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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.

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.

On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the first Women of the World Workshop took place at the South Salt Lake Promise Co-Op, featuring a presentation by Ramzi Hamady with catering provided by Kafé Mamai. This workshop is part of a 4-session series hosted in collaboration with Women of the World (WoW) and UCLI, designed to enhance legal knowledge and empower displaced women. Women of the World is a nonprofit organization that offers boutique service and capacity-building programs aimed at fostering displaced women’s self-reliance and community building. Their mission is to provide personalized support to immigrant and refugee women, helping them achieve economic empowerment and integration into their new communities.

Ramzi Hamady, the presenter, is an experienced associate at Ray Quinney & Nebeker, practicing in the firm’s Family Law and White Collar Crime sections. Ramzi has also served as Past President of the Utah Minority Bar Association and as a Panel Member for both the ACLU Legal Advisory Panel and the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion. He has been recognized as a “Rising Star” in Family Law by Mountain States Super Lawyers for 2023-2024 and currently serves on the Utah State Bar’s Family Law Executive Committee. We were grateful for his willingness to share his legal expertise with the attendees, empowering them with knowledge that would serve them as they navigate life in a new environment. 

This workshop aligns with WoW and UCLI’s shared mission to foster safe and inclusive spaces, especially for individuals from immigrant and refugee backgrounds, and to enhance their understanding of their legal rights. Future sessions will cover key issues such as workers’ rights, basic USA residents rights, and immigration. We are grateful to Ramzi Hamady for his informative presentation and to Kafé Mamai for providing delicious food for the event. This workshop series continues to serve as an invaluable resource for legal education and community empowerment.

UCLI was thrilled to be invited by Utah Global Diplomacy to address their 2024 International Leadership Academy. Utah Global Diplomacy is a local non-profit whose goal is to build global connections between the people of Utah and other nations, promoting mutual respect and international goodwill. The International Leadership Academy they sponsor is a cohort-based program that brings together dynamic young professionals or students each week to dive into world affairs topics, engage with local subject matter experts, and join in immersive, hands-on activities designed to enhance their knowledge, confidence, and professional skills. 

On the evening of Wednesday, October 9 Kaitlyn Pieper, UCLI executive director, presented about diversity and equity in Utah with a special focus on the legal profession and why workplace inclusion is so important. Following her presentation, local attorney at the Attorney General’s office Chris Pieper spoke about lawyers as bridge builders and led a discussion on the importance of disagreeing thoughtfully. The presentation was a great opportunity to connect with future attorneys, as many of the program participants are law-school bound, and to make new community connections. We hope to see many of the International Leadership Academy participants join Utah’s legal profession and look forward to seeing the great ways they change this state for the better.

UCLI recently awarded the UCLI LSAT Scholarship to nine recipients. These awards have now been offered to pre-law students for the fourth year in a row. The Scholarship is aimed at expanding opportunities for students pursuing legal education who have a record of service to Utah’s underrepresented communities and display a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in their future legal career. University students, recent graduates, and others in the state of Utah who have taken or who anticipate taking the LSAT examination in 2024 were eligible to apply. We are grateful to ACE Test Prep for providing discounted test preparation materials to our winners who plan to study for the test in the latter half of the year. We congratulate the winners and wish them luck as they take the next step in their journeys toward becoming legal professionals. Learn more about the nine incredible 2023 recipients below.

 

“Siale is a Utah native who graduated from American Fork High School. She was awarded an athletic scholarship for volleyball at BYU where she later graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She played an additional year of volleyball at UCR while starting her master’s degree. Siale married her husband Aleva in 2020 and they were blessed with the addition of their son Ace in 2023. Her hobbies include reading and coaching volleyball. Siale loves to uplift and advocate for others and hopes to elevate her efforts in doing so by achieving her lifelong dream of going to Law School.”

 

“Salma Rios is a first-generation student from Mexico, passionate about fostering positive change in her community. She earned an Honors Bachelor of Science in Criminology, with a thesis on “Police Response to IPV in Communities of Color,” as well as a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Utah. She has extensive experience working with Latino-focused organizations, including serving as a Community Organizer at Comunidades Unidas. Salma is an active member of the Latino Leaders Network, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing leaders together, where she volunteers at events like the Latino Leaders Luncheon Series. Recently, Salma has expanded into the legal field, gaining experience in personal injury law and currently working as a Legal Case Manager at Fuerza Legal. Bilingual in Spanish and English, she is committed to using her expertise to empower her community and make a meaningful impact. Outside of her professional endeavors, Salma enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, traveling, attending concerts, watching movies, reading, and staying active, while always remaining open to new adventures and challenges.”

 

“J. Enrique Sanchez is the Intermountain State Director for the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC). A graduate of the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College, he previously interned with the Latino Leaders Network in Washington, D.C., and served as the Community Specialist for the Park City Police Department. Enrique serves on the boards of the University of Utah Latinx Alumni, the Park City Community Foundation, and the Park City Youth Football Ute Conference. A proud DACA recipient and advocate, Enrique brings his experience as a Utah-raised Latino immigrant to his work, promoting sensible immigration solutions.”

 

“Tate Warren is a first-generation college student at Weber State University, studying Political Science and Quantitative Economics. He has completed a total of five internships across private and public spaces, including both state and federal levels. Currently, Tate serves as Chief Justice for the Weber State University Student Association (WSUSA) and is involved in researching state solicitor generals’ litigation strategies before the US Supreme Court. In his free time, Tate enjoys participating in sports, spending time with family, and listening to Supreme Court podcasts. Tate aspires to a career in Appellate Litigation.”

 

“Raquel Andreasen is a first-generation student and graduate driven by a passion for advocacy and uplifting underrepresented populations. Since earning her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and legal studies from Weber State University, she has begun pursuing her dream of attending law school, undeterred by the challenges she faces. Having aged out of foster care herself, Raquel deeply understands the obstacles faced by individuals in underprivileged communities. Throughout her legal career, she aims to contribute to creating a more inclusive legal community, ensuring that diverse voices are heard.”

 

“Diane Bahati is a student at the University of Utah, finishing up the last semester of her undergraduate degree. Diane was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to the United States in 2006 as a refugee. For the past three years, Diane has been an intern in the Utah State Legislature. She spent seven months interning for the Office of the Governor, where she discovered her passion for public service. Her passion for policy and law is what motivated her to pursue law school. She is truly grateful for the many opportunities she has been given.”

 

“Aranza Castillo is a proud first-generation immigrant from Mexico. She graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Business Management in 2021. As she navigated the higher education system, she became increasingly aware of the various systems of oppression and how they affect underrepresented communities. These experiences fueled her passion for social justice and motivated her to pursue roles that empower, educate, and uplift her community. During her time in school, she actively participated in programs that support first-generation and undocumented students. Aranza is deeply grateful for this scholarship and the support UCLI has provided in helping her work toward her goal of becoming an attorney.”

 

“Shai Salas Alvarez, originally from Southern California, graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and now works at the Matheson Courthouse. They’re passionate about pursuing a career in law, with a focus on immigration, debt collection, and workers’ rights. Having witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by those without access to legal resources, they aspire to advocate for marginalized individuals and work toward transforming the legal system into a more inclusive and equitable space for all.”

 

“Lea Cinq-Mars is a student at the University of Utah, pursuing a degree while managing two jobs and preparing for the LSAT. She is graduating Spring of 2025 with a Major in Philosophy and Certificates in Criminology and Social Justice Advocacy. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, she mentors a diverse group of students at Endeavor Hall, empowering them to navigate academic challenges. Additionally, Lea is a critical team member of the law firm Gardner and Taylor, PLLC, specializing in employment-based immigration. At the firm, she helps foreign nationals navigate the ins and outs of working and studying in the US. Inspired by her family’s journey as immigrants, Lea is passionate about making a meaningful impact in the legal field.”

The All Rise Utah Program held a banquet on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. The event was well attended by Utah judges from all levels of judiciary, including justices from the Utah Supreme Court, as well as dozens of law students from both Utah law schools. They were joined by practicing attorneys from supporting firms and organizations. 

The event was a chance for students to hear from Chief Justice Durrant of the Utah Supreme Court, as well as to network with judges and attorneys. Chief Justice Durrant reiterated the Utah State Courts’ commitment to attracting well qualified judges who reflect the increasingly diverse demographics of the State of Utah. 

The All Rise Utah program is an ongoing collaborative effort directed by the Utah State Courts, to build a pipeline of students and attorneys who will one day seek judicial appointments in Utah. The program helps law students and attorneys begin to see themselves as future judges. It will also provide mentorship opportunities at both the law school and attorney level to help individuals prepare for and apply for judicial openings. All Rise Utah is led by Judge Diana Gibson of the Utah Third District Court, and Jon Puente, Director of the Utah State Court’s Office of Fairness and Accountability. Supporting organizations include: the Utah State Bar, Utah Minority Bar Association (UMBA), LGBT and Allied Lawyers of Utah (LALU), Women Lawyers of Utah (WLU), The Young Lawyers Division of the Utah State Bar (YLD), The Disability Law Center (DLC), and the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI). 

We look forward to continuing to help plan and support events for both law students and attorneys for All Rise Utah. If you have questions or would like to be involved in the program please contact Jonathan Puente, the Director of the Utah State Court’s Office of Fairness and Accountability,  .

 

UCLI is entering its fifth year of the mentoring program with Mr. John Arthur’s 6th grade class at Meadowlark Elementary in the Rose Park neighborhood of Salt Lake City. The school educates about 400 students, 98% of whom are economically disadvantaged and 90% of whom come from diverse backgrounds. 

To help improve the proficiency of his students, Mr. Arthur – known as “Captain” by his students – collaborated with his friend Melina Shiraldi, an attorney in the Salt Lake City US Attorney’s Office, to create the Meadowlark Mentoring initiative. This program, which brings attorneys into the classroom every week to mentor students in writing skills, has become very popular and is one of the most long-standing and rewarding initiatives UCLI has been involved in. 

On most Fridays during the school year, 20-30 attorneys visit Mr. Arthur’s classroom to help students improve their creative and persuasive writing skills. In recent years, attorney mentors have invited the class to visit their law firm offices and even the Utah Supreme Court. This year will be no different. The 2024-2025 attorney mentors joined a kick-off party on October 1 to discuss their lives as lawyers and participate in a group activity with the kids, where they respectfully debated different topics. The class then enjoyed donuts and a kickball game, allowing students to interact with the various visiting attorneys and interns. The event was successful and enjoyable for all involved! 

UCLI is grateful for Mr. Arthur and his outstanding students, and for the wonderful attorneys who devote time to this great cause every week. We are excited for the growth and relationships that will be built this upcoming year. There are still a few volunteer spots remaining; if you are interested in participating as a mentor, please get in touch with UCLI at .

UCLI’s seventh Kirton McConkie Pre-Law Fellowship Workshop was held at the distinguished BYU J. Reuben Clark Law School on Saturday, September 14th. The Pre-Law Fellows gathered in a spacious classroom designed to resemble a courtroom, complete with a witness stand, jury bench, and elegant woodwork. This unique learning environment was just one of the many distinctive features of the J. Reuben Clark Law School that Anthony Grover, Dean of Admissions, introduced to the Fellows. Dean Grover generously offered a tour of the law school early on a Saturday morning, despite living quite a distance away in Bountiful.

During the tour, the Fellows gained insight into the life of a BYU law student as they explored the law library, visited classrooms, and admired the personalized study carrels—another special aspect of BYU Law. Dean Grover also highlighted the numerous opportunities available to students, including international study programs and 1L academies designed to give students hands-on experience in different areas of law.

After the informative tour, Brent Dunn delivered a presentation on effective strategies for preparing for the LSAT, round two. As the founder of ACE LSAT Preparation, Brent Dunn has been an invaluable resource to the Fellows as they navigate their LSAT preparation. His guidance and support are greatly appreciated by UCLI, as they help ensure the Fellows are fully equipped for this critical step in their law school journey.

The workshop concluded with a panel discussion featuring four current BYU Law students, who shared their personal experiences about the realities of law school. The students discussed how they discovered their passion for law, offered advice on writing personal statements, provided tips for managing the rigorous coursework, and shared humorous anecdotes about their time at BYU Law. Their stories were both inspiring and heartwarming, and we look forward to seeing how the Fellows will channel their enthusiasm and compassion as future law students.

We extend our sincere thanks to the J. Reuben Clark Law School for hosting the 2024 Pre-Law Fellows, with special gratitude to Dean Grover. We also deeply appreciate Brent Dunn for his ongoing dedication to helping each Fellow achieve their desired LSAT score. Lastly, we are grateful to 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 for making this event possible.

 

One of the things we hear most often from practicing attorneys is “I wish the Utah Center of Legal Inclusion had been around when I was in law school!” Now that UCLI does exist, we hope that no student has to make it through law school without knowing about the services and resources it offers. UCLI staff, interns, and volunteers spent the last month meeting law students on their campuses and sharing information about the valuable programs, fellowships, and scholarships they can take advantage of throughout their law school career. We successfully recruited 53 law students to the Utah Law Student Mentoring program – the highest number of students we will ever mentor during the course of an academic year. 

UCLI staff were able to join students at the University of Utah’s S. J. Quinney College of Law on August 13, 2024 for the Law School Orientation Resource Fair, where we met dozens of 1Ls excited to begin their law school experience. On September 3, UCLI staff and volunteers went back to this campus for the Public Interest Careers Fair, which was sponsored by the Career Development Office in collaboration with the Pro Bono Initiative and Public Interest Law Organization. We were able to share a bit about UCLI’s purpose and programming while tabling and during an informal networking and hors d’oeuvres hour. 

UCLI staff and interns also attended the Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Opening Social on September 5, 2024. The social took place on the west patio of the law school and was a great chance to connect with new and returning BYU Law students, while getting to know their clubs and offerings. 

We are grateful for the hospitality of university staff and faculty for welcoming UCLI onto their campuses, and were delighted to meet so many incredible law students through these events. We wish them the best of luck this academic year and are standing by to assist in any way we can.