Duquesne University Thomas R. Kline School of Law
The information on this page was provided by the law school.
Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs
Since our founding in 1911, the focus of the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University has been clear: to provide a legal education firmly rooted in justice and the pursuit of the truth. This commitment is enhanced by our focus on educational excellence, ethical values, and openness to diversity. This spurs the Duquesne Kline School of Law to educate ethical, practice-ready lawyers. Our commitment still resonates today as we grapple with complex issues in society and the law. Dean April Barton recognizes, “Now more than ever, society needs skilled lawyers who advocate with integrity and compassion, and who are committed to lead in our ongoing quest for justice.”
We regard education as a path to empowerment. Our desire to improve circumstances is the impetus for our ongoing change and we committed to providing students with well-rounded law studies. The nationally-award winning Appellate Moot Court and highly regarded Trial Advocacy team both deliver experience in courtroom settings.
We developed a Leadership Fellows Program for students to develop an understanding of their own values and the implications their decisions have on others. Faculty teach the importance of understanding all perspectives, concentrating on training lawyers who are well-prepared for any path.

The JD Program
JD Program
At Duquesne Kline School of Law, our aim is to prepare students to make an immediate impact as successful lawyers, responsible leaders, and world citizens. Our unparalleled location in downtown Pittsburgh, within walking distance to the courts, technology corridor, government agencies and corporate leaders, makes the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University a leader in legal education.
We regard education as a path to empowerment. We are committed to providing students with a strong foundation of legal knowledge through our rigorous curriculum. The nationally-award winning Appellate Moot Court and highly regarded Trial Advocacy team both deliver experience in courtroom settings.
As part of our mission to educate lawyers for an evolving practice we have identified three vision pillars:
Collaborative Learning emphasizes our need to educate lawyers with skills beyond the courtroom; in our program we integrate critical modern skills such as financial literacy, business acumen, along with a sophistication and command of emerging technology trends that are transforming our society and global economy.
Teaching Principles of Leadership emphasizes creating a culture that instills a leadership mindset so that our graduates are prepared to ethically lead governments, enterprises, and organizations to make a positive impact in the world around us.
Community Well-Being places inclusion and belonging as fundamental imperatives, while ensuring that we are modeling respectful discourse, and emphasizing healthy living and resilience.
Students may choose to study full-time or part-time to earn the JD degree.
Learn more about Duquesne Kline Law- https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/law/admissions/index.php
Faculty
Our faculty are accomplished, experienced legal professionals, who have been recognized for their excellence in teaching, accessibility to students, and focus on preparing students to be practice-ready lawyers. The highly ranked Legal Research and Writing program requires students to hone their expertise in this critical area. Duquesne Kline faculty are committed and passionate about the rule of law and teaching it. In addition to the strong foundational curriculum, they offer a combination of legal experience and knowledge on emerging technology and financial literacy to give our students an edge. Faculty teach the importance of understanding all perspectives, concentrating on training lawyers who are well-prepared for any path.
Learn more about Duquesne Kline Law- https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/law/faculty-and-staff/index.php
Location
Our location in Pittsburgh, steps from the downtown legal, financial, and tech community, offers Duquesne Kline Law students the opportunity to reside and study in one of the most liveable, affordable and vibrant cities in the nation. Law students at Duquesne Kline Law benefit from the university’s urban location to pursue valuable experience through various clinics in and around downtown courts and take advantage of numerous externship options at firms, corporations, and government entities—many of which are a short walk from campus.
Learn more about Duquesne Kline Law- https://www.duq.edu/life-at-duquesne/our-campus/our-pittsburgh-community.php
Curriculum
We focus on building a solid foundation of legal knowledge through the core curriculum while providing extensive elective courses in many areas, including Intellectual Property, Litigation, and Public Interest. While emphasis is placed upon legal research and writing and trial advocacy, the required courses are sufficiently broad to provide all students with the requisite skills to become competent lawyers in any field of practice. A wide selection of elective courses, seminars, externships, and clinics allows students to focus on specialized legal areas and explore the contemporary problems of law and society.
In addition to our solid core curriculum which prepares student generally to practice in any area of the law, we offer innovative options to hone skills in areas essential to modern lawyering. These include our Financial Toolkit, the Business Micro-credential for Lawyers, Coding for Lawyers, and the Leadership Seminar.
Duquesne Kline Law is committed to providing an exceptional education to a diverse student body. We understand the need to prepare lawyers from all backgrounds to practice in our increasingly diverse society.
Learn more About Duquesne Kline Law- https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/law/academics/registrar/curriculum/index.php
Outcomes Matter
At Duquesne Kline Law we consistently out-perform all expectations and predications. Our consistently high Bar passage and employment rates are two tangible measures of our success. We make a diligent effort to ensure that our students are ready for any challenge they will face in the profession.
Bar Studies
According to the American Bar Association, bar-passage rates are “the single best outcome measure...in assessing whether a law school is maintaining a ‘rigorous program of legal education’”. Our nationally recognized Bar Studies program ensures that students are thoroughly prepared for the bar examination in any jurisdiction.
During every year of study, you can take advantage of academic excellence programs, followed closely by comprehensive bar preparation. Duquesne Kline Law’s bar services offer you a rigorous curriculum taught by acclaimed professors, a nationally ranked legal writing program, hands-on learning gained through unique clinical programs, and special bar preparation options.
Learn More About Duquesne Kline Bar Studies- https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/law/academics/bar-studies/index.php
ABA and Accreditation
Duquesne Kline Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is a member of the American Association of Law Schools (AALS).
https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/law/about/aba-and-accreditation.php

Student Life
Career Placement and Bar Passage
Tuition and Aid
Expense | Cost |
---|---|
Tuition |
$52,332.00
|
Fees |
$1,084.00
|
Expected Cost of Attendance |
$70,060.00
|
The Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University consistently strives to ensure that the exceptional private legal education provided by the law school is within reach of all qualified students. Through the generosity of our dedicated alumni and the university's efforts, Duquesne Kline Law has been able to offer generous merit scholarships to enrolling students. Combining generous merit scholarships with outstanding outcomes on the Bar exam and employment makes Duquesne Kline Law an excellent value in legal education.
Incoming students do not need to submit a separate application for Merit Scholarship awards. Once a student is accepted, the application will be reviewed for Merit Scholarship consideration. Dean’s Scholarship Awards provide full tuition to select applicants each year. Dean’s Scholarships and Merit Scholarships are renewable for three years of law school (4 years for part-time students) as long as the student remains in good academic standing. Duquesne Kline Law does not award conditional scholarships.
Students are admitted only for the fall semester. In evaluating applications, the complete academic record is reviewed with consideration given to the competitiveness of the undergraduate institution, rigors of the curriculum, rank in class, and the overall academic performance. The LSAT is considered an essential factor. Graduate study, work experience, extracurricular activities, leadership, and recommendations also contribute to the committee's assessment.

Admission Decisions: Beyond the Numbers
We employ a holistic review in evaluating applications. The complete academic record is reviewed with consideration given to the competitiveness of the undergraduate institution, rigors of the curriculum, rank in class, and the overall academic performance. The LSAT or the GRE are considered essential factors. Graduate study, work experience, leadership experience, extracurricular activities, and recommendations also contribute to the committee's assessment. Several optional essays are offered so that students may relay facets of their life that inform the admissions decision.
