Laura’s Legacy
Laura and her daughter, Chloe Ditka
Laura Ditka’s Legacy
Laura Ditka’s remarkable life and career established a powerful legacy of advocacy and protection for the most vulnerable in our community.
Laura’s Light was created to honor the extraordinary life and work of Laura Ditka—a fearless advocate, mentor, and champion for those who needed it most. Known not only for her brilliant legal mind but also for her deep compassion and unwavering commitment to justice, Laura inspired everyone she worked with. Through our Legal Network program, we carry forward her dedication to protecting the vulnerable and uplifting our community, ensuring that her impact continues to shine long into the future.
A Pioneering Advocate
Laura’s professional accomplishments include:
- Transforming how Allegheny County handles child and sexual assault cases
- Helping create a specialized sex offender court, the 1st in Allegheny County and 3rd in the nation
- Taking 160 child-abuse cases to trial throughout her 30-year legal career—a staggering number
- Developing better protocols and training for child abuse cases
- Serving as a mentor to law students and young attorneys
Her impact was so profound that upon her passing, Governor Tom Wolf ordered flags at the Capital Complex and public buildings lowered to half-staff.
A Pioneering Advocate
Laura’s professional accomplishments include:
- Transforming how Allegheny County handles child and sexual assault cases
- Helping create a specialized sex offender court, the 1st in Allegheny County and 3rd in the nation
- Taking 160 child-abuse cases to trial throughout her 30-year legal career—a staggering number
- Developing better protocols and training for child abuse cases
- Serving as a mentor to law students and young attorneys
Her impact was so profound that upon her passing, Governor Tom Wolf ordered flags at the Capital Complex and public buildings lowered to half-staff.
A Life of Service
Nearly every aspect of Laura Ditka’s life revolved around serving others. Beyond her professional achievements, she was known as:
- A great mother, family member, and friend
- A passionate protector of children
- A tireless advocate for women and children
- A voice for those most vulnerable
A Life of Service
Nearly every aspect of Laura Ditka’s life revolved around serving others. Beyond her professional achievements, she was known as:
- A great mother, family member, and friend
- A passionate protector of children
- A tireless advocate for women and children
- A voice for those most vulnerable
“Laura was a tireless advocate for women and children. She leaves a lasting legacy of protecting those victimized by violent predators. There was no one quite like her. She had a sense of compassion and empathy for those that were most vulnerable and gave them a voice few people are able to do.”
— Judge Bruce Beemer, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas
“Laura was a tireless advocate for women and children. She leaves a lasting legacy of protecting those victimized by violent predators. There was no one quite like her. She had a sense of compassion and empathy for those that were most vulnerable and gave them a voice few people are able to do.”
— Judge Bruce Beemer, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas
Learn More About Laura
- Watch Now: Laura Ditka, Lead Prosecutor, at the press conference following the conviction for child endangerment of Penn State President Graham Spanier
- Learn more: Summary of her accomplishments defending women and children. Listen to her as she defends the reasons home visits are needed for children in jeopardy
- Career Info: Attorney General’s Office, State of Pennsylvania, remembers Laura Ditka
- Laura Ditka: Laura Ann Ditka Obituary
Learn More About Laura
- Watch Now: Laura Ditka, Lead Prosecutor, at the press conference following the conviction for child endangerment of Penn State President Graham Spanier
- Learn more: Summary of her accomplishments defending women and children. Listen to her as she defends the reasons home visits are needed for children in jeopardy
- Career Info: Attorney General’s Office, State of Pennsylvania, remembers Laura Ditka
- Laura Ditka: Laura Ann Ditka Obituary