Young Professional Advisory Board Adds New Member

Please join the PLDIC in congratulating the newly appointed member of the Young Professionals Advisory Board (YPAB): Jaquan Williams, Fox Rothschild LLP. YPAB members are attorneys who have practiced for 10 or less years and are employed by a PLDIC member organization. Members serve a three-year term and provide advice and suggestions to PLDIC committees and working groups on issues of particular interest to new attorneys to help inform the development of programming and resources.

Learn more about the YPAB

Congratulations to the Newly Graduated Susan Yohe PLDIC Scholars!

Congratulations to the newest Susan Yohe PLDIC scholars to graduate from law school: Anne Darla Pamphile, L’26, University of Pittsburgh School of Law; and Eva Morgan, J.D., L’26, Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University!

“Being a PLDIC Scholar throughout law school has meant more to me than I can fully put into words,” said Anne. “Of course, the financial support made a meaningful difference, but what stayed with me most was knowing that there were people genuinely invested in my success and growth throughout this journey. Law school can be incredibly demanding, and there were definitely moments where that support and encouragement mattered more than anyone probably realized. The PLDIC also gave me a sense of community and connection within the legal profession. As someone who came into law school wanting to work hard, grow professionally, and create opportunities not only for myself but for others around me, it was encouraging to be surrounded by people who valued those same things. Being a scholar reminded me that I belonged in these spaces even during moments of doubt or exhaustion. I feel genuinely grateful to have been part of PLDIC throughout all three years of law school. It has been a meaningful part of my experience, and I’ll carry that support with me as I begin my career.”

“Being a recipient of this scholarship has been such a critical aspect to my legal career and personal growth,” said Eva. “Not only did it financially assist my law school journey, but it allowed me to connect with a welcoming and helpful community. I have had the joy and pleasure of meeting many members of the PLDIC through networking events and programs. Entering the legal profession as a first-generation law student was intimidating, and I often felt uncertain about how to navigate the path ahead, but the PLDIC was there to help lead the way. During my time here, I have made many personal and professional relationships to which I owe a huge thanks to the PLDIC. If I had not been selected to receive this scholarship, the financial stress of attending law school would have been another battle to face. By alleviating the financial burden, I was able to devote more of my time and energy to my studies and to serving on the Executive Board of Duquesne’s National Plaintiff’s Law Association. I will forever be grateful to the PLDIC for the support, mentorship, and opportunities that have made my law school experience and transition into the legal profession so rewarding. I want to give the biggest thank you to Susan, a woman whose devotion to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in her resilience, dedication, and compassion. As I begin my legal profession in New York, I will continue to further Susan’s goals of advocating and furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion in our profession. Thank you to this scholarship for facilitating my legal education and to every PLDIC member for your generosity and believing in my potential.”

Learn more about the Susan Yohe PLDIC Scholarship

Susan Yohe Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition Scholarship 2026-2027 recipients named

The University of Pittsburgh School of Law and the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University have named the 2026-2027 Susan Yohe Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition (PLDIC) scholars. This year’s recipients are Muhammed Tarik Kose (Drexel University ’22), Pitt Law; and Ayan Patel (University of Nevada ’25), Duquesne Kline. The scholarship is in its fifth year of existence.

The PLDIC created the Susan Yohe PLDIC Scholarship in collaboration with Pitt Law and Duquesne Kline to honor Susan Yohe’s lifetime of service to championing and furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Pittsburgh legal community. Yohe is one of the PLDIC’s founders and served as its Executive Director from its inception in 2017 until her retirement in 2021. Scholarship award recipients receive a $10,000 tuition scholarship per year. PLDIC member Duquesne Light Company funds the PLDIC’s scholarship portion, and Pitt Law and Duquesne Kline contribute the remainder.

These recipients demonstrate a commitment to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. In addition to the monetary award, this fall, the scholarship winners will also be invited to meet with PLDIC leadership, Pitt Law and Duquesne Kline leadership, and other leaders in the Pittsburgh legal community. The PLDIC will introduce each recipient to its 60 member organizations through the PLDIC newsletter, social media, and website.

“Being selected as the 2026-2027 Susan Yohe PLDIC Scholar is what allowed me to commit to Pitt Law and continue my journey to become an attorney,” said Muhammed Tarik. “I am honored that I was not only considered for the scholarship but also selected as the recipient. Thank you to Susan Yohe for all her work on DEI and to the PLDIC for allowing me to join the family.”

“I’m honored to be a recipient of such an impactful scholarship, and I look forward to giving back to the Pittsburgh legal community while making the most of this opportunity,” Ayan said.

Learn more about the Susan Yohe PLDIC scholarship.

Join our Summer Book Club: The Next Chapter for Equality

This summer, join legal professionals from across the country for The Next Chapter for Equality, a national reading experience centered on How Equality Wins by Kenji Yoshino and David Glasgow. This is more than a book club—it is a flexible, forwardlooking opportunity to connect across organizations, career stages, and regions while exploring ideas shaping the future of the legal profession. The Next Chapter for Equality is more than a book club. It is a national, structured, but flexible learning experience that brings legal professionals together to explore big ideas, exchange perspectives, and turn insight into action. Centered on How Equality Wins, the program offers a forward-looking conversation about how the legal profession is evolving and what inclusion looks like in practice. Participants can choose their level of engagement and join a national community committed to thoughtful dialogue and meaningful action.

Program Dates: June–September
Kickoff Session: June 22
Facilitated Sessions: July 20 & August 17
Format: Virtual (Zoom + Fable app)

Register

Welcome to New PLDIC Member, Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP

Please join the PLDIC in welcoming our newest member organization, Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP.

Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP is a multi-disciplined business and commercial litigation firm headquartered in Pittsburgh with five offices throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia serving clients nationwide. Since its formation in 1987, they have measured their success not only by the results they achieve for their clients, but also by fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and experiences. From the boardroom to the courtroom, its attorneys bring diverse perspectives, industry knowledge, and legal experience to develop strategic solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.

“Strong organizations and strong communities are built through collaboration, opportunity, and a broad range of perspectives. We are proud to join the Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition and stand alongside other organizations committed to expanding opportunities and strengthening the future of the profession and the business community alike.” –William Pietragallo, II, Managing Partner

PLDIC Board Elects New Treasurer; Two Founding Board Members Depart

At the April 8 PLDIC Board meeting, the Board elected Jim English, (pictured left) FedEx, to serve as new PLDIC Treasurer, effective immediately. Thank you to Jim for stepping up to volunteer for this important role in the Coalition. Jim will replace Peter Russ, Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney. Peter has served as Treasurer since the PLDIC’s inception nine years ago, establishing financial processes and systems to help the PLDIC run smoothly. Former PLDIC leadership shared some additional thoughts to thank Peter for going above and beyond. Jennifer Park, Dentons, Cohen & Grigsby, is also departing the PLDIC Board. Both Russ and Park are founding Board members, and the PLDIC thanks them for their longtime service and commitment to the Board.

Above: Jim English, FedEx

Above: Peter Russ, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney; and Jennifer Park, Dentons, Cohen & Grigsby