The UCLI Legal Lounge

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

Creators and Guests

Host
Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy
Writer
Derek Adkins
Producer
Emily Zárate
Guest
Jehicob Torres
Writer
Kaitlyn Pieper

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.