News

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!

The 2025 Sustaining Sponsorship

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) is delighted to announce the 2025 Sustaining Sponsorship, through which organizations can support UCLI’s mission of advancing fairness, opportunity, and inclusion among Utah’s legal institutions. The Sustaining Sponsorship is an opportunity available to all interested legal employers and entities. It aims to develop and support strategic relationships between UCLI, the legal community, and students in Utah. Sustaining Sponsors will have exclusive opportunities to be recognized as inclusive leaders in the legal industry, along with yet distinct from the original Founding Sponsors. Through this Sponsorship, the community can come together to create a legal landscape that is representative and welcoming. Additional details about Sponsorship levels and benefits can be found here.

Parsons Behle & Latimer – 2025 Sustaining Sponsor

As one of the largest Utah-based law firms with over 200 attorneys, Parsons Behle & Latimer (Parsons) has long provided support to UCLI in many meaningful ways. Members of the firm were part of UCLI’s Founding Members and the firm also participated as a Founding Sponsor at the Diamond level in 2020. Alongside their efforts in maintaining UCLI Certification every year since 2020, the firm has also supported UCLI as an Impact Sponsor at its recent fundraising luncheons and provided invaluable support to the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship in 2024 and 2025. “UCLI’s mission aligns closely with our firm’s values and long-standing commitment to building a more inclusive legal community in Utah,” says Parsons’ CEO and Chairperson Shawn C. Ferrin. “At Parsons, we believe the legal profession thrives when it draws on diverse viewpoints and lived experiences. Supporting UCLI’s programs is one of the ways we can help ensure the next generation of lawyers has access to opportunity and is prepared to strengthen the industry as a whole.”

Parsons has now become UCLI’s first 2025 Sustaining Sponsor at the Advocate Level. All of this financial and practical support translates directly into better outcomes for Utah pre-law and law students and a more inclusive legal community. Their generous support has allowed UCLI to administer its PLEDGE program (Promoting Legal Education to Diverse Groups Everywhere). Impactful initiatives within the PLEDGE program include the Meadowlark Mentoring program, which allows attorneys and law students to mentor elementary students; UCLI’s internship, ambassador, and pre-law fellowship programs, which allow pre-law students to be directly involved with UCLI’s work; and the Utah Law Student Mentoring program, which connects law students with attorney mentors to support their professional journey. 

The People Behind the Programming

Parsons’ attorney Andres Morelli is one of several Parsons attorneys who has dedicated his time and efforts to UCLI’s Meadowlark Mentoring program at Meadowlark Elementary. As part of the program, Morelli says he and other attorneys offer help and resources to students from assisting with school assignments to being a guide and role model to whom they can relate and talk about problems or issues they may be experiencing. Particularly over the past year, he says, students have been asking much more about the rule of law and if they’re safe. Often the students tell Morelli that they’ve never met an attorney outside of domestic matters and are very interested in learning about Morelli’s day-to-day responsibilities and career. As part of the Meadowlark Mentoring program, Parsons has invited students to visit its offices, take a tour and share lunch with other Parsons’ attorneys. Attorneys give presentations to the students, explaining what type of work their legal practices entail. Morelli says, “As attorneys, we have beliefs and principles we live by – to give back and to have integrity. For me, giving back to my community is where I feel satisfaction. Being able to talk to these kids and tell them you can rely on us, on your teachers or your resource officer – helping build those bonds with the kids and contributing to something bigger than yourself. That is rewarding.”  

As Parsons Behle & Latimer “strives each day to cultivate an environment of… inclusion at every level,” they support UCLI’s efforts to do the same. Together, our efforts facilitate increased inclusion in the legal field across the state of Utah. Parsons’ President Cory D. Sinclair says, “We are proud to continue our support of UCLI as a Sustaining Sponsor. At Parsons, we see firsthand how the legal industry is stronger and more innovative when it reflects the many voices and perspectives of our community. By investing in UCLI’s efforts, we are not only supporting students and future attorneys but also helping to build a legal profession in the Intermountain Region that is more inclusive, collaborative and representative of the clients and communities we serve.”

Parsons sees great value in pursuing the goals of fairness and opportunity for Utahns of all backgrounds and in supporting UCLI as it works towards a similar mission. As UCLI Co-President and Parsons Shareholder Christina Jepson stated, “I am so proud of the work Parsons and UCLI have done together to promote opportunity in the legal field in Utah. The rule of law is most successful when it represents all the perspectives from our community.” By supporting UCLI’s efforts to remove barriers in the legal field, the firm helps ensure that the legal profession better reflects all of the communities that it serves and ultimately achieves more just and fair outcomes. 

Become a Sustaining Sponsor

UCLI extends its sincere gratitude to Parsons Behle & Latimer for their commitment to fostering inclusion in Utah’s legal community.

Learn more about becoming a Sustaining Sponsor or contact us directly at to support UCLI’s mission.

UCLI Fiduciary Board Co-Chair Justice Christine M. Durham and Executive Director Kaitlyn Pieper enjoy lunch with the Parsons’ team: CEO and Chairperson Shawn C. Ferrin, Chief People Officer Nicole G. Farrell, President Cory D. Sinclair, and Shareholder Abigail M. Dizon-Maughan.

Parsons Behle & Latimer is recognized as an Impact Sponsor at the UCLI Fundraiser Luncheon on March 27, 2025.

Parsons’ Associate Andres (Andy) F. Morelli mentoring a student at Meadowlark Elementary School in 2024.

Parsons’ Associate Andres (Andy) F. Morelli mentoring students at Meadowlark Elementary School in 2025.

On Wednesday, September 10, UCLI and Weber State University partnered to host an inspiring evening for students interested in law. From five-thirty to seven-thirty, around forty Wildcats gathered for bingo, presentations, and a keynote address from Fran M. Wikstrom, Of Counsel at Parsons Behle & Latimer.

This event marked UCLI’s first large-scale collaboration with Weber State, giving students a chance to explore both campus-based pre-law resources and UCLI’s statewide programs. Students learned about opportunities including the upcoming UCLI Pre-Law Symposium on Friday, September 19, the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship, the Legal Leaders LSAT Scholarship, the Ambassador Program, and UCLI internships.

Dr. Jeffs, representing the Weber State Pre-Law Society, spoke on behalf of several programs and organizations that prepare students for careers in the legal field. She shared the work of the Pre-Law Society and also introduced resources from the Criminal Justice Program, the Political Science Department and Model UN program, and the Walker Institute, which offers a variety of meaningful internship opportunities. Through her remarks, students were able to see the many different avenues available to Wildcats who want to build a strong foundation for law school.

The evening also featured a powerful story from Weber State alumna Raissa Rohbock, now an Immigration Specialist Paralegal at Kirton McConkie. Proud of her Wildcat roots, Raissa shared her journey from a remote Brazilian village to higher education in Utah. Despite personal challenges, she persisted, finding support through UCLI and other mentors, emphasizing the importance of networking and community. Her advice to students was simple yet profound: “Collect as many keys as you can and put them in your pocket, because each key opens new doors.” She reminded students that law school isn’t limited to a few seats but that there are whole tables waiting for them.

UCLI Fiduciary Board Co-Chair and keynote speaker Fran M. Wikstrom closed the evening by sharing his own path from humble beginnings in Ogden to Yale Law School and an illustrious legal career. He reminded students that law school isn’t about knowing everything, but about embracing humility, curiosity, and growth. “Law school is for learners,” he explained, stressing that attorneys must always be willing to learn. A celebrated trial attorney and past president of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Fran talked about the willingness to learn that he always took into the courtroom. As a former Wildcat himself (class of ‘71) he was able to connect with audience members, fielding questions and inspiring them to push past barriers to make it into the profession. Fran left students with an encouraging message: each of them has a place at the table in the legal profession.

UCLI was thrilled to see so many Wildcats not only participate in the event but also sign up for the upcoming Pre-Law Symposium. Events like this are what help students imagine themselves not only in law school but in the courtroom too.

We extend our gratitude to Weber State’s pre-law associations, faculty, and student organizations for their support, to Raissa Rohbock for her inspiration, and to the Weber State Alumni Association for generously providing food and hosting us.

If your university is interested in collaborating with UCLI to bring pre-law resources to your campus, please reach out at utahcli.org.

Weber State representatives from the Alumni Association, UCLI Ambassadors, UCLI staff, and guest speaker Fran M. Wikstrom gather together following the Wildcats to Lawyers event.

Fran M. Wikstrom shares his personal journey to law school with Weber State students during Wildcats to Lawyers.

Fran M. Wikstrom answers student questions about the many paths available within the legal profession.

UCLI Associate Director Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy introduces Weber State students to UCLI programs and opportunities designed to support aspiring lawyers.

Fran M. Wikstrom connects with Weber State students as they share their personal stories and future goals for law school.

Every season at UCLI brings with it a new cohort of emerging leaders who leave a lasting impact on our mission. We are proud of every intern who has contributed to UCLI over the years, and this summer’s team – Helen Wang, Alofaifo Faleono, and Marlee Jeppsen – carried forward that legacy with fresh energy, creativity, and dedication.

From the first week, it was clear that their contributions would reverberate beyond the walls of our programs. Whether lending their voices to our initiatives, publishing thoughtful pieces that shared our work with broader audiences, assisting with outreach to new community partners, or strengthening the research foundations that anchor our programming, this summer’s interns became architects of momentum. They embedded their skills, perspectives, and compassion into the very core of our mission.

Their projects were diverse yet united by impact: supporting the UCLI Back-to-School Drive, which directly benefited families preparing for the new academic year; curating communications that elevated our collective voice; and helping develop K-12 and pre-law programming that will shape future cohorts of UCLI leaders. Their fingerprints are not only on the work we accomplished but also on the culture of collaboration and purpose we seek to foster.

We are especially grateful for the ways Helen, Alofaifo, and Marlee engaged in UCLI’s Legal and Career Readiness series, leading discussions with confidence, and participating fully in the Pre-Law Fellowship program’s seminars and experiences. Their work was nothing short of amazing, and watching their growth has been an absolute pleasure! 

Read below to learn more about their personal experiences as Interns with us:

“Working with UCLI has been an incredible opportunity to be a hands-on part of the work to promote legal inclusion in Utah. As I wrote grants, publicized fundraisers, and promoted UCLI’s events and mission, I gained a deep appreciation for the legal trailblazers who paved the way to a more equitable legal system, and for all those engaged in the work today. I’m grateful to have been a part of UCLI, and look forward to watching them continue their work!” -Marlee Jeppsen

“From working with great people to being a part of initiatives that give back directly to our community, I’m very grateful to have the privilege of being a part of the team this summer. UCLI’s mission is important and UCLI does so much to help people be successful. I know for a fact that the skills, experiences, and great guidance I received as an intern will continue to help me as I continue on my law journey!” -Alofaifo Faleono 

“The power of collaboration truly is shown through communities working to uplift individuals to reach their full potential. Through this internship, I had the honor of working on a wide range of initiatives that not only uplifted voices in the community, but also empowered those voices that have not been heard in the legal field. It has truly been an insightful experience to see what impact has been made through my internship, but also all the different life experiences and perspectives I am able to connect and engage with. I truly believe that difference is made through working and empowering communities and UCLI truly exemplifies these values to allow for sustainable long-term transformative change. I am grateful to have an opportunity to intern and hope to continue fostering change through my future career from what I have learned.” -Helen Wang 

UCLI Associate Director Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy and Administrative Coordinator Emily Zarate join interns Helen Wang and Alofaifo Faleono for a welcome photo at the UCLI Summer Intern Orientation on May 8, 2025.

UCLI Associate Director Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy with interns Marlee Jeppsen, Helen Wang, and Alofaifo Faleono at the UCLI Recognition Event hosted by Lear & Lear LLP on August 15, 2025.

One of UCLI’s final internship events, the Recognition Event honoring Ambassadors and Interns, was held on August 15, 2025, at Lear & Lear LLP.

UCLI is honored to announce the resounding success of its 2025 Back-to-School Drive. This year, UCLI was privileged to partner formally with Greenberg Traurig, whose generosity provided a significant portion of the school supplies that filled hundreds of backpacks. We are also deeply grateful for the contributions from each of you – attorneys, advocates, volunteers, and friends of UCLI – whose donations of funds, supplies, and time made this effort possible. This year we exceeded our fundraising goal of $2,500 thanks to the huge outpouring of community support shown. Together, these financial and in-kind gifts allowed UCLI to assemble and distribute around 500 backpacks, complete with critical school supplies, to students across the state. What began as a modest hope to meet a few local needs has flourished into an enduring tradition of care, advocacy, and community partnership.

At times, impact is imagined only in grand gestures. But UCLI’s mission has always rested on the belief that every act of support matters. A backpack filled with notebooks and pencils is not only a tool for the classroom, but it is a symbol of dignity, preparedness, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Advocacy, as UCLI sees it, is not defined by scale, but by the sincerity of intention and the steady work of creating fairness, opportunity, and justice.

Building on the successes of the 2024 back-to-school drive which served the Boys and Girls Club and Backman Elementary School, we were happy to have had Meadowlark Elementary as an additional recipient of school supplies in 2025. Together, these schools represent vibrant communities of students whose futures are enriched not only through access to school supplies but also through exposure to UCLI’s mission and the possibility of pursuing a legal career.

As in past years, UCLI’s interns and ambassadors, as well as local attorneys, played an essential role in organizing, packing, and distributing supplies. They also shared information about UCLI’s mission at each back-to-school night, helping families and students connect with community resources and pathways into the legal profession. The season kicked off on August 9 with the Boys & Girls Club event at Dixon Middle School, followed by Backman Elementary School’s back-to-school night on August 15. The series wrapped up at Meadowlark Elementary School on Monday, August 18, where UCLI once again had a presence to ensure families were welcomed and supported.

The success of the back-to-school drive reminds us that progress comes not in isolation, but through the combined strength of partners and community members! By ensuring that hundreds of Utah’s children begin the year prepared, confident, and hopeful, we take another step toward a future where justice is within reach for all here in Utah. UCLI expresses heartfelt gratitude to this year’s partners: Backman Elementary, Meadowlark Elementary, the Boys and Girls Club of Utah County, and Greenberg Traurig, as well as to every individual who donated funds and school supplies. Your contributions have helped make this work possible, and your impact will resonate far beyond the classroom!

UCLI Associate Director Sabrina Ruiz Monroy, tabling at the Backman Elementary School Back-to-School Night event on August 15, 2025.

Children shared their superpower and wrote about what they hope to become in the future during Backman Elementary’s Back-to-School Night on August 15, 2025.

Kyra Woods, Annemarie Garrett, and Izzy Beckstead from Greenberg Traurig, LLP joined UCLI at Backman Elementary’s Back-to-School Night on August 15, 2025, helping distribute donated backpacks filled with school supplies and UCLI swag.

UCLI intern Alofaifo Faleono, UCLI ambassador Ale Benevides, Rachel Miller (attorney at Lear & Lear PLLC), and Amaris Leiataua (attorney at Holland and Hart) joined together to table and hand out backpacks at Meadowlark Elementary’s Title I Back-to-School Night on August 18, 2025.

UCLI ambassador Ale Benevides speaks with a mother at the Boys & Girls Club event at F. Dixon Middle School about UCLI programming for her children on August 9, 2025.