Born and Raised in Pittsburgh
Ayanna Lee was born and raised in Pittsburgh. At the age of five, Ayanna first began to dream of becoming an attorney. Raised by her mother, the late Mamie H. Lee, Ayanna watched her mother spend endless hours helping and caring for their less fortunate neighbors. Although Ayanna's mother passed away when Ayanna was only nine years old, her hard work and commitment to others left a deep and lasting impression on Ayanna. Recently, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Kingsley Center and the Allegheny County Port Authority honored the life of Mamie H. Lee by awarding her the "Spirit of King Award" for her years of public service and her commitment to social justice.
Education
Ayanna attended Pittsburgh Public Schools until 9th grade when she was awarded a scholarship to attend Sewickley Academy. An active leader in student government, Ayanna was also an avid basketball, soccer and softball player.
In 1997, Ayanna began fulfilling her dream of becoming an attorney by receiving an Associate's Degree from Duff's Business Institute and landing her first legal job as a paralegal with Abes Bauman PC. Determined to continue in her pursuit, Ayanna worked two jobs while attending Point Park University graduating with a degree in Legal Studies.
In 2001, Ayanna was accepted at the Duquesne University School of Law with full scholarship.
While at Duquesne, Ayanna thrived at the opportunities that were presented to her. Ayanna was a published member of the Duquesne Law Review, Chair of the Trial Moot Court Honor Society and President of the Black Law Students Association. Ayanna was the recipient of the "CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Legal Writing" for earning the highest grade in first-year legal writing and in 2002 Ayanna traveled to Beijing, China to study at the China University of Political Science and Law.
Fulfilling a life long dream, Ayanna graduated from Duquesne Law School in 2004.
Attorney Ayanna Lee
In 2004, Attorney Ayanna Lee joined the firm of Saul Ewing LLP and in 2006, Ayanna accepted an associate position with the prestigious Pittsburgh firm of Reed Smith LP, where she is a member of the commercial real estate department. Ayanna represents small and medium sized businesses in matters concerning real estate acquisitions, leasing transactions and commercial development strategies.
Active in the Community
Ayanna, following the footsteps of her Mother, has committed herself to helping others and being involved in her community. Ayanna participates in Reed Smith’s pro bono programs, providing free legal service to the elderly and indigent as well as serving as counsel in adoption matters. Ayanna is a youth mentor through Duquesne University's CLAAY Program, which provides mentoring and career guidance to students throughout the public school system. She is also a board member of the Moon Township Architectural Review Board and an active parent in the Moon Crescent Athletic Association.
