The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion proudly celebrates the incredible contributions of the 2024–2025 Christine M. Durham Fellows, Aliza Murad and Madelyn Poston. These exceptional law students have worked closely with UCLI’s Executive Director, Associate Director, Administrative Coordinator, interns, Fiduciary Board members, attorneys, and mentors to help carry out some of UCLI’s most impactful programming and initiatives this past year.
Throughout the academic year, Aliza and Madelyn played an integral role in organizing events and strengthening connections across Utah’s legal education community. From coordinating UCLI’s involvement at both S. J. Quinney College of Law and the J. Reuben Clark Law School, to helping secure law student mentors for the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship Program, their work has deepened UCLI’s impact across campuses. Their leadership extended to key projects such as organizing law student panels for the 2024 UCLI Pre-Law Symposium, contributing to the Utah Law Student Mentoring Program, planning and hosting an LGBTQ+ networking event for law students across the state, and offering valuable insights during planning and evaluation meetings. Their perspective as current law students has been critical to informing how UCLI can better support students preparing to enter the legal profession.
UCLI’s success is rooted in collaboration – from its generous donors, staff, and interns, to its board members and ambassadors. But law students like Aliza and Madelyn – the 2024–2025 Durham Fellows – have been especially instrumental. Their dedication, creativity, and willingness to lead have helped shape programs that are more responsive and representative of the next generation of legal professionals.
We are especially grateful for the candid feedback and ideas they shared throughout their fellowship. Their reflections helped us consider how law schools in Utah can better engage their students, and how UCLI can continue building meaningful support for those currently navigating law school.
Their contributions this year have significantly strengthened UCLI’s programs and inspired the broader legal community. As they continue their legal education and prepare to enter the profession, we are confident they will carry forward the same spirit of leadership and service that defined their time as Durham Fellows.
Read below for reflections from Aliza and Madelyn on their experience as Durham Fellows.
Madelyn Poston
“I applied for the Durham Fellowship because I was inspired by its mission of legal inclusion and felt determined to contribute to that work. I loved getting to interact with all the amazing attorneys, peers, and supporters who are connected to UCLI in some way.
One of my favorite parts of the program was seeing the events I helped plan come to life – highlights for me included trying out breathwork and tasting Kafé Mamai for the first time!
My biggest piece of advice to future fellows is this: never hesitate to ask for help on behalf of UCLI – whether from professors, attorneys, or peers. Most people want to support legal inclusion and are just waiting for the opportunity to do so.”
Aliza Murad
“I was inspired to apply for the Christine M. Durham Fellowship because of my deep commitment to equity in the legal profession and my desire to uplift underrepresented communities. As a first-generation Pakistani-American law student, I found the fellowship uniquely impactful in connecting me with mentors and resources that supported both my academic and professional journey. One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was the opportunity to mentor pre-law students and witness their growth and confidence flourish. I especially appreciated the sense of community and shared purpose among fellows and mentors who are passionate about access to justice. I encourage future fellows to take full advantage of every networking and mentorship opportunity, and to approach the experience with intention, humility, and heart.”
