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The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion in partnership with the Young Lawyer’s Division of the Utah State Bar is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of the UCLI Bar Review Scholarship. This scholarship is offered to law students who are registered to take the July 2025 Utah State Bar Examination who have an exceptional record of service during their law school careers. Scholarship funds help students cover expenses of registering and studying for the bar exam. 

Congratulations to the four recipients of the 2025 UCLI Bar Review Scholarship:  Paulina Barboza, Alyssa Hunzeker, Ashley Zulema Whetten Soroa, and Courtney Gamangasso.

Find out more below about these amazing scholarship winners.

 

Paulina Barboza

Paulina is a first-generation American, raised by immigrant parents from Colombia and Mexico, and the first in her family to graduate from college and pursue a law degree. She is also a proud single mother to her 7-year-old son, Mateo Gabriel. These aspects of her identity have profoundly shaped her values and her decision to pursue a career in law.

She entered law school with a clear purpose: to serve as a voice for underrepresented communities and to help shape progressive public policy that reflects the needs of those too often overlooked. During her time in law school, she has dedicated herself to working with organizations that support Utah’s diverse populations.

Her legal experience includes work with the Salt Lake Legal Defenders Association and the Utah Attorney General’s Office, where she has witnessed the powerful role legal advocacy can play—particularly for individuals navigating a justice system that has not always served them equitably. After graduation, she plans to continue this work, using her legal training to advocate for civil rights, social justice, and meaningful change in Salt Lake City.

 

Alyssa Hunzeker

Alyssa Hunzeker is a recent graduate from Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School. During law school, Alyssa served as the president of the Minority Law Students Association and the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association and interned with Magistrate Judge Jared C. Bennett and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Her legal experiences also include working at BYU’s Title IX Office and lobbying in Washington D. C. with the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC). After taking the bar, Alyssa will clerk for Judge Brian Y. Furuya at the Arizona Court of Appeals. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys traveling, playing the piano, and trying new restaurants.

 

Ashley Zulema Whetten Soroa

Ashley Whetten Soroa was born in Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico. Her family moved to Allen, Texas when she was one. Growing up as a DACA recipient, she understands the plight of undocumented immigrants in the United States. While studying International Relations at BYU, she felt drawn to serve her community by volunteering with a non-profit immigration organization called No More A Stranger Foundation. This began her passion for understanding immigration law and serving immigrants. During law school, she gained experience in various immigration issues through her time at the Mexico Regional Office of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Fragomen Del Rey Bersen & Loewy, Catholic Community Services, and Perretta Law Office. In her freetime, you can find her and her husband, Jeff, personal training their twelve-year-old pug, Jack, through his weight-loss journey. Ashley graduated from J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University. She is thrilled to return to Perretta Law Office after she takes the bar.

 

Courtney Gamangasso

Courtney will graduate from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law with a J.D. and a Certificate in Criminal Law. A Salt Lake City native, she earned her undergraduate degree in Philosophy with a minor in French from Westminster College (now Westminster University). During law school, Courtney served as a Note and Comment Editor for the Utah Law Review and competed on SJQ’s Trial Advocacy team, advancing to the semi-finals of the TYLA Competition in Portland, Oregon. She also volunteered at the Pro Bono Initiative and studied international, refugee, and asylum law in Rome and Cambridge. Courtney is passionate about criminal law and committed to promoting fairness, empathy, and justice for all parties involved in the legal system.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion welcomed over 200 guests to its fourth annual Fundraiser Luncheon, “A Seat at the Table”. The luncheon was held at the Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek on March 27, 2025, with the gracious support of Event Sponsor, Kirton McConkie, and Impact Sponsors, Ray Quinney & Nebeker and Parsons Behle & Latimer. We thank our wonderful participants from the Utah legal community and our honored guest speakers and presenters. 

The luncheon was kicked off by Christina Jepson, UCLI Co-President, and Carla Swensen-Haslem, UCLI Utah Hispanic Bar Association (UHBA) Representative, who warmly welcomed all participants and introduced the theme of the afternoon: A Seat at the Table. A special thank you was also provided to Event Sponsor Kirton McConkie, and Impact Sponsors Ray Quinney & Nebeker and Parson Behle & Latimer, who helped make the day possible. Next, Javier Chavez Jr., President of the newly formed Utah Hispanic Bar Association (UHBA), was invited to the stage to present and bring awareness to their important mission of supporting and uplifting Latin-American members of the legal community. 

Following Mr. Chavez’s speech, a video showed the vital impact of UCLI’s PLEDGE programming on students; you may watch the video here. UCLI and the many volunteers in the legal community who give their time have a priceless impact on the students they encounter. The effect is spread through many age groups, from elementary students to admitted law students. The video segued into an inspiring speech by Mr. John Arthur, a 6th-grade teacher at Meadowlark Elementary and a cornerstone of the Meadowlark Mentoring Program. Mr. Arthur opens his classroom to UCLI and its volunteers, and he recounted the positive influence UCLI activities have had on his students, whether it be mentoring sessions or kickball games. “If you want to diversify the legal field, you can’t plant trees. You have to plant seeds,” he said regarding the importance of empowering younger generations. You can listen to his speech here. 

Abby Dizon-Maughan, UCLI board member, next introduced the keynote speaker and her impressive biography. Stacy Bernal is an author, a TedX speaker, current Ogden School District Representative, and the former Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager for the Utah Jazz. Ms. Bernal opened her presentation with a quote from the great Shirley Chisholm, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” Bernal continued sharing the story of how she became the first DEI Manager of the Utah Jazz, while simultaneously managing the Ogden School District elections around the same time. She eventually continued to run for her local Utah Senate seat. Though she did not secure the seat, she made it clear to all luncheon attendees that some of us may be sitting at tables that we are meant to flip. She further inspired all to have the courage to leave a table that does not serve you. Her inspiring keynote address can be accessed here.

Finally, UCLI Development Co-Chair Juliana Yee wrapped up the event by encouraging attendees to donate to the important cause of UCLI. For anyone who missed the chance to attend or donate at the luncheon but would like to support the cause, you may donate here. Carla Swensen-Haslem joined her on stage to close the luncheon out, instructing attendees to check under their seats at the table for a small gift. Each seat featured a gift, and a select few attendees won tickets to the Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trailblazers game on April 9, 2025. Many attendees also took home their winning bids from the silent auction, which featured 24 prizes, from framed original paintings to an at-home private chef dining experience. All donations made at the luncheon were generously matched by the Florence J. Gillmor Foundation. 

UCLI thanks all those who participated in the 2025 luncheon and contributed to the event’s success. We thank each individual, organization, and law firm for their continued support of UCLI’s mission of providing mentorship and support for students as they work towards their goal of joining the legal profession. We appreciate you taking a seat at our table!

 

Thank you to our Event Sponsor:

Kirton McConkie 

 

Thank you to Impact Sponsors:

Ray Quinney & Nebeker 

Parsons Behle & Latimer

 

Thank you to Scholarship Sponsors:

Rocky Mountain Advisory

Keller Preece

 

Thank you to Table Sponsors:

Kirkland & Ellis

Workman Nydegger

Greenberg Traurig

Holland & Hart

Spencer Fane

Fabian VanCott

Strong & Hanni

UMBA

Snell & Wilmer

Lowenstein Sandler

Wilson Sonsini

Jackson Lewis

 

Thank you to Silent Auction Donors:

Leslie Wignall

Arturo Thompson

Tuacahn Amphitheatre 

Utah Opera & Utah Symphony

Erik Christiansen and Christina Jepson

Walnut Golf Club

Little America Hotel

Cinemark Provo

Kings English Bookshop

Log Haven 

Cactus and Tropicals 

Utah Hogle Zoo

Clark Executive Detail

Momentum Climbing Gym

Utah Jazz

Kelly Fletcher Jewelry

Mazza

Body Bar Pilates

Streamline Pilates

The Salt Lake Golf Lounge

 

On Saturday, March 8, 2025, UCLI hosted its first seminar for the 2025 Pre-Law Fellowship at the S.J. Quinney College of Law in Salt Lake City. The UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship program was created to expand Utah’s legal field and help develop pathways for pre-law students in their pursuit of legal education. Fellows participate in engaging monthly seminars focused on providing law school information and advancing their legal careers. This year, we were pleased to host our first seminar in March, welcoming 14 amazing Fellows and introducing them to the program. In addition, Saturday’s seminar offered a valuable educational opportunity for pre-law students to learn more about law school admissions, LSAT preparation tips, and the resources available at the S.J. Quinney College of Law.

The seminar began with program coordinators Kaitlyn Pieper and Sabrina Ruiz offering an introduction to the program, highlighting significant responsibilities and program objectives. This was followed by an engaging get-to-know-you activity, where Fellows had the opportunity to connect, network, and get to know their cohort for the duration of the year. We enjoyed lunch together, generously sponsored by the law firm Ray Quinney & Nebeker. The seminar then featured an informative session from Brent Dunn, the founder and expert LSAT instructor at ACE Test Preparation. Brent provided the Fellows with an initial overview of the LSAT, sharing strategies for tackling reading comprehension questions, maximizing study time, and interpreting questions effectively. He also offered important insights on approaching the exam. 

After the Fellows received a tour of the S.J. Quinney College of Law, they participated in a S. J. Quiney law school preview panel with Jason Owen, Assistant Dean of Admission for S. J. Quinney, and Alannah Trombetta, a current law student at the school. Dean Owen and Alannah shared valuable insights on navigating the law school application process, what admissions representatives seek in applicants, and key information about the opportunities and resources available at S. J. Quinney. Dean Owen also reminded students of the importance of maintaining strong academic performance, emphasizing its consideration in the admissions process. 

This first seminar established a firm foundation for UCLI’s 2025 Pre-Law Fellowship by creating an enriching program that promoted educational growth and highlighted resources. We would like to thank the S. J. Quinney College of Law for generously providing the beautiful venue, as well as for their time and participation. We express gratitude to Ray Quinney & Nebeker for supporting the Fellows through their lunch sponsorship. A special thank you to Brent Dunn for his valuable presentation and LSAT mentoring, and to Dean Jason Owen and Allanah Trombetta for sharing their knowledge about law school. Finally, we are grateful for the program sponsors who made all of this possible: the Ligitation Section of the Utah State Bar, the Bastian Foundation, and the Utah Bar Foundation. This seminar was the beginning, and we look forward to seeing the 2025 Fellows grow further in the program!

 

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion partnered with All Rise Utah to host a Spring Social for law students at the Salt Mine in Sandy. The event was also open to judicial officers participating in the 2025 Judicial Mentorship Program, as well as attorneys participating in the 2024-2025 Utah Law Student Mentoring (ULSM) program. We were pleased to see attendees from both of Utah’s law schools, as well as judges and attorneys from various practice areas. 

The Spring Social featured two incredible speakers, Jontrell Roquemore, MBA and Simón Cantarero, JD, as well as great networking opportunities for students. Jontrell has developed his own company teaching others how to sharpen thinking, enhance performance with confidence and clarity, and foster self awareness. In his presentation, he discussed the importance of mindfulness and how being in tune with mind and body can improve your profession and life. This discussion was very interactive and allowed for each attendee to identify their unique challenges and learn better mechanisms in addressing them. These are just a few of the topics Jontrell shared with attendees; ultimately he left us with the empowering message that self awareness and intentional practices can enhance change and personal and professional growth, and that all factors are within our control. Simón Cantarero, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Priority Dispatch Corp., shared with attendees his powerful story of navigating imposter syndrome and how to continue moving forward despite harboring feelings of inadequacy. Simón also fielded questions from law students about how to overcome the idea of not performing as well as you expected in law school, comparing yourself to others, and feeling incapable in your career after law school. It was incredible to hear from someone who has been through the challenges of law school and a legal career, and has found success personally and professionally.  

The goal of the Utah Law Student Mentoring (ULSM) program is to facilitate mentoring opportunities for law students in the state of Utah. Similarly, the All Rise Utah program is an ongoing collaborative effort directed by the Utah State Courts, to build a pathway of students and attorneys who will one day seek judicial appointments in Utah. The program helps law students and attorneys begin to see themselves as future judges. It will also provide mentorship opportunities at both the law school and attorney level to help individuals prepare for and apply for judicial openings. All Rise Utah is led by Judge Diana Gibson of the Utah Third District Court, and 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 extend our special thanks to UMBA for the generous donation they provided for this networking event.

We look forward to continuing to help plan and support events for both law students and attorneys through ULSM and All Rise Utah. If you have questions or would like to be involved in either program please contact .

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) likes to dream big for Utah’s legal community and students, but would not be able to actually implement programming without the vision and time of amazing attorney volunteers and leaders, or without the generous donations of foundations. 

UCLI is grateful to receive – for the seventh consecutive year – a significant grant award from the Florence J. Gillmor Foundation. The Gillmor Foundation aims to support many worthy initiatives within Utah, including the promotion of education and the pursuit of justice. UCLI and the Gillmor Foundation share a common vision for a state where students are supported in their educational pursuits and able to follow their vocations of choice, and UCLI is honored to be one of the recipients of their grant awards in 2025. We are also delighted to announce that the funds received from the Gillmor Foundation included a 1:1 matching grant for both the Michael Foundation grant award and for the individual donations and silent auction contributions at the UCLI Fundraiser Luncheon: A Seat at the Table on March 27, 2025. 

 Like the Gillmor Foundation, UCLI is dedicated to improving educational outcomes for Utahns of all backgrounds. Thanks to this generous 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 students aspiring to be attorneys at every level – K-12, undergraduate, and those within law school – to provide crucial resources that will allow them to meet their goals. We are grateful to continue these vital efforts and are indebted to the donors who allow UCLI’s work to continue. Thank you, Gillmor Foundation, for the many ways you make Utah a more vibrant and inclusive community, and for your kind support of the UCLI mission.

We are thrilled to announce the second cohort of the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship for 2025! Our program officially launches in March, and we couldn’t be more excited. This year’s cohort includes 14 outstanding students and recent graduates from Utah who are deeply passionate about studying and excelling in the legal profession. The 2025 Fellowship consists of nine seminars covering essential topics such as law school applications, the structure and demands of law school; a mentorship experience with attorneys and law students; consultation with a private law school applications consultant; and a fully funded LSAT course. Additionally, Fellows will receive reimbursements for key expenses, including LSAT fees, travel to seminars, and law school application costs. Our first seminar kicks off on March 8, 2025, with sessions held monthly through November. The core mission of the Pre-Law Fellowship is to create a fair and accessible pathway to law school by removing barriers that may discourage aspiring legal professionals. This program is designed to equip students with the tools and support they need to succeed—right here in Utah.

While this opportunity is comprehensive and highly rewarding, it also comes with participation expectations. Fellows are expected to attend and actively engage in all monthly seminars, participate in LSAT exam preparation, consistently track their progress, take an official LSAT exam at least once in 2025, apply to law school by the end of the year, and provide valuable feedback through intake and exit surveys to strengthen the program for future participants.

We are incredibly proud of each fellow’s achievements and their decision to be part of this transformative journey. Please join us in welcoming the 14 participants in our second cohort—learn more about their backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations below.

A heartfelt thank you to the generous sponsors who make this program possible:

Utah Bar Foundation

Law School Admission Council (LSAC)

Litigation Section of the Utah State Bar

W. Bastian Foundation

Cecilia Abalos is an undergraduate student at the University of Utah majoring in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. Her involvement in advocacy and volunteer work includes her time as a board member of the University of Utah’s Latinx Student Union, outreach efforts for organizations like the Utah Immigrant Advocacy Coalition, a student-ambassador at the U’s Center for Student Wellness, among many other experiences. As a first-generation law student, Cecilia aspires to become a lawyer that combines law and social equity in ways that will create meaningful change.

 

Hibba Ahmed will graduate from the University of Utah in May of 2025 with her Bachelor’s in Criminology and Strategic Communications. Having interned with the White House, the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office, the Mayor’s Office for New Americans & Refugees, and the Utah State Courts, she has experience in legal research, policy analysis, and public administration. Hibba is passionate about advocacy, access to justice, and community engagement, with a particular focus on the intersection of law and public policy. In her last semester, Hibba is currently interning with the Attorney General’s office of Victim Services. She plans to attend law school to further develop her skills in legal research and litigation, with the goal of pursuing a career in human rights law and immigration policy.

 

Monique Aliyah Alires is a dedicated advocate, mental health clinician, and aspiring legal professional. She earned both her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Utah, gaining experience in crisis intervention, research, and legislative advocacy. As a first-generation college graduate, Monique is committed to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for others. In her current work as a mental health clinician, she provides critical support to individuals facing complex challenges. She is also preparing for law school, where she hopes to use her legal education to drive meaningful change, support small business owners, and promote economic prosperity.

 

Jacen Call is a dedicated husband, father of two, and an advocate passionate about legal advocacy and public service. As a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, he takes pride in his heritage and actively participates in inter-tribal policy through the General Council. Despite overcoming dyslexia during his academic journey, Jacen graduated with honors in social work and has gained invaluable experiences at the Utah County Children’s Justice Center as well as Utah County’s Family Justice Center. He is deeply committed to supporting vulnerable populations and plans to pursue law school, blending his passion for justice with his determination to make a lasting impact on others’ lives.

 

James Cardon Leota is a passionate and dedicated individual with a commitment to social justice, equity, and policy change. Raised in a family with diverse cultural backgrounds, James has experienced firsthand the importance of advocacy and community support. He is currently pursuing a degree in Public Health and Neuroscience at Brigham Young University. James has worked extensively with underrepresented communities, including Afghan refugees and immigrant populations, and has advocated for policies that address systemic barriers. His long-term goal is to pursue law school, focusing on advocating for social change through the legal system.

 

Coraidna “Itzel” Corona was born in Mexico and raised in South Central Los Angeles, California. At the age of 17, she graduated high school and attended California State University of Los Angeles. Where she received a Bachelor of Arts in social work. Itzel became interested in law as she witnessed inequalities in her community. Itzel wishes to use her background in social work to pursue a legal career in public interest law.

 

Kara Givens is a dedicated undergraduate student in the Social Work department at the University of Utah. She has interned with the Utah State Bar’s (USB) Access to Justice program, worked briefly in the USB’s MCLE department, and contributed to various projects across multiple USB departments. Beyond her academic and professional passions, Kara enjoys her time as an assistant softball coach for West Jordan High School. She is deeply motivated by a desire to honor her late mother’s legacy and make her proud.

 

Mari Higuchi holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Utah. Her experiences and passion for social work—particularly her work with community members at Hartland UNP, her involvement in Hartland’s Youth Center, and her internships at Oluna Law PLLC and the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation—have shaped her desire to pursue a career in the legal field. Mari is now working for the Salt Lake County Youth Services Center, where she will continue applying her social work background to support and advocate for youth. This role further strengthens her commitment to pursuing a career in law, allowing her to gain firsthand experience in the intersection of social services and the legal system.

 

Taija R. Jackson is an educational leader with experience in both K-12 and higher education, as well as private industry. Currently a PhD student specializing in career and technical education, she focuses on the intersection of law, policy, and education for incarcerated and marginalized communities. As Vice President of Student Affairs at a technical college, Taija leads initiatives that foster student success through innovative programs and strategic leadership. She is dedicated to advancing equitable access to education and advocating for policies that create meaningful opportunities for all learners, empowering individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.

 

Montse Martinez is a proud first generation university graduate and DACA recipient from Mexico. She graduated from BYU With a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduating, she now works at an immigration and criminal defense law firm, where she is dedicated to helping immigrants navigate the legal system and achieve their aspirations of becoming contributing citizens. Her exposure to the legal field have sparked a strong passion for legislation and have played a pivotal role in advancing her legal career. Montse is grateful to be part of this fellowship and looks forward to law school in the fall of 2026.

 

Beryl is a Filipino who was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. As an international student majoring in advertising, she is passionate about self-expression and creativity. With her unique perspective on systemic challenges, she is dedicated to breaking down barriers for underprivileged communities surrounding the field of law and challenging stereotypes. Beryl has a strong interest in politics, equity, accessibility, and activism. Her background has instilled in her a deep desire to support and uplift underserved communities and those around her.

 

Cesar Plascencia is a dedicated aspiring attorney with a passion for diversity and equity in the legal profession. He’s a First generation Mexican-American college senior, who will graduate Spring of 2025 majoring in Political Science and minoring in History. His experience interning at an immigration law clinic deepened his interest in law, particularly in immigration, workplace, and criminal defense law. As a college senior, he seeks to inspire others by pursuing law school and contributing to the growing need for diverse legal professionals. With a strong commitment to justice, he aims to bridge cultural gaps and uplift underrepresented communities.

 

Citlalli Zavala is a proud Chicana and first-generation college graduate from Oakland, CA. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Brigham Young University in December 2024. Passionate about social justice and education, she cares deeply about issues affecting first-gen students, immigrant families, and communities impacted by structural inequalities and poverty. Citlalli hopes to one day become an immigration lawyer so she can give back and make a difference in her community.

 

*This project received funding from the Law School Admission Council, Inc. (LSAC).  The opinions and conclusions contained in this document are the opinions and conclusions of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of LSAC.

We are excited to introduce Lindsay DeGraw as the 2025 Utah Legal Inclusion Fellow! Lindsay is a first-year law student at Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School. Now in its fourth year, this incredible partnership between Intermountain Health, Kirton McConkie, and the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) continues to create opportunities for aspiring legal professionals.

The Fellowship this year offers one law student a coveted position in Kirton McConkie’s summer associate program. Fellows also gain invaluable exposure by working closely with Intermountain’s in-house legal team, providing a firsthand look at how law and healthcare overlap. This program is a vital part of UCLI’s mission to empower law students in Utah by creating meaningful professional connections and fostering a more inclusive legal community.

We were thrilled by the caliber of applicants this year and are honored to select Lindsay as the 2025 Inclusion Fellow. Her impressive achievements and dedication stood out among a competitive pool of candidates.

Learn more about Lindsay and her journey below:

Lindsay, a Kansas native, has loved living in Utah since moving here in 2019 to attend Brigham Young University. She earned her degree in English from BYU, where she developed a deep love for people’s stories and the power they have to create change. She fosters a passion for disability inclusion, which stems from personal experiences and has been further shaped by her recent involvement with the disability community. As an undergraduate, Lindsay wrote a social impact research brief about family caregivers in one class and completed a project on disability representation in literature in another. Outside of class, she volunteered with BYU’s Adaptive Show Choir, an activity she enjoys to this day. Now a 1L at BYU Law, Lindsay is committed to advocating for people with disabilities and using her legal education to make a meaningful impact. No matter where her legal career takes her, Lindsay hopes to use her skills to serve others and promote inclusion.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is proud to announce the legal employers that participated in and completed all requirements for the 2024 Certification Program. Through the Certification Program, legal employers statewide participate in a program that gives them resources to create their office culture effectively and deliberately. The program provides a four-requirement certification process for legal employers that allows them to set goals regarding their workplace strategies and practices, support causes in the broader community that help improve the legal recruitment pool, and evaluate their current performance through an annual survey. Additionally, the program provides training on relevant topics for legal employers for CLE credit. In all, we offer this program in order to commit to the mission of greater access and opportunity in the Utah legal field. 

Last year, 66 legal employers participated in the program, including four new employers who joined: Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, Armstrong Teasdale, Nelson Jones, and Stowell Crayk (Ogden). Out of the 66 participating legal employers, 22 completed the four requirements for certification. Many other employers completed some but not all of the goals. As an organization, we are grateful for the dedication and commitment expressed by all the legal employers who participate in the program.

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion would like to congratulate the following firms for completing the 2024 UCLI Certification Program:

2024 UCLI Certified Organizations: 

Ballard Spahr

Dentons Durham Jones & Pinegar

Greenberg Traurig

Holland & Hart

Intermountain Health

Keller Preece

Kirton McConkie

Kunzler Bean & Adamson

Lowenstein Sandler

Maschoff Brennan

Michael Best & Friedrich

Parr Brown Gee & Loveless

Parsons Behle & Latimer

Ray Quinney & Nebeker

SF Firm

Snell & Wilmer

Stowell Crayk (Ogden)

Strong & Hanni

TraskBritt

University of Utah Office of General Counsel

Utah Association for Justice

Workman Nydegger

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) has a lot of dreams and is committed to making them a reality, but would simply be unable to do it without the support of amazing volunteers, gifted professionals, and generous donors and foundations. 

UCLI is grateful to receive – for the fourth consecutive year – a grant award from the Herbert I. and Elsa B. Michael Foundation. The Michael Foundation aims to support the promotion of education, the advancement of health and scientific achievements, and the prevention of cruelty to children. They are especially interested in giving to programs that encourage secondary and higher education. UCLI and the Michael Foundation share a common vision for a state where students are supported in their educational pursuits and able to follow their vocations of choice, and UCLI was honored to be one of the recipients of their grant awards in the 2024 cycle. 

 Like the Michael Foundation, UCLI is dedicated to facilitating educational advancement for Utahns of all backgrounds. 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 – providing mentoring opportunities and financial aid in the form of fellowships and scholarships to students at various stages of their journey to and through law school. We are happy to continue these important efforts and indebted to the donors who make it all possible. Thank you, Michael Foundation, for the contributions you make to Utah’s educational landscape and for your generous support of the UCLI mission.

On Saturday, December 7th, UCLI hosted the final Pre-Law Fellowship Workshop of the year at the Kirton McConkie offices in Salt Lake City. It was a bittersweet occasion as we bid farewell to the incredible Pre-Law Fellows who have enriched the program over the past year. This special day provided an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of this bright and promising cohort.

The workshop began with a recap of the past year, including a lighthearted survey where fellows voted on “most likely” titles (such as “Most Likely to Become a Supreme Court Justice”) for their peers. A slideshow of photos and videos from the year highlighted the lessons learned and milestones achieved. We were honored to have Professor Lucy Williams, an Associate Professor of Law at BYU, lead the fellows in a mock law class. Professor Williams, whose research focuses on the intersection of constitutional law and American political thought, guided an engaging discussion on the Fourth Amendment and the definition of a search. This immersive experience offered the fellows a glimpse into the rigors and rewards of law school. The day’s events continued with an inspiring keynote address by Abby Dizon-Maughan, a member of the UCLI Fiduciary Board and shareholder and member of the Litigation Practice Team at Parsons Behle & Latimer’s Salt Lake City office. Abby spoke about overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of believing in oneself. Her insights, combined with her personal and family stories, left the fellows inspired and confident in their ability to make a meaningful impact on the legal profession. The workshop concluded with a graduation ceremony, during which each fellow was recognized for their dedication to the program and presented with a certificate of achievement.

Reflecting on her experience, fellow Iradukunda Esperance shared: “I’m extremely grateful to have been selected for such a phenomenal fellowship. Words cannot express my gratitude. I have learned so much, not only about law school but also about the unique perspective I can bring to the legal field. This fellowship has solidified that I do belong in law!” Fellow Victoria Roberts remarked: “I have absolutely loved my time in the UCLI Fellowship, and I think it has prepared me for law school better than I could have ever managed on my own. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity, and I’m confident that future participants will feel the same.”

UCLI is privileged to have piloted this program and to have worked alongside such exceptional fellows. We wish each of them the best as they continue their legal journeys. We also express gratitude to the partners and sponsors who made this program possible:

Thank you to our incredible sponsors who are making this program possible:

Kirton McConkie, Champion Sponsor

LSAC DEI Pipeline*

Utah Bar Foundation

University of Utah Office of General Counsel, Supporting Sponsor

Family Law Executive Committee Bar Section of the Utah State Bar

Applications for the 2025 UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship cohort are now open and will remain available until December 31, 2024. This transformative program provides participants with LSAT prep materials, one-on-one attorney mentorship, personalized law school application assistance, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity—apply today! 

*This project received funding from the Law School Admission Council, Inc. (LSAC).  The opinions and conclusions contained in this document are the opinions and conclusions of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of LSAC.