07/06/2026
Growing up in Southern California, sunshine and palm trees surrounded Daniel Smolsky, B’20, L’23, throughout his early years. When deciding on a college, Daniel knew he wanted to attend school in a larger city in the eastern United States. He enrolled at Duquesne University, trading the golden state for Pittsburgh’s golden bridges.
“During my four years of undergrad, I fell in love with its people and the school,” he said.
Graduating Summa Cum Laude, Daniel received his bachelor's degree in economics and marketing from Duquesne University Palumbo-Donahue School of Business and decided he was ready for another challenge. He applied and was accepted into our Duquesne Kline School of Law.
He served as a teaching assistant (TA), was on The Law Review and was a member of the Appellate Moot Court Board. Daniel was recently invited to be a coach for a current Moot Court team. In the spirit of service, he agreed and relished that role.
Daniel met his now wife, Riley, N'21, when they were Orientation leaders at Duquesne. The two of them have additionally been involved with the University volunteering as coaches for the past five years for the Women’s Club Soccer team that she started.
Off the field, Daniel serves as an associate at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP in downtown Pittsburgh and having now spent nearly 10 years in Pittsburgh, Daniel cannot see himself anywhere else.
He said, “I really have an amazing group of friends and supporters here. I have a great group of colleagues and I love Pittsburgh. It is a wonderful place for young adults because of the beautiful blend of arts, culture, theatre and sports. I don’t see us leaving.”
Read more about Daniel's story: https://www.duq.edu/news-and-stories/bluff-stories/daniel-smolsky.php