The UCLI Legal Lounge

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

Creators and Guests

Host
Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy
Producer
Emily Zárate
Writer
Kaitlyn Pieper
Guest
Zachary Smith

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 Utah’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.