Her Story
About Rosalyn
Rosalyn Guy-McCorkle is the Allegheny County Solicitor in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she leads the county’s Law Department and oversees a broad range of civil legal matters affecting county government. She manages a team of attorneys and administrative staff responsible for areas such as contracts, collective bargaining, child support enforcement, mental health proceedings, elections, municipal representation, and other non-criminal legal functions. In her leadership role, she is known for emphasizing integrity, ethics, and a practical, community-centered approach to public service.
She has been part of the Allegheny County Law Department since 1993 and has practiced law since 1990, building a long career in public-sector and community-focused legal work. Earlier in her career, she worked at a small Black-owned law firm where she supported underserved communities through accessible and often reduced-cost legal services. She also served as an adjunct professor at Duquesne University for approximately 15 years, teaching family law and helping train future legal professionals.
Rosalyn Guy-McCorkle earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from West Virginia University and her Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. She is recognized as the first Black woman to serve as Allegheny County Solicitor and the first person promoted from within the department to hold the position. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to public service, legal access, and maintaining strong professional values while balancing leadership responsibilities with family and personal priorities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rosalyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to consistency in who I am, regardless of the roles I’ve taken on or the environments I’ve been in. I’ve remained intentional about being kind, supporting others, and staying community-oriented. These core values have guided my decisions and helped shape both my personal and professional growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay present and fully engaged in the moment. When I focus on excelling in what I am doing right now, I don’t have to overly worry about planning every step of the future—because consistent excellence naturally gets noticed. Over time, that presence and performance open doors and create opportunities organically.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to stay grounded in your principles as a lawyer and never lose sight of your professional identity. It’s important to understand the organizational and political dynamics around you, but equally important to remember that your primary responsibility is to practice law with integrity and focus. By prioritizing the legal work and staying true to your standards, you build credibility, confidence, and long-term respect in the field.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include navigating ongoing DEI-related scrutiny, addressing the questioning of credentials as a Black female professional, staying above external noise, and managing the daily uncertainties that come with running a legal department. At the same time, there are significant opportunities, including the privilege of working with a strong and collaborative team and the excitement that comes from handling varied and complex day-to-day challenges, which foster continuous growth and impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work are integrity, ethics, and staying true to my principles in every decision I make. In my personal life, I prioritize maintaining strong relationships with family and friends, preserving a healthy work-life balance, and making time for travel, rest, and downtime. I also value taking care of myself so I can show up fully in both my personal and professional life.
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