A beloved resident of Pasadena, California, Kirk Dillman, has sadly passed away unexpectedly on December 9, 2025. The prominent Los Angeles attorney succumbed to a heart attack at his home, bringing an abrupt end to a distinguished career and vibrant life at the age of 69.
His sudden departure has sent waves of sorrow through the legal community and beyond, where he was revered for his sharp intellect, unwavering professionalism, and genuine civility in high-stakes litigation.
Kirk Dillman built an illustrious career spanning over forty years, serving as a principal at McKool Smith since 2011 and previously establishing himself as a leading trial lawyer in complex commercial disputes. He acted as lead counsel for major real estate developers, technology companies, religious organizations, financial institutions, and high-profile individuals, often prosecuting landmark actions against large public corporations.
Educated at UCLA School of Law, where he graduated and met his future wife, Lori Huff Dillman—a fellow classmate and accomplished attorney in her own right—Kirk married Lori in 1985, beginning a partnership rooted in shared ambition and mutual respect. The couple initially settled in Los Angeles before moving to Pasadena, where they raised three children in a home filled with intellectual curiosity and family warmth.
A lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast, Kirk maintained excellent physical condition through disciplined fitness and active pursuits, reflecting a lifestyle committed to health and vitality even amid a rigorous career. He embraced travel with enthusiasm, exploring new destinations that broadened his perspectives and created cherished memories with family. These passions for physical activity and adventure underscored his energetic approach to life, ensuring he remained engaged and robust well into his later years.
Kirk’s professional accolades included the prestigious 2018 Jim Robie Award for Professionalism and Civility from the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Litigation Section, which he chaired from 2015 to 2016, as well as repeated listings in Best Lawyers in America and as a leading national litigator by the Daily Journal. His reputation for ethical advocacy and collegial conduct set a standard in the often adversarial world of trial law, earning admiration from peers, judges, and opponents alike who valued his integrity as much as his skill.
Kirk Dillman’s legacy endures as a heartfelt tribute to a life well lived through exceptional legal excellence, devoted family commitment, and a vibrant personal spirit that inspired all who knew him. In Pasadena and the broader Los Angeles legal community, his memory will continue to resonate as an exemplar of balanced achievement, quiet strength, and enduring civility in pursuit of justice.