The Utah Center for Legal Inclusion proudly hosted its fourth Pre Law Fellows Seminar at the Disability Law Center in Salt Lake City, in partnership with And Justice for All. This engaging seminar held on May 15th provided Fellows with a full day of learning, connection, and candid conversations about public interest law, professional development, and well-being in both law school and in the legal field.
The day began with a brief welcome and get-to-know-you activity before transitioning into a panel moderated by Associate Director Sabrina Ruiz Monroy. Fellows had the opportunity to hear from a group of phenomenal attorneys at the Disability Law Center, including Katie Cox, Nate Crippes, Mitchell Roundy, and Angel Tirado. Each panelist shared insights into their work in disability rights, civil rights advocacy, and general public service, while also offering practical advice and thoughtful reflections during an interactive question and answer session. As Angel Tirado shared with the fellows, “At the end of the day, please remember you will be just fine, I truly promise you that.” Nate Crippes also offered candid advice, noting, “Know that you want to go to law school for certain before going because I will not lie to you, it is hard, but it is one hundred percent worth it when you know your why.”
Following the panel, Fellows participated in a networking presentation led by UCLI staff, focused on professional etiquette and building meaningful connections in the legal profession. The seminar continued with lunch and a hands-on mock interview activity, where Fellows practiced their interviewing skills both in groups and one-on-one with attorneys and Pre-Law Fellowship mentors. This provided valuable real time feedback and helped Fellows build confidence in their professional development.
The day ended with a powerful and open conversation led by BYU Law mental health specialist Abigail Scoma. She spoke candidly about the realities of law school, the pressures law students may face, and the importance of prioritizing mental health. Fellows were encouraged to seek support early, redefine what balance meant to them, and develop sustainable habits for success both in law school and beyond.
Overall, the seminar was an incredibly meaningful and comprehensive experience that brought together skill building and honest dialogue. UCLI is grateful to the Disability Law Center, And Justice for All, BYU Law staff, and all participating attorneys and mentors for creating such an impactful day for the UCLI Pre-Law Fellows.
Disability Law Center Attorney, Angel Toledo and UCLI Fellow, Kukua Quansah.
Summer Ambassadors Ryan Calvert and Beatrice attend the Pre-Law Fellowship Seminar.
UCLI Fellow Maximus Garcia Olazabal and Disability Law Center attorney Mary Anne Davies participate in a mock interview session, reviewing strategies to strengthen interviewing skills.
UCLI Fellows Kimley Morlant, Asia Reid, and Valeria Pozos, along with UCLI Ambassador Eduardo Rios and Disability Law Center attorney Nate Crippes, participate in group mock interviews during the seminar.
