Kutak Rock partner Dwyer Arce has been named the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award from JURIST, a non-profit news organization operated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law focusing on the rule of law in the United States and abroad. The Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes former JURIST staff members who have demonstrated excellence in the legal profession and continued commitment to the organization’s mission of advancing legal journalism and public service.

In announcing the award, JURIST emphasized Dwyer’s career successes, highlighting his status as the only JURIST alumnus to be elected to The American Law Institute; his leadership roles in state, federal, and national bar associations; and his wide-ranging appellate and commercial litigation practice.

Dwyer served as a JURIST staff writer and Managing Editor while attending the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. After graduation, he also served on the board of its Alumni Association. In his practice, Dwyer focuses on appeals and commercial litigation across the country. His award-winning appellate practice has been recognized year after year by The Best Lawyers in America^®, including as a Lawyer of the Year in 2023.