The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) is proud to announce the 2026–2027 recipients of the Christine M. Durham Fellowship. This fellowship is awarded annually to one law student from the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law and one from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School. Named in honor of Justice Christine M. Durham, former Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court and current UCLI Co-Chair, this fellowship recognizes law students who demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing justice, inclusion, and equity within Utah’s legal profession.
Each fellow receives a stipend of up to $1,500, which may be applied toward tuition, housing, food, or other living expenses. In addition to financial support, Durham Fellows work closely with UCLI staff and the Leadership Council to strengthen programming and expand opportunities for law students across the state.We are thrilled to introduce this year’s outstanding fellows:
Fagasoaia-Iliganoa Leituala
Noa is a rising second-year JD candidate at BYU Law. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, he quickly learned the value diverse perspectives bring to both the workplace and the larger community. Noa is a former UCLI Pre-Law Fellow and credits UCLI’s mentorship, expertise, and professional engagement with helping navigate the first crucial steps in his legal career. Drawing on his background and leadership positions in the BYU Law Student Body Association, Minority Law Student Association, and Pacific Islander Law Student Association, he works to expand opportunities for future law students. Through this fellowship, Noa will help advance UCLI’s mission by connecting students with mentors, strengthening pathways into the legal profession, and fostering a more inclusive legal community throughout Utah. He hopes to pay forward UCLI’s investment in him by helping the next generation of students find belonging and opportunity in the law.
Fagasoaia-Iliganoa Leituala
Sakina Steflik
Sakina is a student at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law and a Utah native. Her interest in law grew from experiences listening to people’s stories, whether as a journalism student or as a Victim Assistance Mentor at the Utah County Children’s Justice Center. At S.J. Quinney, she is involved in organizations focused on inclusion and student support. As a first-generation law student, Sakina works to make the legal profession more accessible to students and communities without existing legal connections.
Sakina Steflik
