Susan Yohe PLDIC Scholarship: 2026-2027 Recipients

University of Pittsburgh School of Law recipient: Muhammed Tarik Kose

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up, where did you go to college?
I was born in Turkiye and came to the U.S. as a child. My immediate family is here in Pittsburgh. I grew up here but have lived in Chicago, Columbus, Putnam (CT), and Philadelphia. I always end up back in Pittsburgh no matter where I move to! I attended Community College of Allegheny County here in Pittsburgh and Drexel University in Philadelphia with a Bachelor’s in Information Systems and a minor in Legal Studies.

Why did you decide to go to law school?
I could probably write a few pages on this, but the short answer is that we need brave attorneys now more than ever. We have brave people who will stand up for injustice and are willing to spend their time and energy to uphold the Constitution and ideals this country was built upon but we do not have enough attorneys who are willing to sacrifice what it takes to make sure those brave people are heard and have an impact. I’ve learned a lot from keeping my head down due to my lack of immigration status and fear of persecution and law school is where I begin to truly flip the script.

What attracted you to Pittsburgh?
One thing I really enjoy is how despite being compartmentalized into neighborhoods, we are all still Yinzers at the end of the day. We are also a very welcoming bunch. I’ve rarely heard of a visitor to our city that was disappointed with what they experienced or felt like we weren’t making them feel at home. That can’t be said about many cities stuck in the sweet zone between being a big city and a small town.

What are you most excited about doing in law school? In Pittsburgh?
I am really looking forward to legal clinics. Having spent a few years at a nonprofit law firm has shown me how important free legal assistance to communities can be. It may not seem like much from the outside, but the level of appreciation clients have for proper guidance through their legal questions is very rewarding.

The legal profession has historically had challenges with diversity, what are 2-3 things you wish law schools and legal employers would do better?
It has been made very clear that DEI initiatives are subject to attack from the same entities that should be promoting these initiatives. DEI initiatives weren’t perfect, but they were a big step in the right direction. Law schools and legal employers need to stand up for these initiatives despite the imposing backlash. That being said, it is easy to accept students and organizations as token representatives, but there needs to be more follow through via the fostering of inclusive leadership, accessible and open dialogue, and encouraging advancement opportunities to ensure that diverse attorneys are not disproportionately funneled into limited roles or overlooked for leadership positions where they can be retained and recognized.

Who are your legal heroes?
Although not a lawyer, the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) was an incredible legal hero. He made himself personally accessible for legal complaints, including those who
were often ignored or overlooked at the time: women, enslaved people, and non-Muslims all brought disputes to him and received reasoned decisions. He consistently demanded proof before judgment and always heard both sides of a situation. He placed enormous emphasis on clear, witnessed contracts.

I also have great admiration for all lawyers who were practicing abroad but then came to the United States to escape persecution and restarted their legal careers here. Not only do they often have to learn a new culture and a different language (English & legalese), they also have to learn to navigate a unique justice system. It is daunting enough to work to become a lawyer in the country you were raised in, but to previously be a lawyer and escape the place you were fighting for justice in and start over in a new country? That is easily inspiring.

Who is your favorite fictional lawyer?
This is a fun question! My first inclination is to say Jeff Winger from Community, but I really like the Lincoln Lawyer series and so I’m going to have to go with Mickey Haller. Every case is like a game play he has to recognize and see through. That is a mindset I really respect.

Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University recipient: Ayan Patel

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up, where did you go to college?

I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2025 with bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Economics. During my time at the university and the past year, I was involved in student leadership,gained experience in legal and corporate settings, and had the opportunity to study abroad in England. As a first-generation Indian American, my family placed a strong emphasis on education and hard work, and those values have shaped the way I approach both my personal and professional life. Outside of academics and work, I enjoy traveling, following sports, and participating in endurance events. I especially enjoy running because it brings people together from all walks of life in pursuit of a shared goal. As I prepare to begin this next chapter in Pittsburgh, I am excited to continue learning, building new relationships, and becoming involved in the community.

Why did you decide to go to law school?
My interest in law began through sports. As an avid sports fan, I often observed situations where athletes were treated unfairly, whether in contract disputes, compensation issues, or other decisions that significantly impacted their careers. This sparked my curiosity about the legal profession and the role attorneys play in advocating for others and ensuring fair outcomes. That interest deepened through my work at Lex Tecnica, where I gained firsthand exposure to the legal field and saw how attorneys help clients navigate complex legal matters. I also had the opportunity to work with students and families navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, which showed me how legal advocacy can have a meaningful impact on people’s lives beyond the courtroom.

What attracted you to Pittsburgh?
What attracted me to Pittsburgh was the city’s strong sense of community, rich history, and expanding professional environment. As I researched law schools and potential places to begin my legal career, I was drawn to Pittsburgh’s reputation as a city that values hard work. I was also impressed by the close-knit legal community and the opportunities available for law students to engage with
practitioners early in their careers. Having spent most of my life in the West, I am excited to experience a new part of the country and become part of a city that so many people speak highly of.

What are you most excited about doing in law school? In Pittsburgh?
In law school, I am most excited about developing practical legal skills, learning from experienced attorneys and professors, and exploring different areas of the law through hands-on experiences. I am particularly looking forward to building relationships with classmates, mentors, and members of the legal community. In Pittsburgh, I am excited to immerse myself in a new city, explore its
neighborhoods and culture, experience its passionate sports environment, and become an active member of the community. As someone moving across the country, I view this as an opportunity not only to earn a legal education but also to build meaningful connections and create a home in a new place.

The legal profession has historically had challenges with diversity, what are 2-3 things you wish law schools and legal employers would do better?
I believe the legal community can continue to improve by expanding mentorship opportunities and creating stronger pathways to professional experience. As a first-generation law student, I have seen how valuable it is to learn from mentors who are willing to share their knowledge and guidance. I also think it is important to ensure that internships, clerkships, and other hands-on opportunities are accessible to students from a variety of backgrounds. Finally, fostering environments where people feel comfortable sharing different perspectives strengthens the profession and helps lawyers better serve the diverse communities they represent. I believe lawyers who are actively involved in their communities gain a deeper understanding of the people they serve, making them more effective advocates and counselors.

Who are your legal heroes?
Two legal figures I greatly admire are Abraham Lincoln and Michael Hausfeld. I admire President Lincoln not only for his leadership during one of the most challenging periods in American history, but also for his legal career and commitment to the principles of justice and equality under the law. I also admire Michael Hausfeld for his work challenging longstanding systems that he believed
were unfair, particularly his role in the landmark antitrust case against the NCAA that helped reshape opportunities for student-athletes. As someone whose interest in law began through sports, I found that work especially impactful. Although they practiced in very different eras, both exemplify the ability of lawyers to create meaningful and lasting change.

Who is your favorite fictional lawyer?
My favorite fictional lawyer is Matt Murdock or Daredevil. While he is best known as a superhero, I admire his commitment to serving those who often lack access to resources or representation and his belief that justice can be pursued both inside and outside the courtroom.

Do you have anything else you want the Pittsburgh legal community to know about you?
I am incredibly honored to be a recipient of this scholarship and grateful for the opportunities it will provide as I begin law school. I would like to thank my friends and family for their guidance and sacrifices; without them, I wouldn’t be where I am. As I begin this next chapter, I am excited to become an active member of both the legal profession and the Pittsburgh community.