The UCLI Legal Lounge

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.

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Created by the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI)
๐Ÿ“ Brought to you by the Utah Podcast Studio
๐Ÿ”— Learn more: utahcli.org

Creators and Guests

Host
Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy
Guest
Amaris Leiataua
Producer
Emily Zรกrate
Writer
Kaitlyn Pieper
Writer
Samuel Hill

What is The UCLI Legal Lounge?

Welcome to The UCLI Legal Lounge, your go-to podcast for navigating the path to law school. Hosted by Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy, Associate Director at the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI), each episode features candid conversations with law students, practicing attorneys, and admissions experts. Together, we explore the realities of legal education, share valuable insights, and offer practical tips to make your journey to law school a little smoother.

Brought to you by UCLI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion within Utahโ€™s legal profession, The UCLI Legal Lounge invites listeners of all backgrounds to discover how they can find their place and their purpose in the world of law.