On July 13th, our fifth UCLI & Kirton McConkie Pre-Law Fellowship hosted a very informative session on Financial Aid and Debt Planning for Law School. The session, which the UCLI Pre-Law Fellows attended, was presented by Justin Zieman, a Student Advocate and Accredited Financial Counselor® with extensive experience in student financial wellness and student affairs, from AccessLex Institute. AccessLex Institute, a nonprofit organization with $800 million in net assets and partnerships with nearly 200 ABA-approved law schools, is devoted to improving legal education. Their AccessLex Center for Legal Education Excellence focuses on increasing access for underrepresented groups, making law school more affordable, and solidifying the value of legal education.
During the session, Justin covered a wide range of financial topics. He explained the ins and outs of the financial aid system, including how to apply for scholarships, when to apply for them, and how to navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). His practical tips and strategies prepare Fellows to better make informed financial decisions, ensuring they are well-prepared to manage the costs associated with their legal education and even beyond that.
Additionally, on July 18th, UCLI held a virtual Q&A session with Paula Gluzman, a consultant and the director of Diversity & Inclusion at Spivey Consulting Group. During this interactive event, our Fellows had the opportunity to ask Paula questions about the general navigation of law school, best practices in writing essays, the meaning of fit, and finding what works best for them. Paula’s expertise and advice provided invaluable guidance, helping our students understand the nuances of the law school application process and how to present themselves effectively.
These virtual events have been incredibly valuable and enlightening for our students. We recognize and appreciate the dedication and commitment our students have shown in participating in these events. We want to sincerely thank Justin Zieman and Paula Gluzman for their time and expertise. Their contributions have significantly impacted our Fellows, providing them with the tools they need to pursue their legal education confidently.
These workshops and the Pre-Law Fellowship are made possible through the generous support of our program sponsors: Kirton McConkie, the University of Utah Office of General Counsel, LSAC DEI Pipeline, Utah Bar Foundation, and the Family Law Executive Committee Bar Section. We are deeply grateful for their continued support, which is so crucial to helping us provide these learning opportunities to our pre-law fellows. Their contributions have a significant impact on the success of our program.
