(February 28, 2014, Pittsburgh, PA) – Dusty Elias Kirk, Head of the firmwide Real Estate Practice Group at Reed Smith LLP, yesterday received the Hon. Sylvia H. Rambo Award from the Women’s Law Caucus of the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law.
Kirk, a 1979 graduate of Dickinson School of Law, is the 20th recipient of the award, which recognizes her exemplary contributions to the legal profession and society as a whole.
“Ms. Kirk has demonstrated a strong commitment to the advancement of women in the legal profession, as well as to women’s advancement in the community,” said Gabriella Grosso, President of the Women’s Law Caucus. “We are delighted to honor her many significant contributions with this prestigious award.”
The Rambo Award was initiated in 1993 in honor of the Honorable Sylvia H. Rambo, a 1962 graduate of Dickinson School of Law and the first woman to serve as chief judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, where she continues to serve as a senior judge. Judge Rambo was the award’s first recipient.
Kirk leads Reed Smith’s 160-member Real Estate practice. Her practice focuses on all aspects of real estate development, acquisitions and economic incentives, with an emphasis on real estate litigation, including real estate tax-assessment appeals, land-use and zoning appeals, and eminent domain proceedings. She counsels clients on an array of sustainability issues that impact development projects and facilities, including advice on sustainable development matters such as the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, and regulatory compliance matters such as greenhouse gas emission regulations, obtaining other regulatory approvals, negotiating complex contractual arrangements, resolving disputes, and managing risk. Kirk litigates matters throughout Pennsylvania before administrative hearing boards, as well as in trial and appellate proceedings.
“I am very honored to be the recipient of this year’s Sylvia Rambo Award,” said Kirk. “Judge Rambo has long been a role model for Dickinson graduates and attorneys throughout Pennsylvania. She sets a strong example for both women and men in our profession. I am delighted to have my contributions to the advancement of women measured by the standards she has set.”
Kirk’s work and service have earned her significant previous recognition. She was selected by the Pittsburgh Business Times as recipient of the 2013 Business Women First Award; named to Real Estate Forum’s 2012 Women of Influence list, recognizing women who help shape the commercial real estate industry nationwide; chosen by Celebrate & Share as a 2011 Women of Achievement honoree and a 2010 Women of Distinction award recipient; and was a finalist for the 2009 Athena Award, which celebrates women who demonstrate excellence in their profession, contribute to their communities, and help other women to succeed through mentorship.
“We congratulate Dusty on her very well deserved selection as the 2014 Hon. Sylvia H. Rambo Award recipient,” said Sandy Thomas, Reed Smith’s Global Managing Partner. “Dusty is a key member of this firm and an outstanding leader whose efforts on behalf of women’s advancement are very worthy of this recognition. We are proud to have her as a partner.”
Kirk has been listed in Best Lawyers in America since 2006, and as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer from 2004-2013. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Women in the Profession Committee, serves as vice-chair of the Allegheny Regional Asset District; and served on the advisory board of Chatham University’s Pennsylvania Center for Women in Politics. She is a past president of the board of directors of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, and a past board chair of Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,800 lawyers in 25 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, technology and media, shipping, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.
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