News

With Veterans Day this month, the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) wishes to honor those who have served our country and continue to make a difference in their communities. This year, we spotlight Engels Tejeda, a veteran, attorney, and advocate for inclusion in the legal field.

Engels’ journey from the Dominican Republic to becoming a partner at Holland & Hart is inspiring and a testament to the unique strengths veterans bring to the legal profession. His path was shaped by hard work, mentorship, and the values instilled in him through his military service. Today, Engels gives back through initiatives like the Utah Law Student Mentoring Program, which connects diverse law students with career development opportunities and support. His story, which you can read more about here, is a reminder that veterans enrich our community through service in and out of uniform.

At UCLI, we are committed to celebrating the contributions of veterans in law and advocating for inclusion across all sectors. If you know a veteran in the legal community whose story deserves to be shared, we encourage you to reach out to . Your contribution will help us continue this critical conversation and honor the service of our veterans.

On Friday, November 8th, UCLI held its annual Pre-Law Symposium, drawing around 100 students from across the state to Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School for a day of inspiration, learning, and connection. The symposium aimed to provide students with valuable insights into beginning a legal career, including navigating the application process, preparing for the LSAT, accessing funding opportunities, and hearing from practicing attorneys. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to BYU Law for hosting this impactful event and to the many attorneys, professionals, and volunteers who made it an exceptional learning experience for aspiring legal professionals.

The day began with a delicious kolache breakfast and numerous networking opportunities, with representatives from the University of Utah’s S. J. Quinney College of Law, AccessLex, the Utah State Bar, and ACE Test Prep. Barbara Melendez, Director of Belonging at BYU Law, then opened the symposium with powerful remarks about the legal profession. “Law is more than a career; it’s a privilege,” she counseled the students. She emphasized the pressing need for diverse perspectives in the legal field, inspiring attendees to see their unique backgrounds as strengths.

A panel discussion on preparing for law school followed, led by Dean Anthony Grover, Dean of Admissions at BYU Law, and Director Isabel Moreno, Director of Admissions at the University of Utah Law. The admissions leaders offered practical advice and encouragement, with Director Moreno reminding students, “There’s a law school for everyone!”

The symposium also featured insights from five attorneys from diverse backgrounds, including Wayne Latu of Quinn Emmanuel, Jiro Johnson of Salt Lake Legal Defenders, Lisa Bohman of BYU Legal Counsel, and Grace Acosta of Trujillo Acosta Law. The panel shared candid advice about the realities of practicing law. Grace Acosta provided a memorable moment, quipping, “You come over to my house, you’ll think—that’s a nice house, that’s a nice car—but you need to know what it costs!”

The keynote address by Michalyn Steele, the Marion G. Romney Professor of Law at BYU, left a lasting impression on attendees. Drawing from her experiences as a Native American woman overcoming barriers in the legal profession, she encouraged students to persevere. “Other people will underestimate you,” she urged. “Don’t you be the one to clip your own wings. You have the audacity to hope—dare to dream.”

Throughout the day, students attended sessions tailored to their needs. Workshops included a lecture on financial resources for law school by Justin Zieman of AccessLex and an LSAT preparation session by Brent Dunn of ACE Test Prep. Students also participated in a mock law class taught by Professor Kif Augustine-Adams, gaining a taste of the law school experience. The day concluded with a panel of current law students from BYU and the University of Utah, who provided a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of law school life.

This year’s symposium set a new record for student registration and received overwhelmingly positive feedback. One student shared, “As a DACA recipient, I felt heard and hopeful about law school. I was unaware of the resources available for someone like me. I wish others knew about this.” Another noted, “I walked into the symposium today doubting my ability to pursue law school. However, after hearing the inspiring and motivational words from everyone, I feel that I can do my dream of law school.” A third attendee remarked, “[The symposium was] life-changing. It inspired me and also made me want to go to law school even more.”

This event’s success was made possible by the collective efforts of our community. We thank the dedicated speakers, attorneys, law students, and professionals who shared their time and wisdom, as well as each member of the planning committee. To the students who attended, thank you for bringing your enthusiasm and aspirations—we are honored to support your journeys and can’t wait to see the incredible impact you will make in the legal field. Finally, a warm thank you to this year’s sponsors who made this event possible: 

Access Lex

Anderson & Karrenberg

Intellectual Property Section of the Utah State Bar

Maschoff Brennan

SF Firm

Stowell Crayk Ogden

Utah State Bar

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is excited to welcome its newest member to the Fiduciary Board, Joshua Gifford! Joshua will serve as UCLI’s Tax/Accounting Advisor, replacing Matt Connors who will step down at the end of 2024 after many years of valuable service. 

A proud native of Sugar House in Salt Lake City, Joshua grew up in a loving family with two brothers and two sisters. He attended Highland High School and went on to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Utah. Joshua began his career as a Tax Associate at Tanner LLC and eventually transitioned to Rocky Mountain Advisory as a Senior Associate and is now a manager. He describes this experience as both challenging and rewarding. With his versatile skill set as an accountant, Joshua’s expertise includes business valuation, fraud investigation, dispute analysis, and much more.

 Joshua first discovered the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion while helping with their tax return reviews at Rocky Mountain Advisory. When the opportunity to join the Fiduciary Board came up, he jumped at the chance. Joshua remarked, “I think UCLI is a vital cause, and I’m excited to support its mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal community.”

 Above all his professional achievements, Joshua considers his greatest achievement to be his beautiful wife and their two wonderful daughters, ages 4 and 7. The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is proud to announce Joshua Gifford as the newest member of the Fiduciary Board and are grateful for his willingness to serve in 2025.

To support the legal journeys of the future leaders of tomorrow, UCLI partnered with Utah State University (USU) to host a Pre-Law Event on October 24, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00pm. The event was held at the David Haight Alumni House on the USU campus. Dinner was provided, and pre-law students were given the opportunity to connect with lawyers, access pre-law resources, and meet prospective peers in the field.

 Cliff Parkinson, Associate General Counsel at Utah State University and UCLI Community Outreach Co-Chair, kicked off the event and then played the UCLI First Generation Outreach video. Kaitlyn Pieper, the Executive Director of UCLI, provided an informative presentation about the inequities that exist in Utah and the legal profession, and highlighted the importance of changing these dynamics. Following her presentation, Melesisi Pau’u, an intern at UCLI, shared her personal journey pursuing a legal education. The evening concluded with a keynote speech from Jacey Skinner, the chair of the Utah State Board of Trustees and the UCLI Advancement Committee Co-Chair. She recounted her experience in law school and offered guidance on navigating the legal field, including where to find resources and how to overcome feelings of imposter syndrome. Pre-law students then heard from various representatives of USU programs, including the Institute of Government & Politics, Transforming Communities Institute’s Access to Justice Program, Pre-Law Society, and Law & Constitutional Studies Program. It was a dynamic evening where students received resources and information on many programs and resources. 

 Law is one of the least diverse professions in the nation. By partnering with universities like Utah State to host pre-law events, our aim is to inspire students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams. It is essential that all voices and perspectives are heard and represented as we work towards safeguarding justice and driving meaningful change. UCLI is incredibly grateful to Dr. Christy Glass, professor of Sociology at USU and UCLI Tracking Progress Committee Co-Chair, for her leadership and passion in organizing this event. We are grateful to USU’s hospitality and generosity in hosting this event and allowing UCLI to participate.

UCLI partners at the USU event

Jacey Skinner’s motivational address encouraging students to pursue their dreams

Students watch the UCLI First Generation Outreach Video

Melesis Pau’u presents an inspirational keynote about her own journey through higher education

USU Pre-Law Event

On Tuesday, October 29th, UCLI and Women of the World hosted their last legal workshop of the year. For the past four weeks, these workshops have welcomed migrant and refugee women community members and provided legal education on topics ranging from divorce and custody to workers’ rights. These workshops have been specially designed to address the critical legal challenges many displaced women face. UCLI is immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to partner with Women of the World on these inspiring and insightful sessions.

The final workshop in the series was especially unique as it was hosted entirely in Spanish. The workshop’s topic was immigration and featured Geidy Achecar, a talented immigration attorney and dedicated supporter of UCLI’s mission. Ms. Achecar currently runs her own practice while simultaneously serving on UCLI’s Fiduciary Board and providing programmatic support to pre-law programming. Ms. Achecar herself is an immigrant, raised in a Spanish-speaking home in New York City. Growing up in this environment has instilled in her a deeply empathetic understanding of the struggles her clients face. Outside her law practice, she is involved in the Latino community in impactful ways, including serving as Co-executive Director of the Utah County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and as a legal fellow for Senator Luz Robles of the Utah State Senate.

During the workshop, Ms. Achecar covered several important topics, including the dangers of notarios (individuals who falsely claim they can provide immigration support without legal training), the parole-in-place policy, as well as assuaging fears about anticipated changes to the immigration process following the election.

We extend our deepest thanks to everyone involved in the workshops this year: to Ms. Achecar for her excellent presentation, to the South Salt Lake Promise Co-Op for providing a welcoming meeting space, to the many restaurants that generously provided meals, to the dedicated attorneys who shared their expertise, and especially to Women of the World for their invaluable partnership. Together, we have created a space of empowerment and support for the community we serve.

Geidy presenting information at the workshop

The workshop attendees getting ready for the presentation

Comunidades Unidas also had a presence at this event and shared resources with attendees

On the evening of October 22, 2024, Women of the World (WoW), in collaboration with the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI), hosted a workshop focused on basic rights at the South Salt Lake Promise Co-Op. The third legal workshop in the four-part series was presented by Abby Dizon-Maughan, a dedicated member of UCLI’s fiduciary board. As an experienced litigator at Parsons and the Chairperson of the Criminal Justice Committee of the NAACP, Abby passionately enlightened community members about their essential residential rights in the USA. These rights encompass equal access to education, privacy in educational records, the essence of informed consent, and strategies for engaging with the police. Abby emphasized that these rights are particularly crucial for people of color, as these groups are often the most vulnerable to exploitation. One key point she made regarding medical treatment was to always ask the doctor: “What are the costs? What are the benefits? And what are the alternatives?” Abby advised that posing these questions could enhance the quality of care received and reduce the likelihood of being charged for unnecessary treatments.

 A grateful community member captured the sentiment perfectly when they said, “People like Abby make this community better.” We extend our heartfelt thanks to Abby Dizon-Maughan for her unwavering commitment to the community, to the translators for their invaluable support, and to Halab’s Jasmine Kitchen for the delicious catered food. Together, we are building a more informed and hopeful future.

Abby teaches community members about their legal rights.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Utah Law Student Mentoring Program is in full swing: 52 law student mentees have been paired with 94 volunteer attorney mentors, and we imagine lots of great conversations and professional skill-building have already happened. The Opening Social was another great opportunity for mentors and mentees to meet in person while enjoying good food and stress relief activities. The Social was held on the evening of Thursday, October 17 at the And Justice For All Building and focused on thriving practices for law school and beyond. Attendees were able to select which mini-workshops to participate in; options included sessions on Breathwork, a Mindfulness Meditation, and a Community Workshopping Circle. 

Scarlet Smith, attorney at Strong & Hanni and PLEDGE: Law Co-chair welcomed students to the event. Mary Anne Davies of the Disability Law Center, who kindly made arrangements for us to meet in the venue, then kicked the event off by discussing accommodations at law school, so that all students could understand resources available to them to ensure their physical, mental, and emotional well-being while at school. Program participants were then able to choose from one of the mini-workshops described below. We had a great time together not just learning about but also embodying wellness practices, and letting our hair loose in a casual and fun environment. 

Law is one of the careers with a notoriously poor mental health reputation and reality. UCLI wants to ensure that law students have the tools they need to survive and thrive in this environment, starting now to build the practices and habits that will serve them throughout their career. We are so grateful to the practitioners who shared their wellness wisdom with us and to the attorney volunteers who showed up to provide mentorship and care. We also thank the Disability Law Center once more for the fantastic venue and caterers Zaatar & Zayton for the delicious hors d’oeuvres. Wishing all Utah law students a healthy and happy fall semester!

Breathwork with Katie Schiffgen, Utah-based somatic practitioner

Participants were guided through a 20-minute “Breathwork Journey” along with some optional movement practices. This journey is intended to allow participants to blow off some steam, release suppressed emotions, and ultimately reconnect to a more integrated and whole version of themselves.

Mindfulness Meditation with Cliff Rosky, Professor of Law at S.J. Quinney College of Law

In this session, participants learned to practice mindfulness—paying attention to what is happening in the present moment, with non-judgmental acceptance. Studies have found that the practice of mindfulness is associated with a wide range of benefits, including the reduction of stress, anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors. 

Community Workshopping Circle with Sunné East, community strategist specializing in restorative practices and relationship-building

Participants in this session gained valuable insights and fostered meaningful connections through reflection and wisdom sharing. Participants paired up for one-on-one discussions, exploring personal perspectives and experiences on various topics related to the educational journey. Then they returned to the circle to share key takeaways, highlighting the gems from individual conversations. This session offered a supportive environment for navigating life’s challenges to foster growth and balance.

Attendees practice breathwork.

PLEDGE Co-chair Scarlet Smith welcomes everyone to the event.

Participants in the Community Workshopping Circle.

Mary Anne Davies, attorney at the Disability Law Center, speaks to law students about accommodations.

Students and attorneys connect.