2016 Retreat Recap

In case you missed it—and I sincerely hope you didn’t—this year’s retreat was certainly one to remember! After blissful massages and getting-to-know-you Bingo, we were able to honor some of our great women in Utah with awards to highlight their achievements.

Justice Christine Durham introduced two stellar law students who were honored with scholarships from their respective schools. Alyssa Miller, University of Utah law student, received the Reva Beck Bosone award. This award honors women who follow in Reva’s trailblazing footsteps as the first woman from Utah to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Emily Anderson, Brigham Young University law student, received the Cora Snow Carleton award. This award celebrates women who embody Cora’s tenacity as the first woman to practice law in Utah.

Magistrate Judge Brooke Wells then gave a beautiful introduction to Judge Vernice Trease, the recipient of the 2016 Women Lawyers of Utah Mentoring Award. Before Judge Trease accepted the award we were able to watch a compilation of tributes from other women in the judiciary who have been mentored with the kindness and wisdom Judge Trease offers.

The new Editor of the Salt Lake Tribune, Jennifer Napier-Pearce, then spoke to us about the future of the impressive periodical she leads and how it could impact elections, social progress, and the judiciary. She also spoke of the different career decisions she has made in her life and how they have brought her to her current position.

In the morning, many joined in an hour of yoga to stimulate the body, before our minds were stimulated by Dr. Abe Bakhsheshy and his lecture on the importance of emotional intelligence. Dr. Bakhsheshy addressed specific psychological pitfalls that lawyers—and more specifically women lawyers—often find themselves getting into. He then gave us advice on how to build our emotional intelligence and apply it in ways that will not only improve our careers but also strengthen our personal relationships.

All in all, it was a great weekend, thanks to all the help from WLU board members, committee members, volunteers, and everyone who came and made it so fun!