The UCLI Legal Lounge

The Personal Statement That Gets You In | (Ep. 9)

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

Financial Resources for Law School | (Ep. 8)

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

Imposter Syndrome, Competition, and Making It Anyway | (Ep. 7)

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

What It’s Really Like to Be a Family Lawyer | (Ep. 6)

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

Litigation with Intention | (Ep. 5)

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