On Saturday, October 12th, UCLI hosted the Pre-Law Fellowship Workshop at the Utah Law & Justice Center. The workshop was designed to provide Pre-Law Fellows with valuable insights into maintaining mental health throughout law school and legal practice, along with an overview of various career pathways in the legal profession.
The event kicked off at 10:00 AM with a welcome session led by Utah State Bar staff, where Fellows had the opportunity to introduce themselves and participate in a brief tour of the Utah Law & Justice Center, guided by Jon Wayas. This initial session helped attendees get acquainted with each other and familiarize themselves with the venue.
Following the welcome, Martha Knudsen, Executive Director of the Bar’s Well-Being Committee for the Legal Profession, delivered a session on mental health strategies for both law school and legal practice. This hour-long presentation focused on practical tips and tools for managing stress, prioritizing well-being, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance throughout the rigors of legal education and beyond.
The highlight of the workshop was the “Life in the Law” panel discussion, featuring a diverse group of UCLI attorneys representing various areas of law. Maria Cruz shared her experiences in nonprofit, in-house counsel, and healthcare law. Melinda Bowen discussed her work in law firms and government positions. Daniel Black offered insights into immigration and criminal defense law, while Kendra Brown spoke about her work in appeals, commercial litigation, and employment law. Each panelist provided unique perspectives on their career paths, followed by a Q&A session where Fellows engaged with the speakers.
The workshop concluded with a lunch and networking session, where Fellows had the chance to connect more informally with the panel members and other attorneys in attendance.
A special thank you to all our panelists for their time and expertise, and to the Utah Law & Justice Center for hosting the event. We are also grateful for the volunteers who showed up to support the event: Ivy Telles, Raissa Rohbock, and Olivia Berhan. We also extend our gratitude to the sponsors, including Kirton McConkie, the University of Utah Office of General Counsel, LSAC DEI Pipeline, the Utah Bar Foundation, and the Family Law Executive Committee Bar Section, whose financial support of the program has made each workshop possible.

Kendra Brown chatting with UCLI Pre-Law Fellow Sophie Gordon about her work in appeals, commercial litigation, and employment law.

A panel moderated by UCLI Interns Monique Alires and Mirabella Archibald at the Pre-Law Fellowship Workshop.

Panelists discuss the areas of law they have experienced, including the benefits and interesting aspects of various types of practice.

UCLI intern Mirabella networking with Raissa, a paralegal in the field and past UCLI intern.

UCLI Pre-Law Fellow Noa Leituala networking with Ivy Telles, an attorney with experience in the field.

UCLI Pre-Law Fellow Iradukundua Esperance networking with Daniel Black, an attorney with experience in immigration and criminal defense.

UCLI Pre-Law Fellow Bubba Walker networking with Maria Cruz, an in-house attorney at Intermountain Health.

UCLI intern Monique Alires networking with Jon Wayas, Administrator for NLTP and LPP in the Office of Admissions.

Martha Knudson speaking on mental health strategies for both law school and legal practice.

A panel moderated by our UCLI Interns, Monique Alires and Mirabella Archibald at our Pre-Law Fellowship Workshop.