Heather's Experience

Heather Schmidt Bresnahan received her Bachelor of Arts Degree, cum laude, Political Science & International Studies from Point Park College in 1993 and her Juris Doctorate Degree from Duquesne University School of Law in 2001. Ms. Schmidt was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in October 2001. Ms. Schmidt was admitted to the Western District of Pennsylvania in 2013. 

Prior to becoming a lawyer and while working full time through college and law school, Ms.Schmidt was a staff person at the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office for six years. During her tenure, she served in the general trial department, the Sentencing Guidelines Division and as law clerk to the Deputy District Attorney, Homicide Division. She went on to work as an associate for Goldberg, Gruener, Gentile, Horoho & Avalli, P.C., working for the late Gary G. Gentile, Esquire from 2001 to 2007, prior to becoming partner at Volker, Gricks & Schmidt, LLP in 2009. In May of 2010 she joined the law firm of Leger & Ball, P.C. as an equity shareholder/partner. In January of 2012 the firm name changed to Fiscus & Ball, P.C. 

Ms. Schmidt opened her own law firm in 2016, Schmidt Bresnahan Law Group, LLC.  Schmidt Bresnahan Law Group provides comprehensive family law services including divorce, child custody, spousal support, alimony, protection from abuse, grandparent custody rights, marital agreements and the drafting of wills and administration of estates.

Ms. Schmidt has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer “Rising Star” Family Law by Pennsylvania Law & Politics (2006) and (2011) and was recognized as one of Pittsburgh's “50 Finest” young professionals by Pittsburgh Magazine and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (2005). Ms. Schmidt is a former Council Member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, Family Law Section and a former Chair of the Social Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association, Family Law Section.

In addition to her law practice, Ms. Schmidt currently serves as a Hearing Officer with the Allegheny County Retirement Board and volunteers monthly with Neighborhood Legal Services to help with their PFA caseload.

Ms. Schmidt has served as a guest lecturer and speaker for the Allegheny County Chapter of the Matrimonial American Inns of Court, of which she is a former member. She additionally served as Secretary of the Brehon Society of Irish Lawmakers.  

Ms. Schmidt is a former member of Dormont Borough Council and former Democratic Party Committee person for Dormont Borough's 5th District.