await the wonderful contributions she will bring.

On Thursday, March 5th, the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion, in partnership with All Rise Utah, hosted a mindful law event at the Salt Mine Productive Workspace in Sandy, Utah. The event brought together legal professionals and law students participating in the Utah Law Student Mentoring program and judicial mentoring program, and focused on topics such as mental health and well-being in the workplace. Additionally, guests were able to practice contributing to a more sustainable culture within the legal profession.

The evening began with guests checking in and immediately engaging in interactive icebreaker activities designed to encourage conversation. Judicial officers and students were able to become connected while participating in activities like ‘get-to-know-you’ bingo, where they moved around the room meeting others to complete prompts and learn about each other’s experiences. This created a natural way for guests to come together, share insights, and build greater community in a warm, welcoming atmosphere before the program began.

Judge Dianna Gibson, head of the All Rise Utah kicked off the event by sharing a few personal remarks and formally introducing the guest speakers. Representatives from All Rise Utah and UCLI were also present and warmly thanked the speakers, sponsors, and attendees for joining the conversation around mental health and sustainability in the legal profession.

Attendees then had the privilege of hearing from two guest speakers: Justice Paige Petersen of the Utah Supreme Court and Dr. Abigail Scoma, BYU Law Health and Wellness Counselor. Both of their speeches centered on mental health in law school, the culture of the legal profession, and the importance of redefining success in ways that prioritize personal well-being.

Justice Petersen began by sharing reflections from her career and discussing the importance of resilience and balance while preparing for a legal career. She spoke about the necessity of finding passion projects within the law in order to establish true commitment to their craft, and shared how that dedication will inspire true excellence in the field. She concluded by encouraging guests to prioritize well-being and happiness within their careers. 

Following Justice Petersen’s remarks, Abigail Scoma continued the conversation by discussing practical strategies for maintaining mental health while navigating law school and legal careers. Her presentation, Wellbeing: Awareness, Acceptance, and Action also touched on self-regulating practices she currently shares with the law students she counsels. Her remarks encouraged judicial officers and law students alike to think critically about how they define success and to consider approaches that allow for sustainability and personal fulfillment within the profession. She concluded by reminding the audience to envision themselves living the best sustainable careers possible. 

Following the keynote speakers, guests were encouraged to ask thoughtful questions to Justice Peterson and Dr. Scoma. Participants started conversations around navigating the challenges of a legal education, maintaining professional boundaries, and overcoming roadblocks to personal wellness. This began a myriad of discussions as different guests weighed in on the topics addressed. 

The evening concluded with informal networking as attendees continued conversations with professionals and other guests. Many law students and pre-law students were able to connect with peers and mentors in the legal community because of this amazing event! 

UCLI and All Rise Utah are grateful to everyone who joined the event and contributed to this evening centered around mental health and wellness within the legal profession. We would like to sincerely express our gratitude to Justice Peterson and Dr. Scoma for their time and talents as they shared their valuable experiences with us. Events like these contribute to the success and prosperity experienced by all those who participate in the Utah legal community while encouraging thoughtful dialogue about how the legal field can continue to evolve in supportive and sustainable ways. Finally, we would also like to thank and recognize the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association. It is through their valuable support and sponsorship that the Utah Law Student Mentoring program is possible. Events like these are also possible because of their continued support. 

 

 

On March 13th, UCLI was proud to host the third Pre-Law Fellowship seminar for the 2026 cohort! In this session, the Fellows were invited to join the many wonderful attorneys at the Parr Brown Gee and Loveless firm for the day. We are grateful to Parr Brown Gee and Loveless for providing us with the space and resources to support our Fellows. 

The seminar started with an informative panel of attorneys: Jascha Clark, Aerin Christensen, Dick Baldwin, and Drake Walker. The Fellows engaged in a thoughtful conversation as the panel shared their experiences at firms and law school. We appreciate the help that these attorneys gave, as they provided a valuable example of how well a firm could work together. As shared by Jascha, “I was looking for a team where I felt supported – a real partner, someone who cared about me as a person.” We value this perspective on the importance of team inclusion in a firm, especially from the successful attorneys who joined us. 

Fellows got to ask pressing questions regarding the transition from undergraduate institutions to law school. Each attorney shared their experience based on location, cost, and experience. They shared the importance of networking and what kind of attitude it takes to succeed. As Drake said, “It was interesting to see that when you just have to be humble, and nice, and a kind person—that will open doors for you.”

Fellows were later paired with volunteer mentors who operate in the legal field (i.e, attorneys, law students). Their mentorship started strong as each Fellow was introduced one-on-one to learn more about their mentor’s profession. We are excited to see how the Fellows create a strong connection with their mentors to help them navigate their legal professional path.

To conclude the seminar, Spivey Consulting Group gave a virtual presentation to the Fellowship cohort. Paula Gluzman and Sir Williams from Spivey provided an in-depth overview about the application process, navigating LSAC, and tips on resume and letters for recommendations. We are grateful for Spivey Consulting’s guidance and expertise they consistently provide for the 2026 Pre-Law Fellowship cohort.

We would like to thank all in attendance for coming together to support our 2026 Pre-Law Fellowship Cohort. Thank you to all of the panelists for speaking, the mentors that came to meet their mentees, and especially extend our gratitude to Parr Brown Gee & Loveless for allowing UCLI to host this seminar in their office.

On Tuesday February 10th, the Utah Legal Center of Inclusion (UCLI) was excited to host an LGBTQIA+ student networking event at Canyon Peak Events Center. The event was centered around attorneys, law students, and pre-law students with the hope of showing them the strength of community in the state of Utah.

The event began with the guests socializing with one another, giving law students and pre-law students the chance to network with other individuals in the legal field. Our main hope for this event was not only to demonstrate the strength of the community, but also to showcase many of the different and inspiring stories of LGBTQIA+ and allied attorneys. The conversation was accompanied by dinner as more students and guests joined.

At the event, we were honored to hear from esteemed guest speaker Professor Daniel Aaron, Associate Professor of Law at S.J Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. He opened his talk with “I was told I was supposed to make this ‘inspiring’,” as he did while sharing his experience as an out and proud gay attorney. His speech detailed the importance of representation. He touched on the many ways that the media has shaped the way that LGBTQIA+ community is viewed and how many, younger and older, have felt seen. He shared the importance of having representation in the legal field as many attorneys, like him, can often feel isolated or limited due to their orientation. Professor Aaron shared his hope that slowly but surely the legal profession will build that representation, and that others will be able to relate to and continue their own journey to the law. 

Following Professor Aaron’s talk, the conversation opened up to our other guests; they engaged thoughtfully on political issues and discussed ideas for ensuring that everyone in the community can feel included in our state. This met our goal of community engagement, and we were glad attendees felt comfortable enough to network and engage with the community.

Towards the end of the networking section of the event, pre-law and law students were asked to shift to various tables giving them a great opportunity to network with new attorneys as well as learn about their peers that they hadn’t had the chance to meet before. This was the perfect transition to the raffle, where everyone participated in a game of chance to win three incredible prizes to finish up the night.

We honor all those who joined us to have a conversation about the LGBTQIA+ law community in Utah. We especially want to thank Professor Daniel for taking time and effort to share his wonderful talk with us. We also express gratitude to the B.W. Bastian Foundation for providing a generous grant that allows us to devote time and energy to these community events.

 

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is proud to announce the legal employers that participated in and completed all requirements for the 2025 Certification Program. Through the Certification Program, legal employers statewide participate in a program that gives them resources to create their office culture effectively and deliberately. The program provides a five-requirement certification process for legal employers that allows them to set goals regarding their workplace strategies and practices, support meaningful causes in the broader community that help improve mentorship and retention, and evaluate their current performance through an annual survey. Additionally, the program provides training on relevant topics for legal employers for CLE credit. In all, we offer this program in order to commit to the mission of greater access and opportunity in the Utah legal field. 

 

Last year, 62 legal employers participated in the program, 17 completed all five requirements for certification. Many other employers completed some but not all of the goals. As an organization, we are grateful for the dedication and commitment expressed by all the legal employers who participate in the program.

 

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion would like to congratulate the following firms for completing the 2025 UCLI Certification Program. Your efforts have never been more important or meaningful.

 

2025 UCLI Certified Organizations: 

Fabian VanCott

Greenberg Traurig

Holland & Hart

Intermountain Health

Keller Preece

Kirton McConkie

Kunzler Bean & Adamson

Maschoff Brennan 

Michael Best & Friedrich 

Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Parsons Behle & Latimer 

Ray Quinney & Nebeker 

SF Firm

Spencer Fane

Strong & Hanni 

Utah Association for Justice

Workman Nydegger