News

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion hosted a LGBTQ+ social for law students. This was a wonderful opportunity for LGBTQ+ students, lawyers, professors, and allies to come together, connect, and celebrate our community.

Dr. Daniel G. Aaron, the only LGBTQ+ faculty member at the S.J. Quinney College of Law, gave an uplifting speech that resonated deeply with everyone and that focused on how we can build unity across differences. He reminded the students that, as an LGBTQ+ community, they can “still have that fight and grit while also being empathetic. You all have the chance to enter the legal profession and advocate for LGBTQ+ people. Just by being an LGBTQ+ lawyer or ally, you can make a difference and represent a unity that many people need. Plus, you can use your voice to lift up those who might not otherwise be heard.”

 The students were touched by his words, and some shared thoughts like, “This event was so needed for many of us!” and, “I’m really happy to see everyone together in one space!”

 This event was focused on ensuring that everyone feels included, no matter their race, gender, gender or sexual identity, or socioeconomic background. One student put it beautifully: “If we don’t share our perspectives, we allow people to become intolerable.” It was a heartwarming reminder that together, we can create a more welcoming and supportive community! We are very grateful for Brandon Mark and the LGBT and Allied Lawyers of Utah (LALU) for supporting the event, for Mary Ann Davies and the Disability Law Center for providing a great venue for the evening, and for the B.W. Bastian Foundation, whose generous funding allows UCLI to create LGBTQ+ focused programming.

S.J. Quinney law students showing their support for their LGBTQ+ friends and allies!

Students and lawyers listening to Dr. Dan’s powerful speech.

Dr. Dan imparting wisdom on how to be more empathetic and understanding.

On Friday, November 15, 2024, from 2:15 to 3:15 pm, the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) co-hosted a breakout session titled Cross-Cultural Competencies for Lawyers, Lessons from Practitioners with International Clients. This session was held at the Fall Forum in the Wyoming Conference Room at Little America. It attracted attorneys seeking to refine their skills in working with international clients and navigating the complexities of cross-cultural legal practice.

The session was moderated by Clifford Blair, a member of his firm Kirton McConkie’s International Section, who advises both domestic and foreign businesses and nonprofit organizations on international business and trade, specializing in data privacy compliance. Clifford guided the discussion, offering a framework for lawyers seeking to develop cultural awareness in their legal practices.

The panelists shared their perspectives on the importance of understanding cultural differences in international business and law. A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the need for patience and preparation when working across cultures. One panelist emphasized that negotiations with clients from different cultures may initially seem challenging but could ultimately lead to better results if approached collaboratively. “It may take some time to reach the final solution,” they explained, “but with open communication, you might arrive at an even better outcome.” The conversation also centered on the necessity of preparation. One panelist stressed, “You can’t just wing it,” explaining that cultural research, including understanding body language, customs, and history, is vital for successful cross-cultural interactions. The panelist noted that sometimes, non-verbal communication speaks louder than words, making cultural awareness even more important.

Peter Phippen, Vice President of Sales and Global Sourcing at Newcorp International, shared his insights from the international business world. He spoke about the importance of attorneys in supporting cross-border business relationships but also noted that attorneys could sometimes be a disadvantage if not attuned to the unique cultural and legal contexts in which they are operating. “There are roadblocks and red tape that can often be cleared up when we meet face-to-face,” Peter explained, recalling how many business negotiations could be stymied by reliance on emails and virtual communication. He encouraged attendees to build personal connections, saying, “It’s essential to carve out time and money to meet face-to-face, especially when dealing with international clients.” He also emphasized the critical role of attorneys in international business, especially regarding visas, immigration issues, and cross-border legal requirements such as land ownership and taxation. However, he also highlighted a potential “love-hate relationship” with attorneys, as business clients sometimes feel frustrated with the pace of legal processes, particularly when deadlines are tight.

The discussion then shifted to the concept of relationship-building in international business. One panelist pointed out that in many non-Western cultures, business deals are often forged outside the meeting room, in more informal settings. “In many parts of the world, business doesn’t happen in the boardroom,” they explained. “It happens over meals, over conversations outside the office.” This underscores the importance of understanding the role of informal settings in international business dealings, particularly in cultures like China.

The panel also explored the challenges of overcoming biases in international business. One panelist shared their personal experience in dealing with cultural biases, both in legal documents and interpersonal interactions. “It’s essential to check your biases constantly,” they said. “Even after years of experience, I’m still learning how to address my own biases.”

The importance of cultural competence extends to diverse cultural groups within the U.S. as well. As one panelist pointed out, Utah itself is home to a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and languages. “We need to challenge ourselves to get to know someone different from us,” they urged the audience. “Just ask someone where they’re from, listen to their story. It can make a big difference.”

The session concluded with a powerful message on the value of building lasting, respectful relationships in the legal field, both internationally and domestically. The panelists urged attorneys to see cultural competency as an ongoing process, one that requires openness, patience, and an ongoing commitment to learning and understanding.

A special thank you to Clifford Blair for moderating, the panelists for their insightful contributions, and the Utah World Trade Center for their partnership in organizing the event. We also express appreciation to Silver Sponsor Maschoff Brennan and Bronze Sponsors Ballard Spahr and the Utah Association for Justice, who made this CLE series possible. We also appreciate the support of our series partner the Utah State Bar CLE office and all those who attended. We look forward to seeing you at future UCLI CLE events!

The entrance of the Utah State Bar Fall Forum 2024.

The Wyoming Conference room at the Little America filled with Attorneys and professionals at the Fall Forum.

UCLI intern, Monique Alires, had the opportunity to meet the panelists and attend a discussion on cross-cultural competencies for lawyers, featuring lessons from practitioners working with international clients, hosted in collaboration with the Utah World Trade Center.

Growing up between Miami, Guatemala, and the United States, Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy—UCLI’s new Associate Director—understands firsthand the transformative power of mentorship. Having experienced both the challenges of adapting to a new culture and the impact of a caring teacher who supported her progress in English, Sabrina’s journey reveals how mentorship can redefine a young person’s trajectory.

At just nine years old, she moved to the United States, struggling with an accent and adapting to a new environment. A teacher who recognized her potential not only helped her improve her English but also introduced her to the local Boys and Girls Club. That early mentorship became a cornerstone of Sabrina’s passion for creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.

This passion ultimately led her to an internship with UCLI. Reflecting on her time as an intern, Sabrina describes that it was UCLI’s unique approach that drew her in. Unlike other organizations, UCLI creates a comprehensive mentorship pipeline that spans all levels—from elementary schools to law students and attorneys. “I had experienced the power of being lifted by my community, and I wanted to make that accessible to others,” she explains.

As an intern, Sabrina eagerly took on the challenge of designing and implementing projects that embodied UCLI’s mission of equity and inclusion. Inspired by her own childhood experiences, she forged a partnership between UCLI and local schools, specifically serving economically disadvantaged students. “I was so grateful that I was part of an organization that welcomed my ideas,” she says. “I presented my ideas for the project and UCLI made it a reality!” Sabrina worked on publicity, contacted contributors, gathered materials, and organized UCLI’s first-ever school drive. This initiative not only provided resources for students in need but also deepened her understanding of inclusion. 

“Inclusion means caring for the community as a whole while never losing sight of the individual,” she reflects. For Sabrina, the experience underscored the importance of ensuring every voice and perspective is valued—especially in fields like law, where understanding a client’s unique background is essential to providing accurate representation.

Now stepping into her new role as Associate Director, Sabrina is determined to further UCLI’s mission of creating a more inclusive legal sphere in Utah. She envisions inclusion as a mosaic: “For me, inclusion is the belief that differences are pieces that create a whole,” she says. “Inclusion is the promise that there is room for every story, every voice, every unique strength, and every dream. But inclusion isn’t just making room—it’s extending the invitation,” she emphasizes.

Sabrina’s journey, marked by resilience and a deep commitment to equity, is a reminder that, as she says, “inclusion is seeing others not as strangers, but as common humanity.” UCLI is thrilled to welcome Sabrina to the team and can’t wait to see the incredible impact she will make in advancing UCLI’s mission of equity and inclusion.

With Veterans Day this month, the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) wishes to honor those who have served our country and continue to make a difference in their communities. This year, we spotlight Engels Tejeda, a veteran, attorney, and advocate for inclusion in the legal field.

Engels’ journey from the Dominican Republic to becoming a partner at Holland & Hart is inspiring and a testament to the unique strengths veterans bring to the legal profession. His path was shaped by hard work, mentorship, and the values instilled in him through his military service. Today, Engels gives back through initiatives like the Utah Law Student Mentoring Program, which connects diverse law students with career development opportunities and support. His story, which you can read more about here, is a reminder that veterans enrich our community through service in and out of uniform.

At UCLI, we are committed to celebrating the contributions of veterans in law and advocating for inclusion across all sectors. If you know a veteran in the legal community whose story deserves to be shared, we encourage you to reach out to . Your contribution will help us continue this critical conversation and honor the service of our veterans.

On Friday, November 8th, UCLI held its annual Pre-Law Symposium, drawing around 100 students from across the state to Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School for a day of inspiration, learning, and connection. The symposium aimed to provide students with valuable insights into beginning a legal career, including navigating the application process, preparing for the LSAT, accessing funding opportunities, and hearing from practicing attorneys. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to BYU Law for hosting this impactful event and to the many attorneys, professionals, and volunteers who made it an exceptional learning experience for aspiring legal professionals.

The day began with a delicious kolache breakfast and numerous networking opportunities, with representatives from the University of Utah’s S. J. Quinney College of Law, AccessLex, the Utah State Bar, and ACE Test Prep. Barbara Melendez, Director of Belonging at BYU Law, then opened the symposium with powerful remarks about the legal profession. “Law is more than a career; it’s a privilege,” she counseled the students. She emphasized the pressing need for diverse perspectives in the legal field, inspiring attendees to see their unique backgrounds as strengths.

A panel discussion on preparing for law school followed, led by Dean Anthony Grover, Dean of Admissions at BYU Law, and Director Isabel Moreno, Director of Admissions at the University of Utah Law. The admissions leaders offered practical advice and encouragement, with Director Moreno reminding students, “There’s a law school for everyone!”

The symposium also featured insights from five attorneys from diverse backgrounds, including Wayne Latu of Quinn Emmanuel, Jiro Johnson of Salt Lake Legal Defenders, Lisa Bohman of BYU Legal Counsel, and Grace Acosta of Trujillo Acosta Law. The panel shared candid advice about the realities of practicing law. Grace Acosta provided a memorable moment, quipping, “You come over to my house, you’ll think—that’s a nice house, that’s a nice car—but you need to know what it costs!”

The keynote address by Michalyn Steele, the Marion G. Romney Professor of Law at BYU, left a lasting impression on attendees. Drawing from her experiences as a Native American woman overcoming barriers in the legal profession, she encouraged students to persevere. “Other people will underestimate you,” she urged. “Don’t you be the one to clip your own wings. You have the audacity to hope—dare to dream.”

Throughout the day, students attended sessions tailored to their needs. Workshops included a lecture on financial resources for law school by Justin Zieman of AccessLex and an LSAT preparation session by Brent Dunn of ACE Test Prep. Students also participated in a mock law class taught by Professor Kif Augustine-Adams, gaining a taste of the law school experience. The day concluded with a panel of current law students from BYU and the University of Utah, who provided a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of law school life.

This year’s symposium set a new record for student registration and received overwhelmingly positive feedback. One student shared, “As a DACA recipient, I felt heard and hopeful about law school. I was unaware of the resources available for someone like me. I wish others knew about this.” Another noted, “I walked into the symposium today doubting my ability to pursue law school. However, after hearing the inspiring and motivational words from everyone, I feel that I can do my dream of law school.” A third attendee remarked, “[The symposium was] life-changing. It inspired me and also made me want to go to law school even more.”

This event’s success was made possible by the collective efforts of our community. We thank the dedicated speakers, attorneys, law students, and professionals who shared their time and wisdom, as well as each member of the planning committee. To the students who attended, thank you for bringing your enthusiasm and aspirations—we are honored to support your journeys and can’t wait to see the incredible impact you will make in the legal field. Finally, a warm thank you to this year’s sponsors who made this event possible: 

Access Lex

Anderson & Karrenberg

Intellectual Property Section of the Utah State Bar

Maschoff Brennan

SF Firm

Stowell Crayk Ogden

Utah State Bar

The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is excited to welcome its newest member to the Fiduciary Board, Joshua Gifford! Joshua will serve as UCLI’s Tax/Accounting Advisor, replacing Matt Connors who will step down at the end of 2024 after many years of valuable service. 

A proud native of Sugar House in Salt Lake City, Joshua grew up in a loving family with two brothers and two sisters. He attended Highland High School and went on to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Utah. Joshua began his career as a Tax Associate at Tanner LLC and eventually transitioned to Rocky Mountain Advisory as a Senior Associate and is now a manager. He describes this experience as both challenging and rewarding. With his versatile skill set as an accountant, Joshua’s expertise includes business valuation, fraud investigation, dispute analysis, and much more.

 Joshua first discovered the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion while helping with their tax return reviews at Rocky Mountain Advisory. When the opportunity to join the Fiduciary Board came up, he jumped at the chance. Joshua remarked, “I think UCLI is a vital cause, and I’m excited to support its mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal community.”

 Above all his professional achievements, Joshua considers his greatest achievement to be his beautiful wife and their two wonderful daughters, ages 4 and 7. The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion is proud to announce Joshua Gifford as the newest member of the Fiduciary Board and are grateful for his willingness to serve in 2025.

To support the legal journeys of the future leaders of tomorrow, UCLI partnered with Utah State University (USU) to host a Pre-Law Event on October 24, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00pm. The event was held at the David Haight Alumni House on the USU campus. Dinner was provided, and pre-law students were given the opportunity to connect with lawyers, access pre-law resources, and meet prospective peers in the field.

 Cliff Parkinson, Associate General Counsel at Utah State University and UCLI Community Outreach Co-Chair, kicked off the event and then played the UCLI First Generation Outreach video. Kaitlyn Pieper, the Executive Director of UCLI, provided an informative presentation about the inequities that exist in Utah and the legal profession, and highlighted the importance of changing these dynamics. Following her presentation, Melesisi Pau’u, an intern at UCLI, shared her personal journey pursuing a legal education. The evening concluded with a keynote speech from Jacey Skinner, the chair of the Utah State Board of Trustees and the UCLI Advancement Committee Co-Chair. She recounted her experience in law school and offered guidance on navigating the legal field, including where to find resources and how to overcome feelings of imposter syndrome. Pre-law students then heard from various representatives of USU programs, including the Institute of Government & Politics, Transforming Communities Institute’s Access to Justice Program, Pre-Law Society, and Law & Constitutional Studies Program. It was a dynamic evening where students received resources and information on many programs and resources. 

 Law is one of the least diverse professions in the nation. By partnering with universities like Utah State to host pre-law events, our aim is to inspire students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams. It is essential that all voices and perspectives are heard and represented as we work towards safeguarding justice and driving meaningful change. UCLI is incredibly grateful to Dr. Christy Glass, professor of Sociology at USU and UCLI Tracking Progress Committee Co-Chair, for her leadership and passion in organizing this event. We are grateful to USU’s hospitality and generosity in hosting this event and allowing UCLI to participate.

UCLI partners at the USU event

Jacey Skinner’s motivational address encouraging students to pursue their dreams

Students watch the UCLI First Generation Outreach Video

Melesis Pau’u presents an inspirational keynote about her own journey through higher education

USU Pre-Law Event

On Tuesday, October 29th, UCLI and Women of the World hosted their last legal workshop of the year. For the past four weeks, these workshops have welcomed migrant and refugee women community members and provided legal education on topics ranging from divorce and custody to workers’ rights. These workshops have been specially designed to address the critical legal challenges many displaced women face. UCLI is immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to partner with Women of the World on these inspiring and insightful sessions.

The final workshop in the series was especially unique as it was hosted entirely in Spanish. The workshop’s topic was immigration and featured Geidy Achecar, a talented immigration attorney and dedicated supporter of UCLI’s mission. Ms. Achecar currently runs her own practice while simultaneously serving on UCLI’s Fiduciary Board and providing programmatic support to pre-law programming. Ms. Achecar herself is an immigrant, raised in a Spanish-speaking home in New York City. Growing up in this environment has instilled in her a deeply empathetic understanding of the struggles her clients face. Outside her law practice, she is involved in the Latino community in impactful ways, including serving as Co-executive Director of the Utah County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and as a legal fellow for Senator Luz Robles of the Utah State Senate.

During the workshop, Ms. Achecar covered several important topics, including the dangers of notarios (individuals who falsely claim they can provide immigration support without legal training), the parole-in-place policy, as well as assuaging fears about anticipated changes to the immigration process following the election.

We extend our deepest thanks to everyone involved in the workshops this year: to Ms. Achecar for her excellent presentation, to the South Salt Lake Promise Co-Op for providing a welcoming meeting space, to the many restaurants that generously provided meals, to the dedicated attorneys who shared their expertise, and especially to Women of the World for their invaluable partnership. Together, we have created a space of empowerment and support for the community we serve.

Geidy presenting information at the workshop

The workshop attendees getting ready for the presentation

Comunidades Unidas also had a presence at this event and shared resources with attendees

On the evening of October 22, 2024, Women of the World (WoW), in collaboration with the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI), hosted a workshop focused on basic rights at the South Salt Lake Promise Co-Op. The third legal workshop in the four-part series was presented by Abby Dizon-Maughan, a dedicated member of UCLI’s fiduciary board. As an experienced litigator at Parsons and the Chairperson of the Criminal Justice Committee of the NAACP, Abby passionately enlightened community members about their essential residential rights in the USA. These rights encompass equal access to education, privacy in educational records, the essence of informed consent, and strategies for engaging with the police. Abby emphasized that these rights are particularly crucial for people of color, as these groups are often the most vulnerable to exploitation. One key point she made regarding medical treatment was to always ask the doctor: “What are the costs? What are the benefits? And what are the alternatives?” Abby advised that posing these questions could enhance the quality of care received and reduce the likelihood of being charged for unnecessary treatments.

 A grateful community member captured the sentiment perfectly when they said, “People like Abby make this community better.” We extend our heartfelt thanks to Abby Dizon-Maughan for her unwavering commitment to the community, to the translators for their invaluable support, and to Halab’s Jasmine Kitchen for the delicious catered food. Together, we are building a more informed and hopeful future.

Abby teaches community members about their legal rights.

On the evening of October 15, 2024, Women of the World (WoW), in collaboration with the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI), hosted an important workshop focused on workers’ rights at the South Salt Lake Promise Co-Op. Laura Henrie, the Legal Director of the Disability Law Center (DLC), was the featured presenter, offering valuable insights to empower displaced women with the legal knowledge necessary to navigate workplace challenges.

Laura Henrie has been an integral part of the Disability Law Center since 2007 and was permanently appointed as the agency’s Legal Director on April 19, 2021, after serving in the role on an interim basis since late 2020. Henrie is passionate about ensuring equal access and full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life, including employment and education.

During the workshop, Henrie covered key topics such as discrimination, accommodations, employment law, and workplace injury. She emphasized the critical importance of understanding workers’ rights, particularly for those who may face additional barriers such as language difficulties or unfamiliarity with U.S. labor laws. Henrie stated, “[accommodations look like] large print materials, it could look like providing an interpreter… it also can include providing additional leave.” The session was highly interactive, with participants engaging in discussions about their personal experiences and asking questions regarding workplace violations. Henrie provided practical advice and encouraged attendees to seek legal assistance when necessary. She also highlighted available resources for those needing further guidance or support in dealing with workplace issues.

This workshop is part of WoW and UCLI’s ongoing effort to provide legal education and foster an inclusive environment where women can feel empowered to protect their rights. Upcoming sessions in the series will address topics such as immigration law, housing discrimination, and more. By equipping displaced women with essential knowledge, the Women of the World workshops continue to serve as a vital resource in building a more equitable and just society for all.

Attorney Laura Henrie discussing employment law at the Women of the World workshop on Workers Rights.

Attorney Laura discussing Worker’s Rights, by elaborating on Discrimination and Workplace Injury.

Attorney Laura discussing the Basics of Employment Law to participants at the Women of the World Workshop on Worker’s Rights.