The Utah Law Student Mentoring (ULSM) Program opened its fall season with a lively social on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Canyon Peak Venue Center in Draper. The evening brought together law students from both the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law and BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School, along with attorney mentors from across Utah.
The event blended connection and fun in a relaxed setting. Students and attorneys played rounds of Jeopardy and Bingo centered on law school trivia, competing for prizes that ranged from JBL speakers and travel backpacks to skincare kits, hammocks, and gift cards. The games helped everyone unwind while sparking conversations that continued well beyond the tables.
Two practicing attorneys, Abby M. Dizon-Maughan and Remington “Jiro” Johnson, offered thoughtful remarks about their experiences in the legal field. Abby, a shareholder with significant experience in complex commercial litigation, shared insights about professional growth and maintaining balance in demanding environments. Jiro reflected on lessons learned from his years in both Washington, D.C. and Utah, emphasizing mental health, authenticity, and finding purpose amid the pressures of practice. Both speakers reminded students that they belong in the profession and encouraged them to build support systems that will sustain them throughout their careers.
After the talks, students and mentors had time to mingle and discuss career paths, practice areas, and personal strategies for success in law school and beyond. Many mentors shared stories about their own journeys and offered practical advice about confidence, work-life balance, and navigating the transition from student to attorney.
The event also encouraged students to begin developing a personalized plan from the ULSM Program Manual to make the most of their mentoring experience. Within the program, mentoring groups rotate every six months to help participants broaden their professional networks and gain a variety of perspectives.
So far, the program has welcomed 81 law students and around 50 attorney mentors representing Utah’s two law schools and 16 firms and organizations. The law student cohort reflects the diversity and talent of Utah’s legal community, with a majority of students identifying across multiple underrepresented backgrounds.
The evening at Canyon Peak served not only as a celebration of mentorship but also as a reminder of the strong community being built among Utah’s future lawyers. UCLI looks forward to continuing this momentum as the next round of the mentoring program begins with the new school year.
Remington “Jiro” Johnson speaks to Law students during the ULSM Social about his experience in law school
Two S.J. Quinney College of Law students chat during the social.
Startup attorney Lawrence Tuttle chats with a law student about building a career at the crossroads of law and innovation. His work helps Utah entrepreneurs launch their businesses with the support of streamlined, high-quality legal services.
