On October 3rd, the Utah Law & Justice Center buzzed with energy as more than 100 attorneys, advocates, nonprofit leaders, and service providers came together for the 7th Annual Access to Justice Summit. Organized by the Utah State Bar Access to Justice Office, the day-long event created space for reflection, collaboration, and renewed commitment to ensuring equal access to justice across the state.
Setting the Tone: Connection, Strength, and Impact
The Summit opened with a keynote by Amy Sorenson, partner at Snell & Wilmer and Co-Chair of the Access to Justice Commission. Sorenson framed her remarks around the Summit’s theme: “Moving Forward Together: Connection, Strength, Impact.” Drawing on both personal experiences and lessons from disaster response, she reminded attendees that even in times of loss and uncertainty, purpose and hope remain powerful guiding forces.
Sorenson emphasized a simple yet profound idea, quoting Professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter of Harvard Business School:
“The most radical thing you can do is introduce people to one another.”
That sentiment, Sorenson explained, captures the very spirit of the Summit—building bridges between legal aid organizations, private firms, community groups, and the individuals they serve.
Facing Today’s Challenges Head-On
While the Summit was a celebration of progress, Sorenson acknowledged the realities confronting the access to justice community: reduced government funding, an overwhelming rise in client needs, and increasing legal barriers, particularly in immigration.
“These challenges can feel existential,” she said. “But the only path forward is through courage, connection, and change.”
She illustrated her point with a story from her early pro bono work after Hurricane Katrina, when Utah welcomed evacuees from New Orleans. Volunteers came together to provide housing, legal support, and human connection. “It was law, it was social work—but mostly, it was just helping,” she reflected.
Her message was clear: real impact begins with one act of generosity, one connection, one life touched.
Spotlight on Fairness: Courts Panel
A major highlight of the day was the Plenary Courts Panel, moderated by Maryt Fredrickson of the Utah Supreme Court. The panel featured:
- Judge Richard Mrazik (Third District Court)
- Jonathan Puente (Office of Fairness and Accountability)
- Janine Liebert (Utah State Courts Self-Help Center)
Together, they addressed the real obstacles people face in navigating the court system—from confusing processes to resource gaps. Their solutions centered on a simple principle: everyone deserves to be heard.
The Energy of the 1-Minute Blitz
One of the most anticipated moments of the Summit was the 1-Minute Blitz, where 19 organizations gave fast-paced, creative pitches for $1,000 grants. The room filled with laughter, applause, and even sing-alongs as participants made their case.
This year’s winners included:
- 1st Place: No More A Stranger Foundation
- 2nd Place: Timpanogos Legal Center
- Random Drawing Winner: Elevate Utah
The Blitz once again showed that access to justice work is fueled not just by serious commitment but also by creativity and joy.
Breakout Sessions: Innovation in Action
Afternoon workshops provided hands-on learning in three critical areas:
- AI & Tools for Expanding Access to Justice – Exploring how technology can streamline and expand legal services.
- New Models for Legal Access – Highlighting community-based justice approaches and the role of non-lawyer advocates.
- Reaching Rural Communities – Offering strategies for delivering justice beyond urban centers.
Honoring Leadership and Legacy
The Summit also celebrated leaders who have made a lasting impact. Susan Griffith, Executive Director of Timpanogos Legal Center, received the Professional Legal Services Impact Award for her decades-long commitment to family law and domestic violence advocacy.
A Day to Remember
As the Summit closed, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a reminder of Sorenson’s message: progress happens one connection at a time. The work is hard, the challenges are real, but together, the access to justice community is stronger and more determined than ever.
A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors
This year’s Summit would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors:
- Snell & Wilmer – Presenting Sponsor & Lunch
- Coil Law – Presenting Sponsor & Keynote
- Kirkland & Ellis – Free Legal Clinic
- Parr Brown Gee & Loveless – One Minute Blitz
- Utah Bar Foundation – Headshots & Travel Stipends
Their support ensures that events like the Access to Justice Summit not only inspire but also provide tangible resources for the vital work of serving Utah’s communities.
*AI assisted in the writing of this blog.