Dusty Kirk

Biography: Dusty Elias Kirk Work History Dusty is the Practice Group Leader of Reed Smith’s global Real Estate Group. Dusty's work in real estate development includes handling the acquisition, financing and tax increment financing for commercial, retail, office, industrial and institutional properties, and obtaining economic incentives for development projects. She regularly handles issues involving public-private partnerships, and transportation issues including highway occupancy permits. Dusty is an acknowledged authority on urban mixed use development, demonstrated by landmark efforts to redevelop large parcels in Pittsburgh and Allentown, Pennsylvania. These urban infill efforts took place in highly politically charged environments. Her work on negotiations with neighborhood groups, owners and developers will allow new development valued at over $650 Million. She represents real estate developers, property owners and nonprofit institutions in real estate assessment appeals of industrial, commercial, office, retail and exempt properties in issues regarding valuation of real estate, tax-exempt status, taxation of mineral rights, and tax abatements for newly constructed and reconstructed properties. Dusty counsels her 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 avoidance. Education Pennsylvania State University, The Dickinson School of Law, 1979, J.D. Allegheny College, 1975, B.A. Civic Activities Allegheny County Bar Association – Member, Board of Governors; Chair, Council for the Real Property Section Allegheny Cou