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Parsons Behle & Latimer Becomes a UCLI 2025 Sustaining Sponsor

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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.



Wildcats to Lawyers: UCLI and Weber State Inspire Future Attorneys

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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.

 

Thank You to the 2025 Summer Ambassadors

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The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is proud to honor and thank the inaugural class of Summer Ambassadors for their outstanding work, drive, and commitment to UCLI’s mission. This distinguished group included: Jordan Evans, Daniela Valdama Roca, Ale Benavides, Ella Paligo, Tyson Udy, and Maya Hughes, who have all truly made their mark on UCLI and paved the way for future Ambassadors to follow in their footsteps.

The UCLI Ambassador Program was created for undergraduate students and recent graduates who are passionate about law, public service, and creating a more fair and just legal system as an opportunity to formally volunteer with the organization. UCLI Ambassadors this semester gained hands-on experience by working closely with UCLI staff, interns, and community partners on initiatives that made a real difference in our community.

This summer, UCLI Ambassadors went above and beyond. From assisting with the creation of a scholarship database, designing impactful social media campaigns, and updating resources on our website, to supporting the launch of UCLI’s upcoming podcast, building accessible LSAT study spaces in Salt Lake and Provo, and preparing backpacks for the Back-to-School Drive, their contributions were both wide-ranging and deeply meaningful. Many also helped connect UCLI to their own undergraduate institutions, further broadening our reach and deepening our impact.

UCLI also hosted a recognition event with staff, interns, and Ambassadors to honor the incredible work accomplished this semester. It has truly been a privilege to work alongside such talented and passionate individuals. Each Ambassador brought unique skills, energy, and heart to their work, and in doing so, helped strengthen UCLI’s role within Utah’s legal community. We are immensely proud of all they have achieved and are confident that they will continue to do extraordinary things as they pursue law school and their future careers in the legal profession.

To our 2025 Summer Ambassadors: Thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and the footprint you have left on UCLI. Your contributions will have a lasting impact, and we cannot wait to see the incredible futures you will build!

UCLI Summer 2025 Interns: Making a Positive Impact

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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’s 2025 Back-to-School Drive: Showcasing Community, Advocacy, and Opportunity

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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.

Celebrating the 2024–2025 Christine M. Durham Fellows: Law Student Leadership in Action

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The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion proudly celebrates the incredible contributions of the 2024–2025 Christine M. Durham Fellows, Aliza Murad and Madelyn Poston. These exceptional law students have worked closely with UCLI’s Executive Director, Associate Director, Administrative Coordinator, interns, Fiduciary Board members, attorneys, and mentors to help carry out some of UCLI’s most impactful programming and initiatives this past year.

Throughout the academic year, Aliza and Madelyn played an integral role in organizing events and strengthening connections across Utah’s legal education community. From coordinating UCLI’s involvement at both S. J. Quinney College of Law and the J. Reuben Clark Law School, to helping secure law student mentors for the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship Program, their work has deepened UCLI’s impact across campuses. Their leadership extended to key projects such as organizing law student panels for the 2024 UCLI Pre-Law Symposium, contributing to the Utah Law Student Mentoring Program, planning and hosting an LGBTQ+ networking event for law students across the state, and offering valuable insights during planning and evaluation meetings. Their perspective as current law students has been critical to informing how UCLI can better support students preparing to enter the legal profession.

UCLI’s success is rooted in collaboration – from its generous donors, staff, and interns, to its board members and ambassadors. But law students like Aliza and Madelyn  – the 2024–2025 Durham Fellows – have been especially instrumental. Their dedication, creativity, and willingness to lead have helped shape programs that are more responsive and representative of the next generation of legal professionals.

We are especially grateful for the candid feedback and ideas they shared throughout their fellowship. Their reflections helped us consider how law schools in Utah can better engage their students, and how UCLI can continue building meaningful support for those currently navigating law school.

Their contributions this year have significantly strengthened UCLI’s programs and inspired the broader legal community. As they continue their legal education and prepare to enter the profession, we are confident they will carry forward the same spirit of leadership and service that defined their time as Durham Fellows.

Read below for reflections from Aliza and Madelyn on their experience as Durham Fellows.

Madelyn Poston

“I applied for the Durham Fellowship because I was inspired by its mission of legal inclusion and felt determined to contribute to that work. I loved getting to interact with all the amazing attorneys, peers, and supporters who are connected to UCLI in some way.

One of my favorite parts of the program was seeing the events I helped plan come to life – highlights for me included trying out breathwork and tasting Kafé Mamai for the first time!

My biggest piece of advice to future fellows is this: never hesitate to ask for help on behalf of UCLI – whether from professors, attorneys, or peers. Most people want to support legal inclusion and are just waiting for the opportunity to do so.”

Aliza Murad

“I was inspired to apply for the Christine M. Durham Fellowship because of my deep commitment to equity in the legal profession and my desire to uplift underrepresented communities. As a first-generation Pakistani-American law student, I found the fellowship uniquely impactful in connecting me with mentors and resources that supported both my academic and professional journey. One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was the opportunity to mentor pre-law students and witness their growth and confidence flourish. I especially appreciated the sense of community and shared purpose among fellows and mentors who are passionate about access to justice. I encourage future fellows to take full advantage of every networking and mentorship opportunity, and to approach the experience with intention, humility, and heart.”

Mountain Mediation: Building Bridges through Dialogue

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Mountain Mediation brings people together to prevent and resolve conflict through a peaceful, dialogue-first approach. At the heart of their mission, according to Director Gretchen Lee, is a commitment to “access to justice for everybody in [the] community”. Guided by the belief that open and respectful communication is key to navigating differences, Mountain Mediation helps individuals find common ground and sustainable solutions.

From neighborhood disagreements to civic tensions to broader systemic challenges, Mountain Mediation creates spaces where people feel heard, understood, and empowered. Their efforts help create a vibrant, compassionate community in which individuals are equipped to engage meaningfully in civic life.

The organization’s work is anchored by three core programs: mediation services, landlord-tenant eviction prevention, and the Let’s Talk communication initiative. Across all areas, they emphasize access by ensuring services are available regardless of financial means or language barriers.

In 2025, Mountain Mediation has placed particular emphasis on its eviction prevention program, prioritizing education as a central strategy. To expand awareness and understanding of Utah’s housing laws, the organization engaged in outreach across Summit and Wasatch counties. They promoted a series of short, accessible videos that explains key legal concepts related to renting in Utah. This information empowers both tenants and landlords to better understand their rights and options. “At the end of the day, we are a community,” reflects Lee. “We want to make sure that everybody has access to these important services.”

By promoting legal clarity and respectful dialogue, Mountain Mediation helps improve communication and enhance respect. UCLI supports their efforts on an annual basis through a donation that goes directly to an intern who actively implements Mountain Mediation goals and programs and who has a long-term interest in a legal career. Together with partners like UCLI, Mountain Mediation is planting the seeds of a peaceful, dialogue-driven future – one conversation at a time. If you are interested in donating to support this important cause, please reach out to . 

Mountain Mediation Outreach Coordinator, Joanna, and Outreach Consultant Sofía table at the Summit County Safety Fair (ft. some special guests – their babies!).

Joanna poses with representatives from the People’s Health Clinic and Peace House at a Mobile Pantry event hosted by the Christian Center of Park City.

Joanna shares information about Mountain Mediation’s landlord & tenant services at a local Park City School’s Parents Evening.

Valeria speaks with a potential client at a Mobile Pantry event. This outreach is a great opportunity to meet tenants where they live and address issues before they arise!

 

Kirton McConkie: UCLI Champion Sponsor

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The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) is proud to recognize Kirton McConkie as a champion sponsor for the 2025 Sustaining Sponsorship. Through this sponsorship, Kirton McConkie provides critical groundwork in expanding legal access across the state and allows UCLI to advance opportunities within Utah’s legal profession.

As a founding sponsor in 2020, Kirton McConkie played a pivotal role in shaping UCLI’s vision and reach from the beginning. In the years since, the firm’s steadfast commitment to UCLI and its mission has gone beyond funding. They have opened their doors to share their expertise, and they lead by example of what Utah’s legal profession offers.

This year, Kirton McConkie’s generous contribution again reflects their deep-rooted commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible legal field. As our very first champion-level sponsor, Kirton McConkie has demonstrated consistent leadership, mentorship, and engagement with UCLI in ways that will continue to impact future attorneys. They consistently participate in UCLI’s certification program, helping promote best practices for belonging within law firms; host key UCLI gatherings, including events for the Pre-Law Fellowship program, providing space and support to diverse students looking to go into law; and support the annual UCLI fundraiser luncheon as an event sponsor. 

Jonathan Hafen, UCLI Fiduciary Board member states, “Kirton McConkie continues to provide exemplary leadership in our legal community. They continually invest in people and organizations and create growth opportunities for all. UCLI is so fortunate to have such a consistent and reliable supporter.”

Kirton McConkie’s financial and practical support impacts the lives of real people, like Cecilia Abalos, a Kirton McConkie employee. Cecilia joined the firm during college and works as a receptionist at the firm’s headquarters in Salt Lake City. Since joining Kirton McConkie, Cecilia has caught the vision for what the legal profession can provide and the good it can do within the community. Cecilia shared:

Kirton McConkie is the reason I considered pursuing a legal career. For most of my life, law was never on my radar. In fact, if you asked me a year ago what I’d be doing after college, I probably would’ve said just about anything except law. No one in my family had even touched the idea of law school, so it felt like something that was simply always going to be completely out of reach. But everything changed when I started working at Kirton McConkie. I wasn’t even in a legal role—just a front desk receptionist, expecting to hold down a temporary job while finishing school. But the firm became more than a workplace. It became a window into an entirely new world. I found myself surrounded by attorneys whose passion and purpose sparked something within me. I met people who saw potential in me before I even saw it in myself.

At the recommendation of an attorney colleague, Cecilia decided to apply for the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship program, one of the programs supported by Kirton McConkie’s generosity, and was accepted in 2025. Now a fellow within the program, Cecilia is working on her own law school application. She received free access to an LSAT study program and studies for 15 hours per week. She plans to take the exam in September. About her experience, Cecilia states:

At Kirton McConkie, I’ve never felt like “just” the receptionist. I’ve been encouraged, valued, and uplifted. I’ve felt seen, heard, and empowered. I’ve been aligned with opportunities and placed in positions to grow at every turn. My colleagues have shown me time and again that they are genuinely rooting for me to succeed and that they fully believe I can.

As a full-time employee since I was old enough to work, coming from an immigrant family and navigating countless socioeconomic obstacles, the firm’s support has been absolutely transformative. While balancing work and school, they prioritized my education, accommodated my schedule, and championed every opportunity for my personal and professional growth.

Kirton McConkie helped me realize that I belong in this space. The people I’ve met and the support I’ve received here have shaped not just my career path, but who I am as a person, and I couldn’t be more thankful.

Seeing real impact on real people drives Kirton McConkie’s engagement with UCLI and the willingness to continue supporting the organization. “Supporting UCLI is personal to us,” says Rob Walker, president of Kirton McConkie. “We want to help create a dynamic legal community of unique perspectives where everyone discovers and believes in an achievable path for success.”

We are proud to honor Kirton McConkie’s ongoing partnership, and we express gratitude for their generous support on many levels. Together, we look forward to continuing UCLI’s mission of building a legal profession that reflects the full talent and potential of our Utah communities. 

UCLI Fiduciary Board Co-Chair Justice Christine Durham and UCLI Fiduciary Board Member Jon Hafen meet with Kirton McConkie President Robert Walker and Kirton McConkie Director of Administration Ken Olson for lunch on June 16, 2025.

Director of Administration Ken Olson presents at a 2024 Pre-Law Fellowship Seminar hosted at the Kirton McConkie offices in March 2024.

Cecilia Abalos, Front Desk Receptionist at Kirton McConkie & Utah Center for Legal Inclusion 2025 Pre-Law Fellow.

 

Applications Now Open for UCLI’s Fall 2025 Ambassador Program

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The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Fall 2025 cohort of the UCLI Ambassador Program! Now entering its second official round, the Ambassador Program is a growing initiative that reflects UCLI’s ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation of legal professionals in Utah.

This formal volunteer program is designed for undergraduate students and recent graduates who are passionate about law, public service, and creating a more fair legal system. Ambassadors gain hands-on experience working alongside UCLI staff, interns, and community partners to conduct outreach among K-12 students from historically underserved communities and assist with social media messaging and programming. Whether you’re passionate about advocacy, policy, community engagement, or justice reform, this program offers a meaningful path to make a difference and build your future in law.

About the Program
The Fall semester of the UCLI Ambassador Program runs from August 25 to December 5, 2025, and is structured to accommodate academic schedules through flexible, primarily remote participation. While this is an unpaid volunteer position, Ambassadors benefit from:

  • Direct mentorship from legal professionals
  • Meaningful leadership and professional development
  • Access to the Legal and Career Readiness Series on a weekly basis
  • Opportunities to contribute to impactful initiatives across Utah
  • Valuable experience for résumés, graduate school applications, and future public service careers

General Qualifications

UCLI hopes to work with Ambassadors who:

  • Are currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree or have recently graduated from college
  • Intend to attend law school in the future
  • Demonstrate strong communication and time management skills
  • Are team-oriented, self-motivated, and open to feedback
  • Show a passion for law, public service, advocacy, or nonprofit work

UCLI staff and interns are committed to supporting Ambassadors throughout the program, and we are thrilled to welcome another cohort of future legal changemakers into our community.

Interested in applying?
Please fill out the application here. 

For questions or additional information, please contact us at .

The Summer 2025 cohort of UCLI Ambassadors.

Summer UCLI Ambassadors receive orientation training from Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy, Associate Director.

2025–2026 Utah Law Student Mentoring Program

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The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) looks forward to reopening applications for the 2025–2026 Utah Law Student Mentoring Program (ULSM) – a unique opportunity for law students and attorneys to build meaningful, lasting mentorship relationships that strengthen Utah’s legal community.

ULSM pairs law students with two practicing attorneys for structured, year-long mentorship that runs from Fall 2025 through Summer 2026. Whether you’re a 1L looking for guidance or a 3L preparing for the bar, the program is designed to offer personalized support, practical insight, and connection throughout your legal journey.

For mentees – law students enrolled in Utah’s law schools – this is a chance to:

  • Receive tailored advice on law school, clerkships, and career planning

  • Develop a deeper understanding of Utah’s legal community

  • Build confidence, clarity, and professional wellness

  • Strengthen your network with trusted mentors and allies

For mentors – attorneys licensed and practicing in Utah – ULSM offers a meaningful way to give back, stay engaged with rising legal talent, and shape the next generation of legal professionals. Mentors meet monthly with their student match (virtually or in person), and UCLI provides a Mentorship Manual with helpful resources, suggested topics, and best practices to guide the conversations.

Now entering its fifth year under UCLI’s stewardship, ULSM continues a strong tradition started by Holland & Hart LLP and the Utah Minority Bar Association. Hundreds of Utah law students have benefited from the wisdom and support of attorneys who generously shared their time and insights.

We invite you to join us—whether you’re new to mentoring or returning for another year. Help us build a stronger, more connected legal community.

Pairings will be finalized by mid-September, at which point participants will be connected to their mentoring group and receive a copy of the Mentorship Manual to help kick off the year. An in-person social will be held on October 23 for all program participants; save the date, and more details will be coming soon. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the UCLI team – we’re happy to support you.

Attendees at the 2024-2025 ULSM Spring Social held in conjunction with All Rise Utah on March 6, 2025.