The UCLI Legal Lounge

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

Creators and Guests

Host
Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy
Guest
Abby M. Dizon-Maughan
Producer
Emily Zárate
Writer
Kaitlyn Pieper
Writer
Luciana Chunga

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.