Did you know there’s a group exclusively for all S.J. Quinney College of Law alumni who graduated within the past 10 years? In the Young Alumni Association (YAA), everyone is young. The YAA allows you to meet new friends and stay in touch with your classmates while also attending get-togethers throughout the year.
Linking law school students and alumni
The YAA Board serves the broader YAA and current law students. Board members—two representatives from each graduating class in the last decade—meet monthly with several Utah Law staff members from August to May to plan events and discuss ways to support the College of Law. Meetings are also like mini reunions for board members.
“I love that I have a monthly chance to see the people from law school I used to see every day. It has been an organic way to keep in touch,” says Anna Christiansen (JD ’20), who works at Christensen & Jensen.
Parker Airmet (JD ’25), an associate at Holland & Hart, says he joined the YAA board to help bring Utah Law graduates together to support each other as they enter the legal workforce.
“My ‘official’ reason was to help continue to build the amazing Utah Law alumni network and resources, specifically to help current students,” he says. “The ‘unofficial’ reason, though, was to have an excuse to stay in touch with my amazing classmates.”
For Sarah Perkins (JD ’19), who also works at Holland & Hart, serving on the YAA board is a way to link recent graduates and current students with the law school.
“While our legal community continues to expand, attorneys frequently encounter the same firms and colleagues throughout their careers, often collaborating with former classmates in various capacities,” she explains. “Providing opportunities for people to form meaningful connections and build our community is important to me.”
Though she’s only been part of the board for a year, Perkins has already seen the impact of the YAA’s efforts.
“I’ve found great satisfaction in facilitating mentorship opportunities that help young attorneys navigate their early careers, while simultaneously strengthening the professional bonds between alumni,” she says. “Seeing former classmates reconnect, share insights, and support one another’s professional growth demonstrates the lasting value of our work.”
Connecting at the Utah Law Alumni Awards and other events
Though Utah Law doesn’t schedule formal class reunions, the annual Alumni Awards event held each April is a chance to reconnect with classmates, recognize award-winners, and welcome the incoming class to the legal community. The YAA is actively involved in planning the event.
”The Alumni Awards is the crowning jewel of our year,” says Richard Poll (JD ’22), current YAA president and associate at Spencer Fane. “For me, there are two highlights of the evening. First, awarding the Young Alumni of the Year awards. Two young alums are nominated by their peers and recognized by the YAA and the law school for their accomplishments and commitment to serving Utah Law. Second, welcoming our newest young alums—the graduating 3Ls—into the alumni network with a champagne (or cider) toast. All young alums should strive to attend the Alumni Awards to celebrate our award winners and the new alums, and see a friendly face—or a dozen.”
The YAA Board also awards a scholarship to a graduating 3L student each year. Named for former Dean of Student Affairs Barbara Dickey, the scholarship honors a student for participating in extracurriculars and volunteer work, supporting classmates, and contributing to the Utah Law student community. Donating to the scholarship is a way for current alumni to support a brand-new member of the alumni community preparing to begin their legal career.
YAA Board President-Elect Connor Nelson (JD ’21), who works at the Office of the Utah Attorney General, says the board is exploring options for hosting or co-hosting CLE events, and they also coordinate a service project in the spring.
“We typically hold several events during the year in conjunction with career services, like annual firm crawls at downtown Salt Lake City firms and mock interviews,” Nelson says. “More recently, the YAA board has begun offering alumni events, like a get-together at Traeger Grills last fall. The activities are a perfect way to connect with current students, peers just beginning their legal careers, and the larger Utah Law alumni community.”
The YAA alumni engagement committee is also brainstorming new ways to engage young alumni outside the usual events.
“I want my classmates to know that we are a resource for them and that we are dedicated to offering support and helping maintain connections beyond law school,” says Michelle James (JD ’23), who works at Kirton McConkie.
The Young Alumni Association needs you! Follow the YAA on Instagram, and contact your class representative (listed on the YAA website) for more information on upcoming events. You can also email the YAA executive committee directly at yaa.sjq@gmail.com.