News

The Utah Law Student Mentoring (ULSM) Program opened its fall season with a lively social on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Canyon Peak Venue Center in Draper. The evening brought together law students from both the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law and BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School, along with attorney mentors from across Utah.

The event blended connection and fun in a relaxed setting. Students and attorneys played rounds of Jeopardy and Bingo centered on law school trivia, competing for prizes that ranged from JBL speakers and travel backpacks to skincare kits, hammocks, and gift cards. The games helped everyone unwind while sparking conversations that continued well beyond the tables.

Two practicing attorneys, Abby M. Dizon-Maughan and Remington “Jiro” Johnson, offered thoughtful remarks about their experiences in the legal field. Abby, a shareholder with significant experience in complex commercial litigation, shared insights about professional growth and maintaining balance in demanding environments. Jiro reflected on lessons learned from his years in both Washington, D.C. and Utah, emphasizing mental health, authenticity, and finding purpose amid the pressures of practice. Both speakers reminded students that they belong in the profession and encouraged them to build support systems that will sustain them throughout their careers.

After the talks, students and mentors had time to mingle and discuss career paths, practice areas, and personal strategies for success in law school and beyond. Many mentors shared stories about their own journeys and offered practical advice about confidence, work-life balance, and navigating the transition from student to attorney.

The event also encouraged students to begin developing a personalized plan from the ULSM Program Manual to make the most of their mentoring experience. Within the program, mentoring groups rotate every six months to help participants broaden their professional networks and gain a variety of perspectives.

So far, the program has welcomed 81 law students and around 50 attorney mentors representing Utah’s two law schools and 16 firms and organizations. The law student cohort reflects the diversity and talent of Utah’s legal community, with a majority of students identifying across multiple underrepresented backgrounds.

The evening at Canyon Peak served not only as a celebration of mentorship but also as a reminder of the strong community being built among Utah’s future lawyers. UCLI looks forward to continuing this momentum as the next round of the mentoring program begins with the new school year.

Remington “Jiro” Johnson speaks to Law students during the ULSM Social about his experience in law school

Two S.J. Quinney College of Law students chat during the social.

Startup attorney Lawrence Tuttle chats with a law student about building a career at the crossroads of law and innovation. His work helps Utah entrepreneurs launch their businesses with the support of streamlined, high-quality legal services.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is pleased to introduce Helen Wang as its new administrative coordinator. Helen was born and raised in Salt Lake, Utah. She recently graduated from the University of Utah with an Honors in Biochemistry. Helen originally wanted to go to medical school to be a pharmacist, and wasn’t planning on going into law; however, her academic journey led her down an unexpected and inspiring path toward law. In addition to her major, she completed minors in Health, Sociology, and Environmental Sustainability Studies – all of which contributed to her interest in law and in the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI). Through these courses, Helen discovered a passion for nonprofit work and for helping individuals directly through legal channels. This newfound interest motivated her to engage in meaningful nonprofit work at the University of Utah, much of which aligned closely with UCLI’s mission. She says, “Being able to interact with different people and hear from different perspectives made me realize I want to engage within that community.” 

Helen first heard about UCLI as she was preparing to graduate from the University of Utah. While researching pre-law internships online, she came across UCLI’s website and was immediately drawn to its mission and impact. Recognizing it as the perfect opportunity to explore her growing interest in law, she applied for the Summer 2025 internship, and was thrilled to be accepted. Working as an intern helped her learn more about UCLI’s many projects, gain hands-on experiences, connect with many attorneys in various fields, and contributed to work she felt deeply passionate about. Helen states, “The mission of UCLI really aligns with my beliefs and what I would like to do with my law degree and create long term change in the community.” Helen has a strong passion for law and a deep desire to create positive change within her community. Although she is still exploring which area of law she would like to pursue in the future, she hopes that through UCLI’s work and experiences she’s had that she’ll be able to discover her passion within law. She is excited to bring that passion to her new role as UCLI’s Administrative Coordinator and to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s mission. 

Helen was drawn to this position because of the meaningful experience she had working with UCLI’s staff during her internship. She valued the opportunities she had to contribute to a variety of projects and learned a great deal from the team. Although her time as an intern was limited, she saw tremendous potential in the work she was doing and felt inspired to continue contributing. Deeply aligned with UCLI’s mission, Helen wanted to build on that foundation to help strengthen the organization’s productivity and further measure its impact on the community. Helen states, “I am excited to continue working with UCLI and expanding and creating change and increasing fairness and inclusion within the legal field.” We are excited and grateful to welcome Helen to the team and look forward to the incredible contributions she will bring to UCLI and the broader community! 

Helen Wang, 2025 Administrative Coordinator

On Saturday morning, October 11th, 2025, UCLI hosted its ninth Pre-Law Fellowship Seminar with the Disability Law Center at the James B. Lee Justice Center. The Disability Law Center (DLC) is a private, non-profit organization that strives to “enforce and advance the legal rights, opportunities, and choices of Utahns with disabilities”. The seminar served as the second to last in the seminar series within UCLI’s Pre-Law Fellowship, a program designed to prepare students from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing a legal career. 

The seminar first featured a virtual segment with Paula Gluzman, an admissions consultant from Spivey Consulting. This section provided Pre-Law Fellows with valuable insights on the art of crafting a compelling law school application, from creating a cohesive overall narrative, to ensuring grammatical and stylistic consistency throughout the application. Mary Anne Davies, a supervising attorney at the DLC then spoke to fellows about the importance of protecting one’s mental health throughout the rigorous demands of law school and profession in the legal field, sharing her own personal experiences advocating to protect her mental health and wellbeing throughout her career. 

Finally, four practicing attorneys from the Disability Law Center shared their insights and perspectives in the panel: “Life in the Law”. The panelists included Mary Anne Davies; Laura Henrie, the organization’s legal director; Nate Crippes, supervising attorney of Public Affairs; and Sara Williams, an Equal Justice Works Fellow at the DLC. The attorneys shared with the Fellows their triumphs and challenges working in disability rights, advocating tirelessly to protect ideals of equity and justice within the state of Utah. After the panel, Fellows had the opportunity to network and discuss individually with the attorneys present at the event. The Disability Law Center attorneys were eager to answer Fellows’ individual questions, and shared incredibly valuable advice with UCLI Fellows interested in following in their footsteps – students aspiring to serve their communities as future attorneys.

We would like to thank all in attendance for coming together to create a space recognizing legal paths available to those seeking to serve and protect vulnerable people in our communities. Thank you to all of the panelists for speaking at the seminar. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to the Disability Law Center for allowing UCLI to host our seminar at the James B. Lee Justice Center, and for the generosity of individuals who donated to sponsor lunch. We are grateful to continue our partnership with the Disability Law Center and contribute to the fulfillment of their mission in advancing equity, accessibility, and inclusion for people with disabilities, ultimately working to ensure inclusion and justice for all Utahns.

Attorney panelists answering questions from UCLI Pre-Law Fellows

UCLI is thrilled to announce the start of another year of mentorship with Meadowlark Elementary. On October 6th, students from Mr. John Arthur’s sixth-grade class enjoyed donuts with UCLI staff and attorneys, followed by a quick round of kickball.

As one of the long-standing initiatives of UCLI, the Meadowlark Mentoring Program provides a valuable opportunity for students to engage with attorneys on an individual basis to grow their personal and professional skills. Students are encouraged to build confidence in their goals and develop skills to achieve success academically and beyond. Throughout the mentoring program, attorneys volunteer as mentors to meet with students in short, focused sessions designed to support personal development while strengthening writing and critical thinking skills.

To start off the mentoring program with resounding success, UCLI staff and attorneys shared insights into how they began their own journeys, while students happily enjoyed donuts. One of the highlights was hearing from Jascha Clark, a UCLI Board Member and shareholder at Parr Brown Gee & Loveless, who shared stories from his path before becoming an attorney. Students were also excited to learn more about the work UCLI does in the community, including how a nonprofit operates compared to entrepreneurs, and asked thoughtful questions throughout the event.

After the discussions, a brief but spirited kickball showdown commenced against the sixth graders, earning them a well-deserved five extra minutes of recess for the next day.  Donuts were served, laughter was shared, and even a few social media references made their way into the game. Mr. Arthur, UCLI, and the participating attorneys are sure to continue creating a space where students can dream big and achieve success. With the joy and excitement from the students, both Mr. Arthur, UCLI, and the participating attorneys are sure to create a place where dreams of achieving success are reached. Every individual can create an immeasurable impact for a student in their own way.  

If you have 30 minutes to spare each Friday and are interested in becoming a mentor for a student at Meadowlark Elementary, please email for more information on how to get involved. 

Meadowlark students getting and enjoying donuts.

Jascha Clark (UCLI Board Member and shareholder at Parr Brown Gee & Loveless) talking to Meadowlark students about his journey to becoming a lawyer.

Meadowlark Students walking off the court after a successful kickball showdown.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is proud to announce the recipients of the Summer 2025 UCLI- ACE Legal Leaders LSAT Scholarship. This scholarship helps level the playing field by equipping students with the tools, guidance, and community they need to succeed. While the scholarship does not cover LSAT exam fees (students may apply separately for LSAC’s fee waiver), it ensures recipients are prepared to face the test with confidence.

This round’s recipients include university students, recent graduates, and other aspiring law students from across Utah who will be preparing for the LSAT in 2025. UCLI extends our deepest gratitude to ACE Test Prep for their continued partnership and to the Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation for generously supporting this year’s program.

We congratulate the Summer 2025 scholarship recipients and look forward to seeing their impact as Utah’s future legal professionals. Learn more about them below:

Ale Benavides

Ale Benavides holds a B.A. in Intercultural Peacebuilding with a minor in Mediation and a B.A. in Anthropology from Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He has extensive international and domestic experience in peacebuilding and advocacy, including teaching workshops in Tonga, serving as an NGO Director in Mytilini, Greece during the Taliban takeover to assist with the refugee crisis, and working as a Case Manager for Catholic Community Services of Utah in Salt Lake City. He has furthered his legal and policy experience through work in the public defense sector as an intern with Georgetown Law in Washington, D.C., as well as with Lear & Lear in Salt Lake City, contributing to both the Oil and Gas and Immigration practice groups. His academic and professional background reflects a strong commitment to cultural fluency, humanitarian service, and the pursuit of a legal career.

Evelin Lagos

Evelin Lagos is originally from Choluteca, Honduras, and is currently a senior at Utah Valley University majoring in Criminal Justice. A proud first-generation college student, Evelin’s personal experiences have shaped her passion for advocacy and her dedication to fairness. Growing up, she witnessed the systemic challenges faced by underrepresented and undocumented communities, which fueled her desire to pursue law. Through her work alongside these communities, she has seen firsthand the barriers they encounter and the silencing of their voices. These experiences strengthened her resolve to advocate for others and to create meaningful change within the legal system. Evelin aspires to use her legal education to empower others, break down barriers, and open doors for the next generation of first-generation students and aspiring attorneys.

Gabriel Zavala

Gabriel Zavala is an English major at Utah Valley University and a fiction author preparing to embark on LSAT studies and the path toward law school. He hopes to attend the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah, where he can build on his passions for advocacy and amplifying underrepresented voices. Gabriel looks forward to pursuing a legal career dedicated to service and justice.

Vero Martinez

Vero Martinez is a proud first-generation Chicana born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She recently graduated with an Honors Degree in History from the University of Utah and is deeply passionate about community work. Vero currently serves as a Family Advocate at Early Head Start–DDI Vantage and actively organizes in her community, fighting injustices and striving for a better future. Having been exposed at a young age to the incarceration system and systemic inequities, she developed a strong commitment to combating bigotry and discrimination. Inspired by these experiences, Vero aspires to become a defense attorney and works every day to ensure that her community and underrepresented groups are given a fair chance.

Yoselyn Martinez

Yoselyn Martinez was born and raised in Utah and comes from a Mexican immigrant family background. She is a first-generation high school graduate and a recent first-generation college graduate, earning her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Weber State University in August 2025. During her time at Weber, Yoselyn gained hands-on experience in the criminal justice field through internships with the Utah Attorney General’s Office, Kaysville City Attorney’s Office, and Weber Valley Detention Center. She also continues to volunteer with NOMAS Legal, assisting immigrant clients in the Ogden community. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to pursuing a career in law and advancing justice for underrepresented communities.

Support the LSAT Scholarship

We are happily accepting donations from individuals or firms who would like to make a difference. LSAT Scholarship sponsors enjoy unique benefits, including opportunities to engage with recipients and serve on the selection committee.

If you are a legal employer or individual interested in sponsoring the LSAT Scholarship, please contact .

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our LSAT access partners and sponsors, whose generosity helps create meaningful pathways to legal education for students across Utah:

ACE Test Prep

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation

Associate Director, Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy reads out Scholarship Awards during the 2025 Pre-Law Fellowship Symposium.

Three of the five UCLI–ACE Legal Leaders LSAT Scholarship recipients—Ale Benavides, Gabriel Zavala, and Vero Martinez, were recognized during the 2025 Pre-Law Symposium.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) hosted its annual Pre-Law Symposium at the S.J. Quinney College of Law last Friday, September 19th, 2025. The event began with registration and free headshots for attendees at 8 am and featured a variety of informative segments running until 3:30pm. Nearly 100 pre-law students from across the state of Utah gathered for this pre-professional event geared towards educating future legal professionals in the state of Utah.

The event consisted of a number of different informational sessions, including a broad introductory overview of the steps in applying to law school & breakout sessions covering different facets of the application process such as LSAT preparation, personal statement writing, and financing law school. Additionally, students were able to hear from a number of attorneys practicing in areas ranging from immigration to government, current law students, and admission directors from both the Brigham Young University & University of Utah law schools.

The symposium featured a powerful speech from keynote speaker and Federal Magistrate Judge Cecilia Romero, inspiring students to work hard, aim high, and stay grounded in pursuit of their professional dreams in the legal field. Pre-Law Symposium attendees were also provided the opportunity to engage in an immersive Mock Law Class experience, in which students critically analyzed and participated in stimulating discourse concerning the landmark Tarasoff case. Additionally, pre-law students who had previously been nominated for the “UCLI-ACE Legal Leaders LSAT Scholarship” were recognized at the event; the Scholarship provides students with financial support through the law school application process.

From the symposium, students were undeniably inspired by hearing real-life success stories of practicing attorneys, current law students, and more. UCLI Pre-Law symposium attendees had the opportunity to network with legal professionals in Utah and create connections with their future peers, paving the way for Utah’s future legal professionals to create positive impacts now and in the future. One of the attendees shared: “The Symposium is the most essential event I have attended in preparing to enter Law School.” Another mentioned stated: “The Keynote Speakers and the UCLI representatives inspired me so much to the extent I felt more comfortable and motivated to excel in the field of Law.” We hope that everyone who attended came away feeling inspired and better prepared for the academic journey ahead.

We at UCLI are grateful to have provided this incredible opportunity for pre-law students in Utah. We thank our sponsors and partners: BYU Law, AccessLex Institute, ACE Test Prep, Kirton McConkie, and Parsons, Behle, & Latimer for supporting us in providing this event free to students. We also extend a special thanks to the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, for hosting the Pre-Law Symposium and assisting with the planning and execution of all aspects of the event. Finally, we extend our gratitude to all the incredible guest speakers, panelists, & moderators who participated and made the event a success.

Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy (UCLI Associate Director) presenting Gabrial Zavala with UCLI-ACE Legal Leaders LSAT Scholarship award.

Geidy Achecar, UCLI Board Member & Attorney at Achecar Law, engaging with pre-law students during a snack break at the UCLI Pre-Law Symposium.

Federal Magistrate Judge Cecila Romero shares the heart-felt story of her journey to judgeship with pre-law students.

Practicing attorneys answer student questions during panel: “Career Options in the Law” Pictured from left to right: Jasmine Fierro (Judicial Law Clerk), Zakiya Richardson (Corporate Attorney), Jacob Tuimaualuga (Immigration Attorney), & Dave Bowen (Senior Vice President at Key Private Bank).

UCLI Pre-Law Symposium attendee is all smiles; A Future Lawyer!

The All Rise Utah Program held a banquet on Thursday, September 25, 2025 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 Justice Jill M. Pohlman of the Utah Supreme Court, as well as to network with judges and attorneys. Justice Pohlman spoke about the importance of trust in the judiciary to make fair decisions, and encouraged the law students to consider becoming a judge at some point in their future career. She also shared an inspiring message about the importance of unity, and encouraged attendees to join hands to tackle the most pressing problems facing Utah today. Utah Executive Director Kaitlyn Pieper was also happy to join representatives of other supporting organizations to share a few words about the resources UCLI offers to law students. It was a fantastic event that provided helpful and motivational information to the law students in attendance.

The All Rise Utah program is an ongoing collaborative effort directed by the Utah State Courts, to build a pathway for 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 also provides 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 Jonathan 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, . 

Attendees from across the state, including Utah’s two law schools and many of its courts, pose for a photo at the event during dinner.

Justice Jill Pohlman provides the keynote address for attendees during the event.

Law students chat with judicial officers prior to the start of the banquet.

Law students and judicial officers register for the event and mingle.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) has many ambitious goals and important programs, but without community support from volunteers, legal professionals, and incredible donors and foundations we couldn’t make any of it a reality.

UCLI is proud to be a second-time award recipient of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. Founded in 2007, the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation aims to continue the philanthropic spirit exemplified by Larry and Gail Miller for future generations. The Miller Family Foundation supports programs that enrich lives and communities in the areas of health and medicine, shelter and food security, education and skill development, jobs and economic self-reliance, and cultural and spiritual enrichment. UCLI and the Miller Family Foundation share a common vision for a state where all individuals have access to educational opportunities, regardless of their background, and UCLI was honored to be one of the recipients of their grant awards in 2025.

 Like the Miller Family Foundation, UCLI is dedicated to facilitating educational advancement for Utahns from all walks of life. Thanks to this grant, UCLI will be able to continue its PLEDGE Program (Promoting Legal Education to Diverse Groups Everywhere). In 2025, these funds will allow us to work with K-12, undergraduate, and law students – mentoring, encouraging, and providing meaningful fellowships and scholarships. We are excited to continue this important work and are grateful for the donors who make it possible. Thank you, Miller Family Foundation, for the meaningful contributions you make in the community and for your generous support of UCLI’s mission.

UCLI is grateful to receive – for the fourth consecutive year – a grant award from the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association. The Foundation supports the Federal Bar Association’s efforts to promote and support legal research and education; advance the science of jurisprudence; facilitate the administration of justice; and foster improvements in the practice of Federal law. UCLI was awarded the Pathways to the Profession Grant, which is designed to support educational, community service, or outreach projects and initiatives that support pathway programs and events that encourage high school, college and law school students, and newer lawyers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue and succeed in a legal career through educational, networking, mentorship programs and other opportunities. It’s a perfect fit for UCLI’s work in these efforts. 

UCLI and the Federal Bar Association share many common goals within the legal profession, and UCLI is honored to be one of the recipients of their grant awards in 2025. 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!