The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) hosted its annual Pre-Law Symposium at the S.J. Quinney College of Law last Friday, September 19th, 2025. The event began with registration and free headshots for attendees at 8 am and featured a variety of informative segments running until 3:30pm. Nearly 100 pre-law students from across the state of Utah gathered for this pre-professional event geared towards educating future legal professionals in the state of Utah.
The event consisted of a number of different informational sessions, including a broad introductory overview of the steps in applying to law school & breakout sessions covering different facets of the application process such as LSAT preparation, personal statement writing, and financing law school. Additionally, students were able to hear from a number of attorneys practicing in areas ranging from immigration to government, current law students, and admission directors from both the Brigham Young University & University of Utah law schools.
The symposium featured a powerful speech from keynote speaker and Federal Magistrate Judge Cecilia Romero, inspiring students to work hard, aim high, and stay grounded in pursuit of their professional dreams in the legal field. Pre-Law Symposium attendees were also provided the opportunity to engage in an immersive Mock Law Class experience, in which students critically analyzed and participated in stimulating discourse concerning the landmark Tarasoff case. Additionally, pre-law students who had previously been nominated for the “UCLI-ACE Legal Leaders LSAT Scholarship” were recognized at the event; the Scholarship provides students with financial support through the law school application process.
From the symposium, students were undeniably inspired by hearing real-life success stories of practicing attorneys, current law students, and more. UCLI Pre-Law symposium attendees had the opportunity to network with legal professionals in Utah and create connections with their future peers, paving the way for Utah’s future legal professionals to create positive impacts now and in the future. One of the attendees shared: “The Symposium is the most essential event I have attended in preparing to enter Law School.” Another mentioned stated: “The Keynote Speakers and the UCLI representatives inspired me so much to the extent I felt more comfortable and motivated to excel in the field of Law.” We hope that everyone who attended came away feeling inspired and better prepared for the academic journey ahead.
We at UCLI are grateful to have provided this incredible opportunity for pre-law students in Utah. We thank our sponsors and partners: BYU Law, AccessLex Institute, ACE Test Prep, Kirton McConkie, and Parsons, Behle, & Latimer for supporting us in providing this event free to students. We also extend a special thanks to the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, for hosting the Pre-Law Symposium and assisting with the planning and execution of all aspects of the event. Finally, we extend our gratitude to all the incredible guest speakers, panelists, & moderators who participated and made the event a success.
Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy (UCLI Associate Director) presenting Gabrial Zavala with UCLI-ACE Legal Leaders LSAT Scholarship award.
Geidy Achecar, UCLI Board Member & Attorney at Achecar Law, engaging with pre-law students during a snack break at the UCLI Pre-Law Symposium.
Federal Magistrate Judge Cecila Romero shares the heart-felt story of her journey to judgeship with pre-law students.
Practicing attorneys answer student questions during panel: “Career Options in the Law” Pictured from left to right: Jasmine Fierro (Judicial Law Clerk), Zakiya Richardson (Corporate Attorney), Jacob Tuimaualuga (Immigration Attorney), & Dave Bowen (Senior Vice President at Key Private Bank).
UCLI Pre-Law Symposium attendee is all smiles; A Future Lawyer!
