In this episode, host Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy sits down with Amaris Leiataua, a real estate attorney, to discuss her journey from growing up as a first-generation Samoan American in Compton, California, to building a legal career in Utah. Amaris shares how her upbringing, family, and identity shaped her path to law, and why she made the transition from education into the legal profession.

Throughout the conversation, Amaris reflects on the realities of applying to law school, navigating the LSAT, overcoming imposter syndrome, and finding her place as a Pacific Islander in the legal field. She also opens up about the mentors who supported her, the recognition she received from the City of Compton, and the lessons she's learned as a practicing attorney. Whether you're considering law school, exploring a career change, or looking for encouragement to pursue your goals despite self-doubt, this episode offers an honest and inspiring perspective on resilience, purpose, and representation.

🎙️ Created by the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI)
📍 Brought to you by the Utah Podcast Studio
🔗 Learn more: utahcli.org

In this episode, host Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy sits down with Reyes Aguilar, former Associate Dean of Admissions at the S.J. Quinney College of Law, who spent more than three decades helping shape the next generation of legal professionals. Drawing on 32 years of admissions experience, Reyes offers an inside look at what law schools are really looking for, how admissions decisions are made, and what applicants can do to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Together, they discuss every stage of the law school admissions process- from GPA and LSAT scores to personal statements, letters of recommendation, resumes, and application timelines. Reyes also shares behind-the-scenes insight into how applications are reviewed, common mistakes that lead to rejection, advice for students considering reapplying, and strategies for applicants from nontraditional or underserved backgrounds. The conversation concludes with the story behind the Aguilar-Mingo Family "Here to Help" Scholarship, a need-based scholarship established in Reyes' honor following his retirement.

Whether you're just beginning to consider law school, preparing your applications, or looking for practical advice from someone who has reviewed thousands of aspiring law students, this episode provides invaluable guidance to help you navigate the admissions process with confidence.

🎙️ Created by the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI)
📍Brought to you by Utah Podcast Studio
🔗 Learn more: utahcli.org

In this episode, host Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy sits down with KrisTina Carlston, Director of the Preprofessional Advisement Program at Brigham Young University and former corporate tax attorney, to discuss what truly makes a strong law school application. Drawing from her experience in both legal practice and pre-law advising, KrisTina shares practical, candid guidance for students navigating the admissions process- from building a competitive application to crafting an authentic personal statement that stands out.

Together, they explore the realities of law school admissions, common misconceptions students have about applying, and one of the most important emerging questions in admissions today: the role of AI in personal statements. KrisTina discusses where AI tools can be helpful, where they can create challenges, and how students can use them ethically while still preserving their own voice and authenticity.

Whether you’re a freshman beginning to explore law school, actively preparing applications, or simply trying to better understand how to tell your story in a compelling way, this episode offers valuable insight, encouragement, and actionable advice to help make the path to law school feel more approachable.

🎙️ Created by the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI)
📍Brought to you by Utah Podcast Studio
🔗 Learn more: utahcli.org

In this episode of The UCLI Legal Lounge, host Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy sits down with Zachary Smith, Regional Director for the Central Region at AccessLex Institute’s Center for Education and Financial Capability, to discuss the financial realities of law school and what students need to know before they begin their legal education journey.

Zachary shares practical insight into scholarships, federal and private loans, borrowing limits, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and the changing landscape of student loan policy, including the impact of the OBBBA on law students. He also offers guidance for non-traditional students, strategies for navigating the “funding gap,” and actionable financial tips every future law student should know before stepping into the classroom.

Whether you’re a pre-law student, recently admitted to law school, or preparing to finance your legal education, this episode provides valuable tools and resources to help you make informed financial decisions and plan for long-term success.

🎙️ Created by the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI)
📍 Brought to you by Utah Podcast Studio
🔗 Learn more: utahcli.org

In this episode of The UCLI Legal Lounge, host Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy sits down with Shubham Shah, an attorney at Greenberg Traurig, to discuss his journey into law and the challenges of navigating imposter syndrome and competition along the way. Shubi shares how feeling “behind the 8 ball” shaped his mindset, and how resilience and perspective helped him grow into his role in complex litigation and restructuring.

He offers candid insight into building confidence, redefining success, and learning to celebrate others in a highly competitive field, while continuing to move forward despite self-doubt.

Whether you’re a pre-law student, law student, or early-career professional, this episode highlights the importance of perseverance, mindset, and making it anyway.

🎙️ Created by the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI)
📍 Brought to you by Utah Podcast Studio
🔗 Learn more: utahcli.org

In this episode, host Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy sits down with Mohammad Khan, a family law attorney, to explore his journey from being born in Pakistan and raised in Michigan to building his legal career and eventually relocating to Utah. Mohammad shares how his cultural background, strong family values, and mentorship from his father and brother helped shape his academic path and decision to pursue law.

He reflects on his experience navigating law school, transitioning between practice areas and finding the right professional fit. Mohammad offers an inside look at the realities of family law, the importance of mentorship, and how his experiences in different legal fields have influenced his approach to client advocacy and work-life balance.

Whether you’re a pre-law student exploring your options, a law student unsure about which path to take, or someone curious about the realities of practicing family law, this episode provides valuable insight on adaptability, resilience, and finding purpose in your legal career.

🎙️ Created by the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI)
📍 Brought to you by Utah Podcast Studio
🔗 Learn more: utahcli.org

In this episode, host Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy sits down with Abby M. Dizon-Maughan, a shareholder and accomplished commercial litigator, to discuss her journey as the daughter of hardworking immigrant parents to becoming a respected leader in Utah’s legal community. Abby shares how navigating the educational system as a first-generation American, working in law firms for a decade before law school, and attending the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law as a non-traditional student shaped her path to practice.

She reflects on rejecting imposter syndrome, disrupting the status quo as a woman of color in high-stakes litigation, and building a reputation rooted in excellence, humility, and resilience. Abby also speaks candidly about burnout, mentorship, creating community in spaces that weren’t designed for her, and balancing the demands of trial work with family life.

Whether you’re a pre-law student, a law student seeking belonging, or an aspiring attorney, this episode offers an honest and empowering look at perseverance and advocacy.

🎙️ Created by the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion
📍 Brought to you by Utah Podcast Studio
🔗 Learn more: utahcli.org

In this episode, host Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy sits down with Jehicob Torres, a litigation associate at Strong & Hanni, to discuss his journey as the son of Mexican immigrants to becoming a practicing attorney in Utah. Jehicob shares how growing up bilingual, taking initiative as a first-generation college student, and founding UVU’s Pre-Law Club helped shape his path to law school.

He reflects on winning a national moot court competition, clerking for Judge Alberto Rivas in New Jersey, externing for Justice Paige Petersen of the Utah Supreme Court, and navigating the realities of private practice. Jehicob also shares the meaningful experience of helping his parents become U.S. citizens.

Whether you’re a pre-law student, a law student seeking community, or an aspiring attorney hoping to give back, this episode offers an honest look at persistence, mentorship, and service in the legal profession.

🎙️ Created by the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI)
 📍 Brought to you by Strong & Hanni Law Firm
 🔗 Learn more: utahcli.org

In this episode, host Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy sits down with Eli Leggett, an associate attorney at Strong & Hanni, to talk about his journey from being a first-generation college student on the East Coast to practicing law in Utah. Eli shares how his background shaped his approach to law school and his legal career.

With candor and humor, Eli reflects on why he didn’t love law school, what helped him persist anyway, and how clerkships, leadership roles, and moving across states influenced his professional growth. Whether you’re a pre-law student, a first-generation applicant, or someone curious about what early legal practice really looks like, this episode offers an honest look at navigating the path into law. 

🎙️ Created by the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI)
📍 Brought to you by the Utah Podcast Studio
🔗 Learn more: utahcli.org

In this episode, host Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy sits down with Tracy Iglesias, a Senior Legal Analyst at Intermountain Health with over thirty years of experience in the legal profession. From her beginnings as a paralegal in South Florida to her current work supporting one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the Intermountain West, Tracy offers a rare look into the critical and often overlooked careers that power the legal world.

With honesty, humor, and hard-earned insight, Tracy breaks down what non-attorney legal careers really look like, why organization and communication matter as much as legal knowledge, and how mentorship, curiosity, and saying “yes” to new challenges helped her build a long, meaningful career. Whether you’re considering law school, exploring alternative legal roles, or simply curious about what legal work looks like behind the scenes, this episode expands the definition of what it means to work in law.

🎙️ Created by the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI)
📍 Brought to you by Intermountain Health
🔗 Learn more: utahcli.org