Named one of The Best Lawyers in America© for Real Estate Law for sixteen years running and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for Real Estate (2011-2020), Dusty Elias Kirk ‘79 J.D. traces her deep track record of success back to her time at Dickinson Law.
“Dickinson Law gave me the opportunity to have a career that I love, being a problem solver for clients’ business interests and learning how people invest, develop, and manage real estate,” Dusty said.
Dusty has committed decades of time and effort to serving clients by providing legal expertise and is currently a partner at Reed Smith LLP in Pittsburgh.
Throughout her career, Dusty’s hard work has been recognized through various honors. She was the 2021 recipient of the Anne X. Alpern Award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Women in the Profession, noting her contribution as a female lawyer; highlighted in Pittsburgh Business Times with their Business Women First Award; and named a “Woman of Influence” by a variety of sources. Close to Dusty’s heart is her 2014 Honorable Sylvia H. Rambo Award from Penn State Dickinson Law’s Women’s Law Caucus.
Despite all her professional achievements, Dusty felt a need to fulfill another passion: to act on her love for Penn State. In 2016, she agreed to serve as Penn State Dickinson Law’s volunteer campaign chair for A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence, as well as a board member for the Penn State Dickinson Law Leadership Council Advisory Board.
“I am inspired by the importance of having lawyers who are well trained and educated to the highest standards promoted by Penn State Dickinson Law and who are ready to serve our Commonwealth and the nation,” Dusty said. “The cost of law school is so much greater than when I attended. Many qualified applicants—who will one day become great lawyers—would not be able to attend law school without the generosity of our donors.”
With Dusty’s leadership, Dickinson Law surpassed its campaign goal, raising more than $16.9 million in the recently completed Greater Penn State campaign.
“Dusty has for many years been a tireless advocate for Penn State Dickinson Law, spurred by her deep commitment to the Law School, and she was the perfect person to help lead our campaign,” said Kelly Rimmer, director of development and alumni affairs at Dickinson Law. “As our volunteer chair, she set a leadership example through her personal philanthropy, shared countless hours of her time strategizing with us on ways to achieve our campaign priorities, and played an active role in identifying and encouraging alumni and friends to invest in our students, faculty, community, and success.”
Dusty shared that some of her favorite experiences as a volunteer have included connecting with students and seeing the impact of philanthropy on the future lawyers who will serve the world around us.
“Being a fundraising volunteer has given me the opportunity to meet students who are so grateful for alumnae investments and to meet alumnae who are invested in the success of Penn State Dickinson Law,” she said.
“Dickinson Law continues to excel in educating the lawyers of today and tomorrow—that is the payoff for the time I have spent as a volunteer.”
Inspired by Dusty’s service?
Give to the Dickinson Law Future Fund.