News

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

 

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

 

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

 

2025 UCLI Certified Organizations: 

Fabian VanCott

Greenberg Traurig

Holland & Hart

Intermountain Health

Keller Preece

Kirton McConkie

Kunzler Bean & Adamson

Maschoff Brennan 

Michael Best & Friedrich 

Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Parsons Behle & Latimer 

Ray Quinney & Nebeker 

SF Firm

Spencer Fane

Strong & Hanni 

Utah Association for Justice

Workman Nydegger

On January 17, the Utah Center of Inclusion hosted the first seminar for the Pre-Law Fellowship cohort of 2026! The UCLI team was incredibly excited to welcome the new Fellows and walked them through the many resources available to them as part of the program, while facilitating opportunities for everyone to get to know each other. The seminar was hosted in the Utah Law and Justice Center. 

Fellows were introduced to program offerings, such as access to the incredible resource of the Spivey Consulting Group, a consulting firm made up of former law school admission officers, meant to help mentor our fellows. Also as a benefit of the program, Fellows will receive access to an attorney mentor to help them along their law school application journey. Fellows are also eligible to receive travel subsidies and reimbursement of LSAT-related expenses, in addition to fully complimentary LSAT study resources. 

The Fellows received an insightful introduction to the LSAT exam by the founder of LSAT Rise – and UCLI’s 2026 LSAT partner for the program – Laura Baragona Damone. Fellows were walked through the LSAT Lab tools, where they learned about the many options to ensure their success in the program and help them in their LSAT journey. LSAT Lab offers Fellows not only the opportunity to track their progress through diagnostics, official LSAT questions, and drills but also provides them with live online classes and tutoring. We hope this packed resource will be used and navigated by the Fellows, helping them reach their desired LSAT score.

Fellows also had the opportunity to hear from Brent Dunn, founder of the LSAT study prep program ACE Test Prep. In his presentation on the importance of the LSAT he shared the many benefits that come from studying, such as scholarships for law school, and emphasized the time needed to truly dedicate to it. He shared the value of the LSAT and how preparing for it is a crucial part to help carry students on their law school journey. As he stated, “you’re going to need to take time to build up the stamina. It isn’t a test that you build up for in a week or in a month.” He also shared his belief in the Fellows: “I’m really a big believer in this program, and I’m a big believer in the need for you to be in the law.”

Towards the end of his presentation, Fellows had the opportunity to share their questions and concerns about the exam, getting first-hand advice from the instructors in their introductory seminar. The group got the chance to learn about the many ways that they should approach the LSAT in the initial stage of their test preparation. It’s through these questions of accuracy, time management, and additional material that helped fellows get a broader perspective of how they can approach the LSAT – gaining strong study habits.

To round off the seminar, Fellows had a surprise visit from some attorneys next door who had been participating in a mediation training. Thanks to the initiative of UCLI Founding Board member Nate Alder, eight attorneys joined the end of the event to offer personal stories of overcoming hardships to join the legal profession and encouragement to the Fellows. It was the perfect ending to a great seminar.

The UCLI team is excited to see the growth of the 2026 Pre-Law Fellows throughout the year and to celebrate their achievements. UCLI offers a warm thank you to Laura Baragona Damone and Brent Dunn again for their valuable presentations, and thanks the Utah State Bar for allowing the use of the Utah Law and Justice Center. It is only with the help of many partners and participants that UCLI is able to provide the Pre-Law Fellowship program. We gratefully acknowledge the 2026 Pre-Law Fellowship Sponsors and Sustaining Sponsors below.

2026 Pre-Law Fellowship Sponsors:

B.W. Bastian Foundation

Florence J. Gillmor Foundation

Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation

Sustaining Sponsors:

Holland & Hart

Intermountain Health

Kirton McConkie

Magleby Cataxinos

Maschoff Brennan

Parsons Behle & Latimer

Snell & Wilmer

Spencer Fane

Utah Bar Foundation

Workman Nydegger

We are thrilled to introduce Taha Benabdallah as the 2026 Utah Legal Inclusion Fellow. 

Taha Benabdallah is a first-year law student at the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. Now in its fifth year, this partnership between Intermountain Health, Kirton McConkie, and the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) continues to create opportunities for aspiring legal professionals. 

The Fellowship this year offers one law student a coveted position in Kirton McConkie’s summer associate program. Fellows also gain invaluable exposure by working closely with Intermountain’s in-house legal team, providing a firsthand look at how law and healthcare coincide. This program is a crucial part of UCLI’s mission to empower law students in Utah by creating meaningful professional connections and advancing fairness in the legal community. We were beyond impressed by the caliber of applicants this year and are honored to select Taha as the 2026 Inclusion Fellow. His impressive achievements, lived experiences, and dedication stood out among a competitive pool of candidates. Learn more about Taha and his journey below. 

Taha was born and raised in Salt Lake City to immigrant parents from Tunisia and Brazil. Inspired by his parents’ journey and sacrifices, he is pursuing a legal career to advocate for his community.

Taha is a first-generation student who received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Middle East Studies from the University of Utah. During his undergraduate years, he was actively involved in student leadership and community-based work supporting immigrant, refugee, and Muslim communities. Following graduation, he continued working across community, nonprofit, and higher education settings. Through this work, he developed a strong interest in how organizations, systems, and the law intersect. He continues to be active in his community and currently serves as a member of the Belonging and Access Advisory Board at the S.J. Quinney College of Law.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is proud to announce the recipients of the Winter 2026 UCLI Legal Leaders LSAT Scholarship. This scholarship supports aspiring law students by providing access to high quality LSAT preparation, guidance, and a strong community as they prepare for the exam. While the scholarship does not cover LSAT exam fees, it is designed to ensure recipients are equipped with the tools and confidence needed to succeed as they prepare for the exam.

The Winter 2026 recipients include Cynthia Mellin, Keti Safonova, Marvin Ocean Saintelus, Sehrash Khan, and Sofia Low, representing university students and aspiring law students from across Utah who are preparing for the LSAT in 2026. UCLI extends sincere thanks to ACE Test Prep for their continued partnership and to the Wilson Sonsini Foundation for their generous support of this program. We congratulate these scholarship recipients and look forward to their future impact in Utah’s legal community.

Read more about the LSAT Scholarship recipients below:

Cynthia Mellin holds a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Utah and is deeply committed to advancing inclusion for marginalized populations across Utah. She is especially focused on ensuring these voices are represented in conversations that shape the future of youth and education. Cynthia is currently established at the Park City Education Foundation as the Operations Manager, where she supports organizational operations and contributes to mission-driven work focused on educational access and community impact. As a first-generation college graduate, her academic training and professional experiences reflect her growing commitment to pursuing a legal education and a career focused on dismantling systemic barriers. She previously served as President of the Utah Criminology Student Association at Salt Lake Community College, where she led initiatives and spoke publicly on social justice issues. Conversational in Spanish, Cynthia brings a global perspective shaped by extensive travel and continues to build leadership experience grounded in advocacy, public service, and equity as she prepares for law school.

Keti is a first-generation college student at Weber State University majoring in Criminal Justice. Her parents immigrated to the United States from Georgia. Keti currently works as a Judicial Assistant at the Matheson Courthouse and has seen firsthand how underrepresented communities are affected by the legal system everyday. These experiences have motivated her to attend law school and advocate for those underrepresented communities. She is particularly interested in eviction law.

Marvin Ocean Saintelus is a prospective law student with a strong background in public service, legal research, and community leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Spanish from the University of Utah and has completed upper-division coursework in judicial process, legal research, case briefing, and memorandum drafting. Marvin previously served as a congressional intern in the U.S. Senate, gaining first-hand exposure to legislative processes and public policy.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Marvin is a licensed real estate agent and an experienced professional in case management, compliance, and data-driven decision-making. He is fluent in multiple languages, including French and Spanish, and brings a multicultural perspective shaped by years of community engagement and nonprofit involvement in Utah. Through the UCLI LSAT Scholarship Program, Marvin seeks to strengthen his LSAT preparation and advance his goal of attending law school to pursue a career dedicated to justice and public service.

Sehrash is a higher education professional and aspiring law student with a strong interest in advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Toxicology, and has five years of experience in academic advising, where she has supported students from diverse backgrounds and navigated complex institutional systems.

These experiences, combined with her late father’s legal work in advocating for immigrants and refugees, have inspired her to pursue Law. Sehrash hopes to create systemic impact and support first-generation immigrants and refugees through the complex processes of the legal system. Using her language skills, medical and educational background and dedication to pursuing education, Sehrash  plans to earn a Juris Doctor degree and build a career grounded in service, fairness, and ethical advocacy.

Sofia Low is a Senior studying Criminal Justice and Sociology at Utah State University. She recently completed her term as President of the Alpha Chi Omega Beta Xi Chapter, where she led initiatives centered on leadership, service, and advocacy. Sofia has long been passionate about social justice and pursuing law as a means to support others through legal advocacy. Her commitment to law was further solidified during a study abroad experience focused on wrongful convictions, where she learned from legal advocates. Sofia is excited to continue her journey toward law school and is grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from the UCLI LSAT Scholarship Program.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) is grateful to be a first-time recipient of a generous grant from the Foundation of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL Foundation). Like UCLI, the ACTL Foundation is dedicated to the administration of justice and the ethics of the profession. The ACTL Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen the legal profession by advancing advocacy excellence, ethical practice, and the administration of justice through education and outreach.

 

This first-time award will support a new, one-time initiative within UCLI’s educational outreach program, Promoting Legal Education to Diverse Groups Everywhere (PLEDGE). PLEDGE provides free resources and opportunities for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds at the K-12, undergraduate, and law school levels, reaching around 500 individuals across Utah each year. The grant will fund the creation of a statewide outreach video, “See Yourself As A Lawyer,” aimed at middle- and high-school students in public schools throughout Utah, along with a podcast focused on pre-law resources and pathways to law school for high school and undergraduate students. Together, these tools will help demystify the legal profession and provide practical guidance for students interested in pursuing a legal career.

 

UCLI is honored to be selected as a grant recipient in 2025 and is deeply grateful to the Foundation of the American College of Trial Lawyers for their partnership. Through their support, more young people in Utah and across the nation will be able to see a future for themselves in the law. As students of all backgrounds attend law school and become legal professionals, the legal profession will become more robust and better capable of administering justice.

Across the United States, people of faith have long helped shape our legal system. From Ruth Bader Ginsburg, one of only a handful of Jewish justices in U.S. history, to Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Protestant justice in nearly thirty years, our courts have been strengthened by a wide range of beliefs and moral traditions. These perspectives influence not only how laws are interpreted, but how justice itself is understood and pursued.

Here in Utah, faith and community are deeply woven into the state’s identity. According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, roughly 76 percent of Utahns identify with a religion.¹ Faith is not merely a private matter in Utah, it often shapes family life, community involvement, and civic engagement. 

Utah is often perceived as religiously uniform, largely because The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is headquartered in Salt Lake City. While that influence is undeniable, the state’s religious landscape has become increasingly diverse. Pew Research shows that nearly half of Utah’s population now identifies with a religion other than Latter-day Saint or does not identify with a religion at all.² Within that half are numerous Christian denominations alongside Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and other faith traditions. This challenges the idea that there is a single religious experience in Utah and invites deeper conversations about belonging.

As Utah’s population becomes less homogeneous, it is essential that individuals from all backgrounds feel seen, valued, and represented in every aspect of civic life. The legal profession is no exception. Law touches people at their most vulnerable moments – during disputes, crises, and life-changing decisions. When attorneys feel able to bring their full identities into their work, including their faith, they are often better equipped to serve clients with empathy, integrity, and understanding.

UCLI’s newest outreach video highlights five attorneys practicing in Utah, each with a unique religious background. Together, their stories demonstrate that faith is not something to be hidden in the legal field, but something that can be thoughtfully and respectfully integrated. Rather than undermining professionalism, faith can deepen a lawyer’s sense of responsibility and purpose.

Michael Patrick O’Brien, a Catholic attorney, reflects on the Christian call to seek justice, often asking himself, “Am I doing that? Am I being that? Am I living that?” His faith serves as a moral compass, shaping how he approaches his work and the people he represents. That internal reflection reinforces accountability, not only to the law, but to a broader sense of justice.

Similarly, Remington “Jiro” Johnson, a Salt Lake City public defender and practicing Buddhist, explains that his faith helps him “find a calmer way to deal with things”. Working with clients who are often at the lowest points of their lives requires patience and clarity. Johnson’s Buddhist practice allows him to remain grounded, present, and compassionate in high-stress situations, qualities that directly benefit the people he serves.

These stories highlight a broader truth: belonging matters. When attorneys feel they must suppress parts of their identity to succeed, the profession loses valuable perspectives. But when the legal community creates space for faith, identity, and authenticity, it becomes stronger, more humane, and more representative of the public it serves.

Utah’s legal community sits at a unique intersection of tradition and change. The challenge, and opportunity, is to ensure that as the profession grows, it remains inclusive. Faith does not need to divide the legal field; when approached with mutual respect, it can be a bridge that fosters understanding and trust.

Faith and belonging matter because they remind us that the law is ultimately practiced by people, for people, within communities shaped by lived experience, conviction, and care. When attorneys are able to bring their full selves into their work, the legal profession becomes not only more inclusive, but more just.

The stories shared in the UCLI video ‘Belief and Belonging in Utah’s Legal Community’ offer a thoughtful glimpse into how faith, identity, and belonging show up in the real lives of Utah attorneys. Taking a few moments to listen to their experiences is an opportunity to better understand the values that guide Utah’s legal community, and to reflect on how those values shape the pursuit of justice. Please watch the video here and share with anyone who may be interested, including future attorneys of various faith backgrounds. 

UCLI offers special thanks to the Labor & Employment Law Section, for their generous donation that facilitated the creation of this video. UCLI also gratefully acknowledges videographer and editor Isaac Rascon of Sterling Media for his skillful work in capturing these stories and bringing them together so effectively.

¹ Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Utah Demographic Characteristics: Religious Affiliation, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, May 2024, d36oiwf74r1rap.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DivDataBook-Religion-May2024.pdf.

² Pew Research Center, “People in Utah,” Religious Landscape Study, Pew Research Center, 2024, www.pewresearch.org/religious-landscape-study/state/utah/?selectedYear=2024.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) is excited to start the new year with the Winter 2026 interns. A new year brings fresh energy, new learning experiences, and opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the legal community. This semester promises engaging events, professional growth, and hands-on work that supports UCLI’s mission to foster a more inclusive and accessible legal profession.

This winter, the  interns will support social media content creation and PLEDGE programming, while connecting with attorneys, judges, law school deans, and other legal professionals and gaining exposure to Utah’s legal community. They will also have the opportunity to participate in the Career & Law Readiness series. Through this experience, they will build skills, expand their networks, and contribute ideas that make a real impact.

We are thrilled to welcome the Winter 2026 interns: Derek Adkins, Eliza Lucia Mancilla, and Luciana Chunga! Each intern brings unique experiences and perspectives, and we are excited to see how they will shape UCLI’s programs this semester. As they explore the path to law school and the legal profession, we hope they leave inspired, empowered, and more connected to the legal community.

As Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg once said, “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” We look forward to seeing our interns take those steps this semester and beyond. Welcome to UCLI, Winter 2026 interns. We are excited for the year ahead and all that you will accomplish!

If you are interested in future internship opportunities or want to learn more about the program, please reach out to or .

Eliza is a student at Brigham Young University who was raised in Southern California by Mexican immigrant parents. She is majoring in History with minors in Business, Global Business Literacy, and Civic Engagement Literacy. Her interest in law emerged through her study of modern historical events and the profound influence legal decisions have had on global affairs. An Honors Program student, she is particularly fascinated by the broader role social institutions play in shaping civil rights and the treatment of people of color. Eliza is working toward a career as an international business lawyer specializing in intelligence security consulting, while continuing her commitment to volunteering with human rights organizations. Driven by her passion for making professional opportunities more accessible to underrepresented communities, she has worked with the Geneva Office for Human Rights Development, served as an Empower Her Rise College & Community Ambassador, and been a BYU Faith, Learning, and Leadership Seminar Fellow.

Luciana, who grew up in Provo, Utah, in a proud Peruvian immigrant family is working towards finishing her degree. As a student at the University of Utah, she plans to complete her Honors Bachelor’s degree in English this spring. Through her work with campus organizations, such as the Dream Center and refugee centers outside of campus, her academic and professional focus has become working with and helping the community. In the Dream Center, her experience centered around student resources and aid, an experience that helped her gain a strong insight about the immigrant community, giving her a stronger purpose towards pursuing law. Her interest in law stemmed from community connection while working with immigrants, steering her towards her goal of working as an immigration lawyer. She hopes that she can expand on her community involvement and exposure to the legal field while working with the UCLI team.

Derek is a senior at Brigham Young University and grew up in San Diego, California. He is studying economics with interests in law and public policy. His interest in law stems from studying how economic systems shape opportunity and inequality. He plans to use his economics background to pursue a legal career that informs policy, advocacy, and decision making.

As we step into a fresh new year, we are filled with gratitude and excitement for what 2026 holds. What began just a few years ago as a vision to expand access to legal education has grown into a thriving, impactful initiative. We are proud to announce the third cohort of the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship Program, launching this January and marking another meaningful milestone for the program.

The 2026 cohort consists of 12 exceptional students and recent graduates from across Utah, each bringing unique experiences, perspectives, and a shared commitment to pursuing a future in the legal profession. These Fellows are motivated, thoughtful, and deeply invested in creating pathways to justice and representation within the law.

The 2026 Pre-Law Fellowship offers a comprehensive, nine-month long experience designed to prepare Fellows for the realities of applying to and succeeding in law school. The program includes a series of seminars covering key topics such as the law school application process, LSAT preparation, and navigating the academic and professional demands of legal education. Fellows also benefit from one-on-one mentorship with attorneys, will have the opportunity to receive consultation with a private law school admissions consultant, and can access structured LSAT preparation resources. To further remove financial barriers, the Fellowship provides opportunities for reimbursements for expenses such as LSAT exam fees, travel to seminars, and law school application costs.

At its core, the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship exists to create a more accessible pathway to law school. By offering intentional support, mentorship, and resources, the program empowers aspiring legal professionals to pursue their goals with confidence, right here in Utah.

Participation in the Fellowship is both a privilege and a commitment. Fellows are expected to actively engage in all seminars, participate fully in LSAT preparation, track their progress throughout the year, take the official LSAT at least once during the program cycle, apply to law school by the end of the program, and provide feedback through intake and exit surveys to help strengthen the Fellowship for future cohorts.

We are incredibly proud of this year’s Fellows and honored to support them as they begin this next chapter. As we celebrate the start of 2026, we also celebrate the continued growth and impact of the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship Program.

Please join us in welcoming the 2026 UCLI Pre-Law Fellows:
Melissa Ayala, Brian Fuentes, Maximus Garcia-Olazabal, Kimley Morlant, Nevaeh Parker, Valeria Pozos, Kukua Quansah, Asia Reid, Kalijah Robinson, Teon Strong, LeNora Suguturaga, and Scarlet Urey.

Here’s to a new year, new beginnings, and the continued success of our Pre-Law Fellows.

Melissa Ayala is a first generation college graduate who earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Legal Studies. Coming from an immigrant family, she developed a strong desire to pursue immigration law through both lived experiences and academic training. Her background in social work has strengthened her commitment to advocacy, client-centered representation, and fair access to justice. Melissa is particularly interested in supporting immigrant families and individuals that are navigating complex legal systems. She is preparing to apply to law schools and has continued to build the skills and experiences needed for a legal career rooted in service. She plans on pursuing a career centered on immigration law that is focused on policy, representation, and overall community impact.

Brian Fuentes is a graduate of Brigham Young University, where he earned a degree in Public Relations and Portuguese Studies with minors in Business, Psychology, and Family Life. He currently serves as a legal assistant at The Advocates Law Firm, where he focuses on case resolution, end-of-case processing, and client communication. Raised in a Salvadoran household in Washington, D.C., Brian developed a strong commitment to advocacy. He intends to pursue a long-term career in the legal field centered on public service, justice, and community impact.

Maximus grew up in Utah, where he attended Weber State University, and in 2025 was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Certificate in Juvenile Justice. Maximus developed an interest in law after seeing the impact it had on his community. In an effort to give back to his community, Maximus devoted his time to serving various programs; including Save the Kids from Incarceration, a program focused on addressing the issue of the school-to-prison pipeline by seeking reform in the criminal justice system. Maximus intends to pursue a law degree next year, where he plans to focus on juvenile law, civil rights, and criminal defense law. In his free time, Maximus enjoys motorcycle rides, reading, and weightlifting.

Kimley is a Brigham Young University student in the Marriott School of Business, pursuing a B.S. in Global Supply Chain Management. Her interest in law grew from personal experiences that showed her how deeply legal systems influence everyday life and access to opportunity. Throughout her time at BYU, she’s renewed her commitment to service through leadership opportunities, including founding and serving as president of the Caribbean Students’ Association and co-founding the BYU Apiology (Beekeeping) Association. Kimley has consulting experience improving operational efficiency and building AI-driven workflow solutions, and she is fluent in French and Haitian Creole.

 

Nevaeh Parker is a junior at the University of Utah pursuing a major in Political Science and a minor in African American Studies. She is a passionate student who aspires to earn a law degree and deepen her ability to serve communities in need. Nevaeh serves as the President of the Black Student Union, where she works to build community, advocate for equity, and support Black students on campus. As the Program Coordinator for Salt Lake Peer Court, she contributes to restorative justice initiatives rooted in accountability and care. Grounded in community, Nevaeh finds power in her voice and encourages others to do the same in all spaces.

Valeria is a BYU graduate and is excited to pursue law school. She is originally from Mexico but has lived in Arizona, Oregon, Utah, California and Washington D.C. She loves getting to know people, learning from different cultures and believes everyone has a story to tell. She wants to go to law school so that she can help others and is determined to work hard so that she can give back to her community and create a platform for others to feel heard and seen. She is grateful for her family, friends and mentors and looks forward to giving it her all as a 2026 UCLI Pre-Law Fellow!

Kukua Quansah is a first generation international student studying Criminal Justice at Utah Valley University. Her academic interests focus on community justice and the legal system and plans to attend law school after graduation. Outside of academics, Kukua explores creative projects and advocates for black students in her community. She has gained practical experience working in the courts and supporting neglected and abused children, which has reinforced her commitment to advocacy and public service. Kukua aspires to become a civil defense litigator, and to apply her legal training to help strengthen Ghana’s justice system.

Asia Lynne Reid attended Brigham Young University, graduating in April 2025 with a degree in Political Science and a minor in English Literature. During her time at BYU, she served as the President of Women in Politics, held a leadership role in the Pre-Law Presidency, and was a Fellow with the Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy. She currently works as a paralegal in the Utah Attorney General’s Office within the Constitutional Defense and Special Litigation Unit, assisting with federal and state constitutional challenges. Asia is passionate about advocating for the rights of victims, particularly for women and marginalized individuals who are often overlooked in the legal system. She is excited to continue learning and preparing to apply to law school.

Kalijah Robinson is a driven college student with a passion for law, influenced by his love for movies. He has developed strong communication and leadership skills over the past five years, thriving in fast-paced environments. As a podcast coordinator and social media manager at Weber State, Kalijah blends creativity with attention to detail in his projects. He has also excelled in public speaking, both in college and on tour for stand-up comedy. While he embraces the digital world, he has a particular fondness for traditional paperwork. An avid sports enthusiast, he values maintaining a sense of fun and teamwork in all his endeavors. Kalijah is eager to bring his unique perspective to the field of law.

Teon is a hardworking mother and a 2024 graduate of the University of Utah, originally from New York. Her interest in law was shaped early on by the strong women she admired growing up, like a state Olympic runner competing with power and determination, as well as her mother helping her in the mornings before school. This early influence helped form Teon’s deep appreciation for strength, advocacy, and perseverance. Motivated by a commitment to justice and creating meaningful change for her family and community, Teon now aspires to attend the S.J. Quinney College of Law, Syracuse University College of Law, and New York University School of Law. She brings a strong work ethic, lived experience, and a clear sense of purpose to her pursuit of a legal career.

LeNora is a senior at Brigham Young University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She grew up in Hawaiʻi as the daughter of Tongan and Fijian immigrant parents and is one of nine siblings, experiences that shaped her values of community, responsibility, and service. Her interest in law first emerged through conversations with friends and peers, but it became more concrete after attending the UCLI Pre-Law Symposium. Meeting and learning from women of color in the legal field helped her see law as both an attainable and meaningful path forward.

Scarlet is a first-generation immigrant and aspiring law student dedicated to advancing inclusion and justice within the legal profession. She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Utah and has gained hands-on experience working in immigration law, supporting clients as they navigate complex legal systems. Her interest in law is shaped by her lived experiences and a deep curiosity about how legal systems impact individuals and communities. Scarlet has also worked in legislative and political spaces, which strengthened her interest in public service and advocacy-oriented work. She is committed to learning from mentors and peers as she builds a strong foundation for a career as an attorney.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the sponsors whose generosity makes this program possible:

Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation

Florence J. Gillmor Foundation

Utah Bar Foundation

B. W. Bastian Foundation

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) and the LGBT and Allied Lawyers of Utah (LALU) co-hosted a CLE event on Legal Issues & Effective Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Clients. The session, held at the Utah Law and Justice Center, brought together attorneys and advocates from across Utah. Presented by Chris Wharton and Jess Couser, the program offered practical guidance, ethical insights, and an in-depth review of key statutes and landmark cases affecting LGBTQ+ clients in Utah. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with the presenters, ask questions, and gain strategies to better support LGBTQ+ individuals and families in legal settings.

Utah has a dynamic LGBTQ+ population. Roughly 3.7% of adults identify as LGBTQ+, and Salt Lake City has the state’s densest concentration at 5-6%. Approximately 40% of Utah’s LGBTQ+ individuals are raising children, compared to about 30% nationally, and Utah ranks #1 in the nation per capita for same-sex couples raising children. Nationwide, Utah ranks in the middle among states by LGBTQ+ population. These statistics underscore the importance of equitable legal protections for LGBTQ+ families.

Wharton and Couser emphasized Utah Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(d), which prohibits lawyers from engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. Attorneys and legal staff were given actionable guidance, and the session also reviewed landmark cases and statutes shaping LGBTQ+ rights in Utah and nationwide. Families come in many forms, yet outdated laws continue to create unnecessary burdens for LGBTQ+ families, particularly regarding parentage, surrogacy, adoption, and gender identity. The CLE session reviewed some of these and advised attorneys on how to best advocate for their clients.

Despite legal advancements, LGBTQ+ individuals face ongoing challenges. The presenters discussed everyday barriers, costs, discrimination, and restrictive laws, affect LGBTQ+ families’ ability to access justice, healthcare, and social services. Legal professionals must navigate these challenges carefully to advocate effectively and ethically. Protecting the legal rights of LGBTQ+ families ensures all children have the security, stability, and support they deserve.

Organizations such as the Utah Pride Center, Equality Utah, Encircle, Mama Dragons, Rebirth OB/GYN Health Center, and Rainbow Law Clinic provide essential support, legal guidance, and community connections for LGBTQ+ clients. Engaging with these organizations equips attorneys with insight into the lived experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ families. 

UCLI extends gratitude to presenters Chris Wharton and Jess Couser for their insightful presentation, as well as all attendees, partners, and sponsors who made this event possible, including the B. W. Bastian Foundation.. Special thanks to those who participated and for this wonderful educational session. The event highlighted the importance of a respectful and ethically sound legal advocacy in Utah.

The Utah Minority Bar Association hosted its Annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet on November 17, 2025. It brought together leaders and attorneys, students, and community advocates committed to advancing inclusion within Utah’s legal profession. UMBA has continued its mission since its founding in 1991 of addressing the concerns and issues affecting racial and ethnic minorities in law.

UCLI was grateful to attend the banquet as a Bronze Sponsor, standing in partnership with UMBA in their impactful work. Christina Jepson and Erik Christiansen of Parsons Behle & Latimer joined UCLI staff and interns at the table, and everyone had a wonderful time throughout the evening. It was an evening for unity, progress, and, most importantly, storytelling. The award recipients gave touching and motivational speeches, many spoke to the responsibility carried by the legal community to advance justice and uplift underrepresented communities.

UCLI was especially honored to celebrate multiple individuals who previously participated in UCLI programs and who were recognized with scholarship awards: Emi Yamazaki, a Summer 2022 UCLI Program Development Intern; Noa Leituala, a 2024 alumnus of the UCLI & Kirton McConkie Pre-Law Fellowship; Gloria Aquino, a 2024 Legal Inclusion Fellow, and Naomi Botchway, a 2024 Legal Inclusion Fellow. As alumni continue to grow and be recognized by UMBA, it has been a proud moment for UCLI.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the powerful keynote address delivered by former UCLI Fiduciary Board Member Sadé Turner, who was honored by UMBA as the Distinguished Lawyer of the Year. She shared personal reflections: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. The adversity that we face in 2025 is minor compared to that which our UMBA ancestors faced. We owe it to the founding members to keep ourselves and the generations to keep going, to not panic, to not get caught up in the whipsaw, to stand firm in protecting individual freedoms, to vigorously defend the independence of the Utah judiciary, to vigorously defend its members from retaliatory political pressure.” Her words reminded everyone in the room why UMBA does what it does and continues its efforts to build a more representative legal community.

UMBA presented the following awards to recognize exceptional service, leadership and commitment:

• Juneteenth Fundraiser Award – Parsons Behle & Latimer
• Law Firm of the Year – Holland & Hart LLP
• Pete Suazo Community Service Award – Prof. Michalyn Steele
• Jimi Mitsunaga Excellence in the Law Award – Adam L. Crayk
• Corporate Counsel of the Year Award – JP Tarbutton
• Friend of UMBA Award – Barbara Melendez
• Judge Raymond Uno Lifetime Achievement Award – Judge Suchada P. Bazzelle
• Distinguished Lawyer of the Year / Keynote Speaker – Sadé Turner

Each of the awardees shared impactful remarks filled with gratitude, emphasizing mentorship, persistence, and community support as well. The banquet was uplifting, motivational, and a reminder that, together, attorneys can better provide service and support to their community. Many voiced their appreciation for an event where emerging and established leaders who shape Utah’s legal community could be celebrated.

Recognition for scholars such as Emi, Noa, Gloria, and Naomi also underlined the importance of collaboration between organizations like UCLI and UMBA in supporting pathways into the profession. 

UCLI would like to extend its thanks to the Utah Minority Bar Association for providing such a meaningful and beautifully organized banquet, to all of the sponsors and partners who helped make the evening possible, to the award recipients and speakers for sharing their wisdom and leadership, and to the UCLI alumni who continue to inspire our mission.