On Wednesday, September 10, UCLI and Weber State University partnered to host an inspiring evening for students interested in law. From five-thirty to seven-thirty, around forty Wildcats gathered for bingo, presentations, and a keynote address from Fran M. Wikstrom, Of Counsel at Parsons Behle & Latimer.
This event marked UCLI’s first large-scale collaboration with Weber State, giving students a chance to explore both campus-based pre-law resources and UCLI’s statewide programs. Students learned about opportunities including the upcoming UCLI Pre-Law Symposium on Friday, September 19, the UCLI Pre-Law Fellowship, the Legal Leaders LSAT Scholarship, the Ambassador Program, and UCLI internships.
Dr. Jeffs, representing the Weber State Pre-Law Society, spoke on behalf of several programs and organizations that prepare students for careers in the legal field. She shared the work of the Pre-Law Society and also introduced resources from the Criminal Justice Program, the Political Science Department and Model UN program, and the Walker Institute, which offers a variety of meaningful internship opportunities. Through her remarks, students were able to see the many different avenues available to Wildcats who want to build a strong foundation for law school.
The evening also featured a powerful story from Weber State alumna Raissa Rohbock, now an Immigration Specialist Paralegal at Kirton McConkie. Proud of her Wildcat roots, Raissa shared her journey from a remote Brazilian village to higher education in Utah. Despite personal challenges, she persisted, finding support through UCLI and other mentors, emphasizing the importance of networking and community. Her advice to students was simple yet profound: “Collect as many keys as you can and put them in your pocket, because each key opens new doors.” She reminded students that law school isn’t limited to a few seats but that there are whole tables waiting for them.
UCLI Fiduciary Board Co-Chair and keynote speaker Fran M. Wikstrom closed the evening by sharing his own path from humble beginnings in Ogden to Yale Law School and an illustrious legal career. He reminded students that law school isn’t about knowing everything, but about embracing humility, curiosity, and growth. “Law school is for learners,” he explained, stressing that attorneys must always be willing to learn. A celebrated trial attorney and past president of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Fran talked about the willingness to learn that he always took into the courtroom. As a former Wildcat himself (class of ‘71) he was able to connect with audience members, fielding questions and inspiring them to push past barriers to make it into the profession. Fran left students with an encouraging message: each of them has a place at the table in the legal profession.
UCLI was thrilled to see so many Wildcats not only participate in the event but also sign up for the upcoming Pre-Law Symposium. Events like this are what help students imagine themselves not only in law school but in the courtroom too.
We extend our gratitude to Weber State’s pre-law associations, faculty, and student organizations for their support, to Raissa Rohbock for her inspiration, and to the Weber State Alumni Association for generously providing food and hosting us.
If your university is interested in collaborating with UCLI to bring pre-law resources to your campus, please reach out at utahcli.org.
Weber State representatives from the Alumni Association, UCLI Ambassadors, UCLI staff, and guest speaker Fran M. Wikstrom gather together following the Wildcats to Lawyers event.
Fran M. Wikstrom shares his personal journey to law school with Weber State students during Wildcats to Lawyers.
Fran M. Wikstrom answers student questions about the many paths available within the legal profession.
UCLI Associate Director Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy introduces Weber State students to UCLI programs and opportunities designed to support aspiring lawyers.
Fran M. Wikstrom connects with Weber State students as they share their personal stories and future goals for law school.
