PLDIC Volunteer of the Year: 2025

Barbara Strnad

Shareholder | Dickie McCamey & Chilcote, P.C.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up, where did you go to college
I grew up in Moorhead, Minnesota along the state border, just two blocks from Fargo, North Dakota. I am one of seven children. I have three biological siblings, three adopted siblings, and my family also did foster care for almost two decades – 40+ bonus siblings! I got my undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities and my law degree at Arizona State University in Phoenix.

Why did you decide to go to law school? What motivated you to be a lawyer?
From my perspective, going to law school was sort of a career back-up plan and a way to challenge myself to get outside my geographic comfort zone. From my parents’ perspective, it was destiny. They have stories of me declaring certain house rules void for lack of justification and challenging teachers to debates over current events.

Why do you love Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has an amazing amount of history and a unique ability to consider that history with both reverence and defiance. The city is growing in so many ways – new industries, technological developments, the foodie scene, etc. I love being part of a city that is constantly on the move, balancing the past with the future.

Why do you volunteer with the PLDIC?
Impact and enjoyment. A coalition of organizations of different sizes and perspectives can do more than any one organization. Our programs and working groups drive real progress. I enjoy connecting with others with similar goals for the Pittsburgh legal community. Volunteering for the Pathways program is also a delight – it is incredible to watch kids and teens light up when they begin to see their future selves in a legal career.

What can the legal community do better to support the growth and advancement of lawyers from historically underrepresented backgrounds?
If often comes down to being intentional to ensure that DEI frameworks and professionals are in the loop. Interrogating the processes for decision-making and the metrics we rely on, can produce better, more equitable outcomes for individuals and create more effective and cohesive organizations.

Who are your legal heroes?
RBG, Sandra Day O’Connor, Janet Reno…and my mom. While not technically in the “legal field,” her sense of justice and experience as a foster-parent kick started decades of advocating at schools, courts, and legislative bodies for children with mental health issues and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Who is your favorite fictional lawyer?
Jack McCoy, Abbie Carmichael, Serena Southerlyn – peak Law & Order. Plus, Jane Bingum from Drop Dead Diva – managing the drama of coming back from the dead in someone else’s body and resolving massive court cases in 43 minutes. Dang, girl!

Do you have anything else you want the Pittsburgh legal community to know about you?
Sure! Tell your dog I said hi.