Duquesne University School of Law student, Josephine Mlakar, is the recipient of the 2020 Burns White Diversity in the Law Scholarship, awarded to a first-year, diverse student at the University’s School of Law. Ms. Mlakar, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, was selected from a competitive pool of qualified applicants.
“We established this scholarship to provide academic opportunities to deserving individuals in underrepresented groups in an effort to diversify the composition of the legal profession,” noted David White, Chief Executive Officer. “Josephine demonstrates the very essence of the scholarship and we are pleased to support her legal aspirations through mentorship, real-work experience, and funding.”
Duquesne University School of Law dean, April M. Barton said, “We are incredibly proud of Josephine for being selected as this year’s scholarship recipient. This important partnership with Burns White solidifies our commitment to diversify the Pittsburgh legal community by providing mentoring and employment opportunities that showcase the talented young professionals of our legal profession.”
The annual Burns White Diversity in the Law Scholarship is awarded to a qualified candidate who adds diversity to the incoming class and includes a paid summer clerkship at the firm following the successful completion of the recipient’s second year of law school. In addition, a mentor from Burns White will work with Ms. Mlakar for the duration of her legal education.
“The Diversity in the Law Scholarship is very meaningful to me because it represents the type of lawyer I want to become. I am very sympathetic to the fact that many people, especially those from minority groups, rely on their community for support in all realms of life. The personal, financial, and academic support that Burns White is providing me with from this scholarship captures the meaning of community. I am confident that this opportunity will help me in achieving my legal aspirations,” said Ms. Mlakar. “I cannot express my gratitude enough to the donor of this scholarship and everyone at Burns White for supporting my law school career at Duquesne University.”