A member of the firm’s Real Estate Group, Kirk represents multinational clients in complex development projects, litigates high-stakes real estate disputes, and holistically solves problems to benefit both clients and community. Kirk’s practice focuses on acquisition, financing and tax increment financing for commercial, retail, office, industrial and institutional properties, and obtaining economic incentives for development projects. She regularly handles challenging issues involving public-private partnerships and transportation issues, including highway occupancy permits.
In addition to a demanding legal practice, she was practice group leader at Reed Smith for real estate from 2010 to 2017, managing over 215 lawyers and professionals. Kirk is actively involved in the firm’s Women’s Initiative Network (WINRS), a global community of lawyers dedicated to further enhancing the workplace to more effectively develop, reward, engage and attract women lawyers.
Kirk is a frequent speaker, including to groups such as the Urban Land Institute (ULI), inspiring women to take charge of their careers in real estate. As part of her work with ULI’s Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) and the American Institute of Architects, Kirk and WLI Pittsburgh developed a lecture and a community discussion about what it would look like “If Cities Were Built by Women.” Among the issues discussed were lighting for safety and security; green spaces and trails to activate a community; and engaging a place where children feel comfortable with better access to schools, transit and child care. Kirk’s program was one of the few chosen by ULI to present at its national fall meeting.
She is also active in fundraising for charities with personal ties, such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, where she is a former president and current member of the Leadership Advisory Council. Likewise, Kirk participates in charities with close connections throughout her community, such as the Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research, which awards grants to advance research in the diagnosis and treatment of brain injuries caused primarily from sports activities.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters.
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