April 1, 2022 marked the inaugural UCLI Pre-law Symposium. This annual event aims to help any interested pre-law students, and particularly those from historically underrepresented groups, the chance to gain information and perspective about the process of applying to law school, the law school experience, and some things to expect in a career practicing law in Utah. 

The April 2022 Symposium was attended by over 60 students in person, with a dozen more joining online. The event was held at the University of Utah SJ Quinney College of Law. The keynote speaker was attorney and former Federal Magistrate Judge, Sam Alba. There were also panels on preparing for law school, a law student panel, a mock law class offered by Professor Louisa Heiney, a panel of practicing attorneys from various sectors, and a final panel on mentoring.  The event also included LSAT scholarships and free professional headshots for attendees. 

The second UCLI Pre-law Symposium was held on October 21, 2022 at the BYU J. Reuben Clark School of Law. Over 50 students attended a similar program. The keynote speaker was Aida Neimarlija, Counsel to Larry H. Miller real estate company, and the former Executive Director of UCLI. She shared her amazing story of arriving in Utah as a refugee of the Bosnia war to becoming a successful attorney. The mock law class was taught by Associate Dean Carolina Nunez. There was also a session about personal statement writing taught by BYU pre-law advisor Kris Tina Carlston. 

The UCLI Pre-law Symposium will be held annually in October, and will rotate between the University of Utah and BYU. The 2023 UCLI Pre-law Symposium will be held in October at the University of Utah SJ Quinney College of Law. Information about schedule and registration will be forthcoming in Summer 2023. If you are interested in being on the planning committee or participating in a vendor or panelist capacity please contact UCLI Associate Director Jon Wayas: .