You may have already heard but UMBA Member and BYU Law Professor Larry Echohawk was nominated by President Barack Obama to head the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The following link is an article with respect to his nomination hearing held last week. Congratulations and good luck Professor Echohawk in this new position.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705302046/EchoHawk-enjoys-hearing.html

The Young Lawyers Division is also honoring Jon Hill, administrator for the Salt Lake City Immigration Court with the Liberty Bell Award. In the same statement, Karthik states, "Jon has been instrumental in creating a pro bono program which provides representation to those who would otherwise be unable to afford it. This is especially important in immigration court, where even those with meritorious cases will be unsuccessful if they do not know the correct administrative procedures to follow. As a result of Jon’s work in setting up, administering, and encouraging lawyers to participate in the program, those with the least access to justice have received representation during the most critical court appearances of their lives. YLD is delighted that it can recognize Jon’s work."

The Young Lawyers Division of the Utah State Bar has announced that UMBA member, Angelina Tsu, has been selected as the Young Lawyer of the Year. From a statement released by Karthik Nadesan, he says, "This year, all of the candidates nominated for Young Lawyer of the Year were truly remarkable individuals, both in their professional achievements and/or their contributions to public service. I was impressed, and a bit envious, as I looked through their nominations and their profiles on google. Angelina’s professional achievements, her leadership, and her commitment to public service stood out, and YLD is honored to present the Young Lawyer of the Year award to such an outstanding individual."

Angelina will be given her award at the Law Day Luncheon. If you can attend, please do so. Please join us in congratulating Angelina for her dedication to public service and her professional achievements!

UMBA is pleased to announce that it has appointed Alisha Giles, as the secretary for the UMBA. Please help us welcome Alisha to the Executive Committee.

UMBA inducted its officers for 2008-2009 at the Banquet. Those officers are:

Chrystal Mancuso-Smith, President
Grace Acosta, President-Elect
Tammy Georgelas, Secretary
Ruben Arrendondo, Treasurer/Executive Director.

Congratulations!

We need you to sign up for the UMBA Diversity Directory. This Directory will be available on the UMBA website with pertinent information about your practice. (You can sign up even though you don't accept clients. It's also a way for UMBA members to keep in touch with each other.)

Utah Chief Justice Christine A. Durham was honored last Thursday with the 2007 William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence by the National Center for State Courts . "Durham received the award for developing educational programs in areas that at the time did not receive much attention, including domestic violence, child witness testimony and scientific evidence."

UMBA sends its congratulations to Justice Durham. Please read the SL Trib Article about her award at: http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_7478879

UMBA is pleased to announce its scholarship winners for the 2007-2008 School Year. At the SJ Quinney College of Law, University of Utah, the winners are as follows:

* Aaron Garza - Academic Scholarship Winner
* Tadd Dietz - Community Service Scholarship
* Pamela Beatse - Gilbert Martinez "Semper Fidelis" Scholarship Award Winner