Kirstin F. Kennedy

“Society will be judged by how it treats its weakest members.” For more than 100 years this quote has been stated in various ways by leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Winston Churchill. Attorney Kirstin Kennedy was inspired by the sentiment from the moment she first heard it.Kirstin graduated cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh in 2012 with a dual degree in English Literature and Non-Fiction Writing. Upon graduation, she was hired by the Beaver County Times and spent six years as a reporter responsible for covering breaking news and investigative journalism. During her time as a reporter, Kirstin published stories about healthcare systems, business, public health, crime, and the local courts. She enjoyed the accolades that came with being an accomplished journalist and was the recipient of recognition by the Associated Press Media Editors, the Pennsylvania News Media Association’s Keystone Awards, and the Pittsburgh Press Club’s Golden Quill Awards.Her work required her to research criminal cases, interview victims of crimes, and observe our system of justice. It was a difficult decision to leave journalism, but she was ready for a challenge and decided to apply to law school.During her first year at Duquesne University School of Law, Kirstin worked as a Certified Legal Intern and gained valuable hands-on experience. Throughout law school, she focused on broadening her knowledge and became a member of the Duquesne Unemployment Compensation Clinic, which involved helping clients navigate the unemployment compensation system. In addition, she became a member of the Duquesne Trial Advocacy Team, a member of the faculty-student Mentorship Program, a staff Member of ‘Joule’ the Energy & Environmental Law Journal, and a writer for the Juris Magazine.After passing the Pennsylvania bar exam, Kirstin joined Robert Peirce & Associates. She hit the ground running to help give direction and be there to support clients while playing an active role in their quest for justice. Kirstin combines her interest of writing and researching the law to help people. She primarily works on medical malpractice and nursing home negligence cases.“It’s an amazing experience to be able to help people in need. Our clients only come to us when they were wronged, and it is a privilege to be able to help them right that wrong. “Awards / AccoladesRecipient of the Edward Ohlbaum Trial Advocacy Award for “Best Advocate” in the National Trial Competition, Region 3, 2021Recipient of the Lynette Norton Memorial Award, 2021Induction into The Order of Barristers, 2021Cali Excellence for the Future Award in Election Law, 2020Cali Excellence for the Future Award in Expert Evidence, 2021Bar AdmissionsPennsylvania, 2021U.S. District Court Middle District of Pennsylvania, 2021U.S. District Court Western District of Pennsylvania, 2022U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 2022EducationBachelor of Arts in English Literature and Non-Fiction Writing, University of Pittsburgh, 2012Juris Doctor, Duquesne University, 2021Professional MembershipsPennsylvania Association for JusticePublicationsThe Limits Placed on Pennsylvania’s Constitutional Right to Clean Water and Air: An Analysis of Funk v. Wolf, Duquesne University School of Law’s Joule: Energy and Environmental Law JournalAttorney Suspended for Coaching Witness Via Text During Telephone Deposition, American Bar Association Practice PointsNew York State Court to Hear large Defamation Case in Allegations of 2020 Election Fraud, Duquesne University School of Law’s Juris MagazineGender Trend: Proposed Law Would Mandate Gender Neutral Sections in Stores, Duquesne University School of Law’s Juris MagazineLabor Standards: The Legality of Unpaid Internship Depends on Students’ Employment Status, Duquesne University School of Law’s Juris MagazinePregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace: Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s Experience and the Law Intended to Protect All Pregnant Women, Duquesne University School of Law’s Juris Magazine