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UCLI is grateful to receive – for the third consecutive year – the Diversity Grant award from the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association. The Foundation supports the Federal Bar Association’s efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion by awarding grants that fund educational, community service, or outreach projects or programs with a diversity focus that involve FBA Chapter, Section, Division, or member participation. 

UCLI and the Federal Bar Association share a common goal of eliminating bias and promoting diversity within the legal profession, and UCLI is honored to be one of the recipients of their grant awards in 2024. The funds received from the Foundation will go towards the Utah Law Student Mentoring (ULSM) program, ensuring that law students in Utah have access to mentors, networking events, and the resources they need to thrive as students and beyond. We are grateful to the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association for their support of Utah students; you are shaping the future of the legal profession in the state!

Learn how a UCLI intern’s personal journey with the Boys and Girls Club inspired an impactful back-to-school drive in Utah. Sabrina shares how this experience has shaped her commitment to lifelong activism. Learn how two organizations are making a difference, one student at a time.

The Drive

This past month, UCLI had the privilege of spearheading a Back-to-School Drive in collaboration with Backman Elementary School and the Boys and Girls Club, which serves local schools across Utah. We put out the call and Utah’s legal community answered in a big way; attorneys, legal professionals, and community members donated hundreds of items, including backpacks, notebooks, pencil cases, pencils, pens, crayons, erasers, highlighters, folders, and hygiene items. UCLI interns, volunteers, and staff members assisted with packaging the items into individual backpacks containing everything a student could need for their first day of school. Monetary donations allowed us to purchase items in bulk to supplement all the supplies and ensure we had everything we needed. Once the items were ready, it was time to share them with students!

The first drop off event was held on Saturday, August 10 in Utah County, where UCLI’s hundreds of donations joined the many more provided to the Boys and Girls Club, and students could select the items they needed for the school year. The second drop off event was held at Backman Elementary School’s Back-to-School night on August 28. Children and their families poured into the auditorium and had the opportunity to select a backpack full of supplies and learn more about UCLI and its resources. Overall, the Drive was a smashing success and it was thanks to the generosity and engagement of the legal community. It is great to know that despite the many barriers being enacted for underserved students across the state, we can still make a difference.

The Story Behind the Drive

UCLI’s summer intern, Sabrina Ruiz Monroy, led this project. For everyone who donated, this effort was about contributing to students’ success across Utah, even if in a small way. But for Sabrina, this project held an especially deep and personal significance.

Sabrina spent most of her life growing up in South Florida. Due to financial constraints, she couldn’t always participate in paid school sports or join clubs that required extra fees. During this challenging time, the Boys and Girls Club became a lifeline for her family. After her mother was introduced to the program by word of mouth, she soon enrolled Sabrina.

For Sabrina’s family, the Boys and Girls Club was a reliable support system. It provided her with opportunities to engage in STEM lab environments, play volleyball and other sports, and, most importantly, benefit from a mentor who guided her through her academic journey. Fast forward to today, Sabrina has helped gather school supplies for students in Boys and Girls Clubs across Utah County. She is now nearing graduation from Brigham Young University and preparing to apply to law school, with the hope of continuing to give back to her communities. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of community support and personal resilience.

The Boys and Girls Club has a motto that Sabrina believes is essential for all of us to embrace: “Whatever it takes.” This philosophy recognizes that it takes an army of people, a safe environment, high-quality programs, and unique experiences to level the playing field for all kids. As they say, “The Boys & Girls Clubs don’t just do one thing; we do whatever it takes to build great futures.” This mission aligns closely with UCLI’s belief in the fundamental dignity and equality of all people, as both organizations are committed to seeing individuals for who they are and who they can become, while fostering a safe and inclusive environment where everyone is heard and respected. This shared commitment to social justice and equality unites us in our efforts to make a difference.

Reflecting on the impact of the Boys and Girls Club, Sabrina shared, “The Boys and Girls Club means so much to me because they are an organization that truly cares about students and their lives. They care about whether you have food, your mental health, your spelling bee, your winning goal. So when UCLI gave me the chance to lead a fun side project, organizing a school drive to support students in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club was a no-brainer.”

As Sabrina continues on her academic and professional journey, she hopes to leave behind a legacy of activism. She recalled a moment from a class when a professor said, “Each of you is here because we know that you care profoundly about something greater than yourselves. You all want to make a change… We are the activists of our time.” At first, Sabrina hesitated, worried she might be diminishing the work of those who have founded justice movements or written bestselling books. But she came to realize that activism is not a title; it’s a practice. It’s about doing the deep and devoted work of lifelong change-making.

For activism to be consistent, it must be sustainable—lasting a lifetime, not just a season. It must make sense in the context of who we are, what our lives look like, what we are skilled at, what inspires us, and what our capacity is. The Boys and Girls Club understands this, and Sabrina firmly believes that UCLI does too. She looks forward to continuing the upward cycle, and empowering students to begin their own journeys of activism, education, and service.

UCLI Intern Sabrina Ruiz Monroy at the Boys and Girls Club drop-off event on August 10

Participants get ready for the school year, picking up the items they need

Students at the Boys and Girls Club event select new backpacks

UCLI executive director Kaitlyn Pieper tables at the Backman Elementary Back-to-School Night

A family selects supplies for the school year

A student picks out a new backpack

Students display their new backpacks at Back-to-School Night

On Saturday August 10th, UCLI held the sixth UCLI & Kirton McConkie Pre-Law Fellowship Workshop. This workshop was doubly sponsored by the Utah Attorney General’s Office, who located a beautiful venue for us next to their office in the Utah State Capitol, and Ray Quinney & Nebeker, who provided a fantastic lunch for all participants.

We were honored to be joined by Paula Gluzman, a consultant and the director of Diversity & Inclusion at Spivey Consulting Group, who came out to Utah from California to provide in-person advisement for the last time this year. This workshop was the final of three that focused exclusively on law school and scholarship applications, walking the Fellows through the process and helping them hone their application materials. The focus of this last workshop included topics like why statements, scholarship essays, and how to put all the pieces of the law school application together. Fellows received targeted information about how to be successful with each of these components and then had time for one-on-one consultations with their mentors or attorney volunteers who showed up to assist for the day. Following the one-on-one component, Fellows heard from Attorney General representative Chris Pieper, as he led a tour of the Attorney General’s space in the Capitol and shared a presentation about government track careers and the significant impact attorneys can have in that space. We even had a surprise drop-in from the (cardboard cutout version of) Attorney General Sean Reyes. At the close of the workshop, UCLI intern Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy generously volunteered her time and talent to take professional headshots for each Fellow. Thank you, Sabrina, and thank you to each of the amazing attorney volunteers who attended, including Ben Harmon from Intermountain Health, Geidy Achecar from Achecar Law, and Chris Pieper from the Attorney General’s Office. Each attorney had helpful advice to share and the Fellows benefited greatly from their participation. We fully expect to see the 2024 Pre-Law Fellows back at the Capitol someday as legal professionals as well as decision-makers, leaders, and community activists.

We thank Paula Gluzman and each of the attorneys for their time and effort on behalf of the 2024 Pre-Law Fellows. We also extend our gratitude to workshop sponsors Utah Attorney General’s Office and Ray Quinney & Nebeker, as well as to program sponsors Kirton McConkie, University of Utah Office of General Counsel, LSAC DEI Pipeline, Utah Bar Foundation, and Family Law Executive Committee Bar Section for their contributions that have made all of this possible.

Attorney Ben Harmon reviewing the law school application materials of Fellow Ruby Vejar

Paula Gluzman, Iradukunda Esperance, and Camden Alexander

Fellow Aranza Castillo playing a get-to-know-you game with her attorney mentor, Geidy Achecar

Pre-Law Fellows on the steps of the Capitol

Chris Pieper presents about the Attorney General’s Office and government track legal careers

2024 Pre-Law Fellows with UCLI staff, Paula Gluzman, and attorney volunteers

On August 15th, UCLI had the privilege of participating in a remarkable event hosted by One Refugee, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students from refugee backgrounds across Utah and Idaho. This conference, held at the O.C. Tanner headquarters in Salt Lake City, brought together over 300 inspiring young scholars pursuing their education across 18 campuses. The event allowed these students to connect with professionals, gain valuable insights, and explore potential career paths.

The day started with workshops and informational sessions for volunteers. Attendees were presented with impressive statistics on the students’ graduation rates, employment success, scholarships awarded, and the overall impact of One Refugee’s efforts. The highlight of the event was the networking session, during which multiple members of UCLI’s staff (Executive Director Kaitlyn Pieper and UCLI Intern Sabrina Ruiz Monroy) and UCLI’s Leadership Council (attorney Mary Anne Davies and S. J. Quinney College of Law Director of Admissions Isabel Moreno), engaged with students eager to learn about legal careers and the law school application process. Many of these students expressed an interest in pursuing law and helping others, and the UCLI team was thrilled to offer guidance and share their own experiences within the legal field.

The impact of these conversations was not only informative but also inspiring, as students articulated their ambitions and dreams of making a difference in their communities here as well as in their communities in their home countries. The conference served as a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, career development, and community connection in helping students from all backgrounds thrive in their academic and professional journeys. UCLI is grateful for the many impactful organizations making a difference for students in the state.

UCLI Leadership Council members Isabel Moreno and Mary Anne Davies speak to prospective students interested in the study of law

UCLI Summer Intern Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy networks with students

On July 13th, our fifth UCLI & Kirton McConkie Pre-Law Fellowship hosted a very informative session on Financial Aid and Debt Planning for Law School. The session, which the UCLI Pre-Law Fellows attended, was presented by Justin Zieman, a Student Advocate and Accredited Financial Counselor® with extensive experience in student financial wellness and student affairs, from AccessLex Institute. AccessLex Institute, a nonprofit organization with $800 million in net assets and partnerships with nearly 200 ABA-approved law schools, is devoted to improving legal education. Their AccessLex Center for Legal Education Excellence focuses on increasing access for underrepresented groups, making law school more affordable, and solidifying the value of legal education. 

During the session, Justin covered a wide range of financial topics. He explained the ins and outs of the financial aid system, including how to apply for scholarships, when to apply for them, and how to navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). His practical tips and strategies prepare Fellows to better make informed financial decisions, ensuring they are well-prepared to manage the costs associated with their legal education and even beyond that.

Additionally, on July 18th, UCLI held a virtual Q&A session with Paula Gluzman, a consultant and the director of Diversity & Inclusion at Spivey Consulting Group. During this interactive event, our Fellows had the opportunity to ask Paula questions about the general navigation of law school, best practices in writing essays, the meaning of fit, and finding what works best for them. Paula’s expertise and advice provided invaluable guidance, helping our students understand the nuances of the law school application process and how to present themselves effectively.

These virtual events have been incredibly valuable and enlightening for our students. We recognize and appreciate the dedication and commitment our students have shown in participating in these events. We want to sincerely thank Justin Zieman and Paula Gluzman for their time and expertise. Their contributions have significantly impacted our Fellows, providing them with the tools they need to pursue their legal education confidently.

These workshops and the Pre-Law Fellowship are made possible through the generous support of our program sponsors: Kirton McConkie, the University of Utah Office of General Counsel, LSAC DEI Pipeline, Utah Bar Foundation, and the Family Law Executive Committee Bar Section. We are deeply grateful for their continued support, which is so crucial to helping us provide these learning opportunities to our pre-law fellows. Their contributions have a significant impact on the success of our program.

Women Lawyers of Utah (WLU) and the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) were pleased to co-host an evening discussion with Justice Durham and friends on the future of diversity and inclusion in Utah, particularly as it relates to the retention of women in the legal profession. The event was held on July 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Federal Courthouse, in the Jury Assembly Room. Before beginning, WLU presented the Christine M. Durham Woman Lawyer of the Year Award to Jacey Skinner. This award recognizes an outstanding woman in the legal profession who exemplifies professionalism, excellence, and a dedication to furthering the opportunities for women in the law. Jacey Skinner has held a variety of senior leadership roles in Utah state government, and her expertise includes all areas of government related legal issues. In accepting the award, she spoke about the importance of having a supportive community and thanked WLU for providing that to her throughout her legal career.

Following the presentation of this award, Justice Durham introduced the topic by highlighting some of the grave issues Utah faces today in the context of equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging – particularly in the legal profession. The panel was comprised of an incredible line-up of presenters which included Mickell Jimenez, Partner at Holland & Hart; Christina Jepson, Shareholder at Parsons Behle & Latimer; Andrea Martinez, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney; and Kim Cordova, Partner at Brass & Cordova. Each panelist in turn spoke to the topics, highlighting that despite the challenges and legal action that law firms are being threatened with, there is still a lot that we can all do. They reiterated the business case for DEI, and spoke to the ways that incorporating equitable programs and initiatives can benefit all employees. They talked about the need to push ourselves and step outside of our comfort zones in order to be in places of influence and create better outcomes for other people. The panel was inspiring and left event attendees with great information and lots of resolve to continue to help Utah’s legal profession reach its full potential.

Christina Jepson provides information about the state of DEI in Utah’s legal profession

Justice Christine Durham engages with audience members

Jacey Skinner is presented with the Woman Lawyer of the Year Award

Andrea Martinez shares her insights during the panel

UCLI is excited to kick off a back-to-school drive to support and empower students from underserved backgrounds. We are partnering with the Boys and Girls Club to provide school supplies for K-12 students across Utah. The schools involved range from Provo, Orem, and North Utah County to South Utah County, Beaver County, Iron County, Wasatch County, and Washington County; see the complete list of schools affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club here.

Students at these schools are in need of backpacks, basic school supplies, and hygiene items. All donations will be organized by UCLI volunteers and dropped off to the Boys and Girls Club, who will distribute the items to elementary, middle, and high school students in need. We are accepting donations until August 9th. 

To donate, you may either:

• Purchase your item directly from the Amazon UCLI Back-to-School Drive link; your item will be shipped directly to UCLI
• Donate to UCLI using this link; we will ensure that the funds received go directly towards the highest-priority items

Your generous donations will make a significant impact by ensuring that students start the school year with the necessary tools to succeed. Your support is not just a donation but a powerful tool that can change the trajectory of a student’s academic journey. Providing these supplies helps to level the playing field, giving every student a fair chance to excel academically, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Thank you for supporting this drive and contributing to a culture of empathy, collaboration, and respect. You are playing a crucial role in fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and supported, which is essential for their personal and academic growth and essential to creating an equitable society. We hope the recipients of this drive can thrive academically and join other UCLI pipeline initiatives down the road – maybe even joining Utah’s legal community someday! 

Thank you for your commitment to making a difference in the lives of Utah’s students. If you have any questions or issues, please reach out to .

Session 2 of the 2024 UCLI CLE Series was held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 via Zoom. The CLE was titled, “Procrastinator Series – What Affects a Lawyer’s Competence?: A Discussion of Rule 1 and Its Comments”. The panel discussion was part of the Utah State Bar’s June “Procrastinator Series” to coincide with the approaching CLE compliance deadline, and was moderated by Jonathan Hafen of Parr, Brown, Gee & Loveless. Jonathan is also a UCLI board member and is also chair of both the UCLI and Utah State Bar CLE committees. He was joined by five panelists Jacob Kent, Director of Litigation, Utah Legal Services, Aida Neimarlija, General Counsel, Larry H. Miller Real Estate, Jessica Ramirez, Attorney, Kirkland & Ellis, Olivia Rossi, Attorney, Office of Guardian ad Litem, and Erin Strahm, Attorney, Utah State Court Self-Help Center. The event was attended by over 800 attorneys who were able to hear from the panelists and their rich variety of work experiences and environments about how to manage well-being and build a sense of community and belonging in our legal workplaces. Managing these aspects of our environment is vital to an attorney’s competence to practice law.

The starting point of the discussion is comment nine to rule 1 of the Utah Rules of Professional Conduct published in 2023 which states: “(9)Lawyers should be aware that their mental, emotional, and physical well-being may impact their ability to represent clients and, as such, is an important aspect of maintaining competence to practice law and compliance with the standards of professionalism and civility. Resources supporting lawyer well-being are available through the Utah State Bar.” Each attorney shared about their workplaces, the unique opportunities and challenges in each setting, and the things they are doing to help support attorney wellbeing and community building.

Jacob Kent shared about Utah Legal Services and the important work they do. This work involves clients in crisis, many of whom are also experiencing domestic violence and other traumatic circumstances. The struggle for attorneys in this setting is to not let that trauma become transitive to the attorneys’ personal lives and mental and emotional well-being. For supervisors in this setting, regular check-ins with attorneys are key to staying on top of morale and well-being. They also hold regular get togethers outside of work to connect on non-work topics and hobbies.

Olivia Rossi shared similar sentiments working in the Guardian ad Litem’s office with clients who are all in various degrees of crisis. She mentioned how this setting requires another level of competence to meet the needs of clients who are often young and unable to advocate on their own behalf. In her experience it is key to have other outlets to release stress. Crafting is a go to for many attorneys outside of work hours to keep balance and wellbeing.

Jessica Ramirez presented the challenges and rewards of working in BigLaw. Ironically, these offices with hundreds of attorneys across several offices can sometimes create environments of isolation and loneliness. The Salt Lake office of Kirkland & Ellis has done a great job to combat this and create teams that operate collaboratively. Among other things, they provide opportunities for young attorneys to take ownership of parts of cases to begin to gain experience and competence as their careers progress.

Erin Strahm highlighted the great work attorneys at the Utah State Courts Self-Help Center (Center) provide to the State of Utah, and unrepresented litigants in particular. The Center also works with many who are in crisis. They also have the added dynamic of all working remotely from various places throughout the Wasatch Front. This work setup has the potential to be isolating. The Center does a good job in their work structure holding multiple check-in meetings each week, and a running group chat to provide ways for attorneys to stay connected. This has been vital for team cohesiveness and morale, providing means for attorneys to ask questions and provide encouragement to one another.

Aida Neimarlija shared her experience in her current in-house position, and also had the chance to share about her time as a solo practitioner earlier in her career. A similar refrain in each of these work settings is they often present a workplace with few attorneys to readily reach out for help and camaraderie. Aida has found it very helpful and rewarding to get involved with bar committees and other legal affinity groups and associations as a way to give back, and to build a supportive community of attorneys to turn to in times of need. Aida also shared a great analogy of plastic and glass balls to explain prioritization and balance in career and life. We are constantly juggling responsibilities and sometimes we need to make sure certain things don’t fall, and also let some things drop at times. The key is to discern what is less important (plastic) and what is non-negotiable (glass). This is different for everyone, and it’s important for every attorney to figure out which is which.

The panel provided an enriching and timely discussion for all attendees to focus and refocus on wellbeing and competence. Jonathan Hafen concluded by echoing a comment from the audience to remember that although we work in an adversarial system, attorneys do not need to be adversaries. This is a good reminder to not only be aware of our own well-being, but also help attorneys around us be their most healthy and competent selves. We extend a large thank you to our moderator, panelists, and the Utah State Bar CLE office for the great CLE. We also extend our thanks to the overwhelming number of participants who joined us. We hope you will join us for our next CLE on August 20, 2024. This session will help to demystify the judicial application and selection process. We look forward to seeing you then.

In our joint endeavor to foster equity and inclusion, UCLI and Mountain Mediation have been collaborating. The impact of Mountain Mediation’s distinctive approach, which focuses on community cohesion across Summit and Wasatch counties, is truly remarkable. Their diverse strategy, encompassing mediation services, landlord-tenant programs, communications training, and Community Conversations, has significantly bolstered the stability and harmony of our community. Notably, MMC’s comprehensive eviction diversion program is a testament to their unwavering commitment to ensuring the local workforce remains housed, further highlighting its unique approach.

Mountain Mediation’s outreach strategy is comprehensive, involving partnerships with over 15 community centers and collaborations with organizations like the Christian Center of Park City’s mobile food pantries. These partnerships deliver crucial education and resources in the parking lots of local apartment complexes, aiming to educate tenants and prevent conflict when possible.

Recognizing the powerful role of effective communication in creating healthy communities and trusting relationships, Mountain Mediation offers tailored communication training. This training is designed to address and improve both organizational and personal communication needs, demonstrating the tangible impact of their programs.

UCLI is proud to support MMC’s internship program for the third year in a row through a monetary donation, which directly benefits interns like Lance Rothchild, and supports the rising generation of students with an interest in the law. We also want to express our deep appreciation for Gretchen Lee, a pivotal contact who not only facilitates our collaboration but also plays a significant role in the success of our partnership. Her dedication and hard work are truly instrumental, and we are deeply grateful for them! Additionally, volunteers form the cornerstone of MMC’s outreach efforts, contributing their time and skills.

As we continue our partnership with Mountain Mediation, UCLI not only celebrates our shared commitment to empowering individuals, fostering understanding, and building resilient communities but also renews our dedication to this noble cause. Together, we can make a difference! Check out Mountain Mediation Center’s website here.

Mountain Mediation’s Outreach Coordinator Valeria Jimenez shares information and tenant resources at a Park City Mobile food pantry event. These outreach events occur throughout the summer and across Summit & Wasatch Counties.

Valeria and Mountain Mediation volunteer & attorney, Shannon, presented the basics about lease agreements at a Tenant Education Workshop in partnership with US Bank.

UCLI would like to congratulate and welcome our Durham Fellows for the 2024-2025 school year, Aliza Murad from the University of Utah SJ Quinney College of Law and Madelyn Poston from the Brigham Young University Law School. The fellowship is named in honor of Justice Christine Durham, former Justice of the Utah Supreme Court, current attorney at Wilson Sonsini, and UCLI Co-chair. This fellowship is intended to help facilitate the legal education of law students who show a demonstrated commitment to furthering the cause of justice, equity, and inclusiveness in Utah’s legal profession. Someone, who, like Justice Durham, will make the legal profession in Utah better for future generations.

The Durham Fellowship is awarded to two law students who serve for the duration of a given school year. One student is chosen from each of the two law schools in Utah. It includes a stipend which may be used toward tuition, housing, and other living expenses. Fellows partner with UCLI staff and committees to facilitate and improve law school programs and scholarships. We had a great group of applicants again this year which is a reflection of the quality of law schools we are lucky to have here in Utah.

We thank the many firms, organizations, and individuals who donate to Utah to make the Durham Fellowship, and other UCLI programs possible.

Please read more about Aliza and Madelyn below:

Aliza Murad, 2L, University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law

Aliza Murad is an incoming 2L at S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah, and currently a summer associate at Ballard Spahr LLP. As a Pakistani American immigrant who came to the U.S. at age 10, Aliza’s experiences have profoundly shaped her commitment to service, inclusion, and community engagement. At S.J. Quinney, Aliza is actively involved in the Minority Law Caucus, the Student Litigation Society, and the Social Justice Initiative. She is honored to be elected Vice President of both the Minority Law Caucus and the Federal Bar Association. This Fall, she will also intern for Judge Kimball at the Utah Federal District Court. Through these experiences and the Durham Fellowship Aliza plans to build a future career in civil rights and social justice law. She also plans to mentor and support future law students from diverse backgrounds, helping to pave the way for a more inclusive legal profession.

Aliza Murad

Madelyn Poston, 2L, Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School

Madelyn is a law student at BYU Law going into her second year this fall. She holds a BFA in Graphic Design with minors in Spanish and Environmental Sustainability from the University of Utah. She was born and raised in Utah with proud Guatemalan and Mexican American heritage. Fluent in Spanish and English, Madelyn constantly aims to blend her cultural roots with her professional endeavors.  She is committed to advancing the needs of her community through dedicated advocacy and impactful legal work. In her free time, Madelyn enjoys being outside, reading novels that have nothing to do with the law, and doodling. 

Madelyn Poston