Dear alumni and friends,
The summer 2025 issue of Res Gestae features three incredible women: Lindsey Blake (JD '08), Norma Erekson (MLS '25), and Heidi Nestel (JD '94). As I thought about what threaded all of their stories together, the word humanity came to mind. While Blake and Nestel have built careers in criminal law and Erekson has focused on providing immigration resources, these women all recognize that helping just one person matters. I'm proud to highlight their work and that they're part of the Utah Law community.
Law students are back in session, and we added six new faculty members in July—including Associate Professor Nicolás Parra-Herrera, the inaugural Wagner/Holbrook Chair in Negotiation. Undergraduates are also taking classes in our building for the first time; we launched a legal studies minor this week that provides an in-depth understanding of the legal system, including its infrastructure and basic procedural principles.
We always enjoy seeing alumni at events, and the fall semester brings more opportunities to catch up with your fellow classmates and colleagues. Locals can join us Wednesday, Sept. 17, for the first Quinney Clay Invitational, a free trap-shooting event, and virtual and in-person options are available for the Lee E. Teitelbaum Utah Law Review Symposium on Sept. 26 and 40th annual Jefferson B. Fordham Debate on Nov. 20.
I enjoy seeing what you've been working on over the past year—some alumni have produced plays and written books in addition to full-time law practice—and encourage you to submit your accomplishments to Class Notes, published each fall. You can also share any ideas for future issues with the communications team at any time.
Happy reading!
Lindsay Law Wilcox
Res Gestae editor