The Utah Minority Bar Association (UMBA) hosted its annual Scholarship & Awards Banquet on Thursday, November 14, at Little America Hotel. This special event celebrated individuals, law firms, legal organizations, and community members who exemplify UMBA’s mission of advancing diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. It is also an opportunity to award scholarships to law students from the S.J. Quinney College of Law and the J. Reuben Clark Law School who have made significant contributions to promoting diversity in Utah.
These scholarships are made possible through generous donations from UMBA members, the legal and business community, and individual donors. Last year, UMBA awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships, including matching funds from the students’ law schools. This year, UMBA aimed to build on that success and provide even greater support to the next generation of legal professionals.
“At this year’s annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet, we honored several outstanding members of the legal community who are dedicated to promoting diversity in the law, including UMBA’s Distinguished Lawyer of the Year, Judge Dianna Gibson,” said UMBA President Jessica Ramirez. “Thanks to a record number of attendees this year, we were able to award over $65,000 in scholarships to deserving students from the U and BYU.”
She continued, “The event was a testament to how incredible Utah’s legal community is. I am moved every year by the support UMBA receives from Utah’s judges, attorneys, and others in the community. UMBA has grown so much since its founding in 1991, and it is all thanks to the support we receive from the legal community.”
Anyone interested in contributing to UMBA’s scholarship program may make a donation online or mail a check to:
Utah Minority Bar Association
Attn: Jessica Ramirez
95 S. State Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
The Utah State Bar supports regional and affinity bars in their efforts to promote fairness and inclusion within the legal profession. UMBA and other similar organizations play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and providing opportunities for underrepresented groups in Utah’s legal community. By collaborating with affinity bars, the Bar reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that the profession reflects the rich diversity of our state and continues to champion justice and equal opportunity for all.





