Reed Smith is saddened to announce the passing of Kristi Ifft Wells, a longtime Reed Smith partner, nationally recognized dealmaker, mentor and supporter of numerous community causes in Pittsburgh. Wells joined the firm in 2010 and was a member of the U.S. Corporate Group and former vice chair of the U.S. Corporate & Securities Group.
Related Professionals: Kristin I. Wells
Wells had deep and close relationships with her clients, including the Lemieux Group, Pittsburgh Penguins, Dick’s Sporting Goods, SKF and Volvo. “Kristi’s clients relied on her as a trusted adviser and true partner,” said Casey Ryan, Reed Smith’s global managing partner. “Over her career, Kristi closed many transformational deals for the companies with whom she worked and was strongly committed to client service.”One client said of her: “Kristi has a rare combination of legal wisdom, business acumen, and agility – no deal is too complicated for Kristi and the Reed Smith team, plus she always remains focused on the goal: a sale, merger or acquisition.”Wells mentored and sponsored junior lawyers at the firm, many of whom are now C-suite executives at leading national companies. She was strongly committed to paying it forward to the next generation of Reed Smith lawyers and to the success of women in the profession.“In addition to her robust client practice, Kristi mentored extensively, helping junior lawyers become great lawyers,” Ryan added. “Her energy, her spirit and her passion had impact; she will be missed by so many.
”A native of Pittsburgh, Wells’ influence extended throughout her home community. She collaborated with numerous service programs that have positively impacted the lives and well-being of women, children and families in the region. She served on the board of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and volunteered with various foundation programs, including Austin’s Playrooms, Austin’s Military Playrooms, the Lemieux Sibling Center, the Lady Pens Shoebox Project, and hockey programs for underserved youth.Wells also served on the Shady Side Academy Board of Trustees, University of Pittsburgh Law Alumni Association Board of Governors, Women's Executive Committee of the Association of Corporate Growth, and as vice chair of the Pittsburgh Conservancy’s Spring Hat Luncheon and Picnic in the Park annual fundraiser.Along the way, Wells was honored with numerous awards for her outstanding work, including national recognition by Chambers USA, The Legal Intelligencer’s Professional Excellence Award, Global M&A Network’s “Top US Women Dealmakers” and the IFLR1000. In 2021, she received the coveted Pittsburgh Athena Award, given to those who exemplify outstanding mentorship, community service and professional excellence.Wells is survived by her husband, Tim; daughter, Chloe; father, Edward C. Ifft Jr.; and siblings, Heidi, Dana (Patrick Kelly), Eddie (Lauren Franks) and John (Jayna Varley).
If you wish to honor Wells, her memorial suggests donations in her memory to Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation fund. Donations can be made online or by mail: Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation, Attn: Ms. Brenda Psotka Endowed Chair for Dr. Adam Brufsky - in remembrance of Kristin Wells, 3240 Craft Place, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Original source can be found here.