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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.

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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.