“Growing up, I was inspired by women who took charge of their lives—those who stepped into leadership, broke barriers, and changed narratives. I knew I wanted to be one of them,” rising 3L Sophia Gulgulian says regarding her impetus to attend law school. “Choosing the law was more than about a career. It was about becoming someone who could advocate, lead, and open doors not only for myself, but for others like me.”
Gulgulian is one for changing the narrative as the first woman in her family to pursue higher education. After earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in international studies and business marketing, Gulgulian was keen to stay in Utah when she applied to the S.J. Quinney College of Law.
“I wanted to be close to home. But more than that, I wanted to finish my journey where it began. Several of my business professors—many of whom were lawyers—spoke highly of the S.J. Quinney College of Law, and I also had close family friends who had attended and thrived here. Everything aligned and reaffirmed that this was the place I wanted to grow further, both personally and professionally,” she says.
And her experience thus far at Utah Law has been positive. Gulgulian is impressed by the faculty and staff’s investment in helping students succeed in law school—and even after as alumni.
“They don’t just teach and move on. They stay involved, check in, and continue supporting you even after the class ends. It’s clear they care about our long-term growth and success, not just in law school, but far beyond. That kind of community makes a world of difference in this journey,” she says.
One thing Gulgulian has learned about the law school experience is the importance of being true to one’s own pace and to not compare oneself to others.
“Law school can often feel like a race, and it’s easy to fall into comparison. But the truth is, everyone has a different path—and that’s perfectly okay. Just because your journey doesn’t mirror someone else’s doesn’t make it any less valid or successful. Embracing your own timeline and trusting your process is something I had to learn, and it’s made the experience much more fulfilling,” Gulgulian says.
It’s no surprise that Gulgulian’s passion is to advocate for individuals who feel vulnerable and silenced by their experiences and/or circumstances. She hopes to help bridge the gap between fear and justice. In fact, Gulgulian is committed to working for Utah Law’s Bystander Initiative, which addresses these issues. She recently received the Alexander Zeev Guiora Bystander Initiative Award, which funds a research assistantship and a scholarship to continue the program’s work.
“The Bystander Initiative means a great deal to me. It’s about confronting what often goes unspoken—addressing harm, injustice, and silence in a way that seeks awareness and accountability rather than punishment. The work aims to dismantle systemic issues and encourage critical conversations,” Gulgulian says. “Being a scholarship recipient feels incredibly validating. It’s not just about recognition—it’s about being seen for contributing to a cause that pushes for real, lasting change.”
During her time at Utah Law, Gulgulian is most proud of being able to use her voice to contribute to these lasting changes and make an impact on others.
“I’m proud of finding and using my voice. Law school can feel intimidating at times, but being part of a community that welcomes difficult conversations has given me the space to speak up and push for change. Whether in class discussions or community initiatives, I’ve been able to contribute to meaningful dialogue, and that’s something I carry with me with pride,” she says.
Gulgulian is keeping her options open as to where she’ll go after graduation next year. She likes both business law and public interest work. But regardless of the direction her career may take, Gulgulian still plans to lead and advocate for those in need.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the structure and strategy involved in corporate and transactional law. But at the same time, I care deeply about using my voice to support those who feel overlooked or silenced. Whether I end up in a firm, an in-house position, or a more advocacy-driven role, I hope to build a career that blends purpose with impact—and allows me to grow while making space for others to do the same,” she says.