Education and equality at the forefront of our law degrees

Our History

Since its 1911 founding, the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University has provided a law education rooted in justice and pursuit of the truth. The goal is to advance all people by delivering knowledge with integrity and justice.

Providing a pathway to an honorable pursuit of law is at the core of who we are. Initially an evening program to give working, immigrant families access to a legal education, we now offer a full-time day program and multiple options and pathways to a legal career, along with our evening program..

A very early commitment to justice and equality allowed women and underrepresented populations to share in our legacy. Mrs. M. Murphy was admitted to Duquesne Kline School of Law in 1914. Theron B. Hamilton, a Black man, graduated in 1925. Dean Davenport, one of the first Black deans of a law school, led Duquesne Kline from 1970 to 1981. Justice and impact are practiced regularly by student attorneys through our clinical education program (est. 1995) and the Tribone Center for Clinical Legal Education (est. 2013) via hands-on client experiences that positively impact underserved communities.

We continue to trailblaze and forge a future with even bigger goals—driven by the ideals established in, and by, our past: knowledge, equality, justice, service, and the advancement of all people.

Prepared for anything

Our commitment to provide students with well-rounded law studies is evident in all we do. Our lawyers receive ample experience in legal writing and clinics. Our nationally-award winning Appellate Moot Court and highly regarded Trial Advocacy team both deliver experience in courtroom settings. Our Leadership Fellows Program allows students to better understand their own values and the implications their decisions have on others. Faculty teach the importance of understanding all perspectives, so students are well-prepared for any path.

Empowered to Lead. Prepared for What's Next.

Inspired by Our Spiritan Tradition

Dean Barton and President Gormley with an alumni reunion group

Message from Dean Barton

With a focus on critical priorities, the availability of multiple degree options, and a shared vision of learning, teaching, and community, we believe a law school education can be in anyone’s future.

Dean's Message

22,314Hours of Service

The Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University educates lawyers to excel in the ethical practice of law, to preserve the highest ideals, and to promote equal justice and democratic discourse through leadership, service, and civic engagement. Our students live our mission by contributing more than 22,000 hours of legal service annually to the public through law clinics, externships, and pro bono programs.

Mission Statement
Law professor at podium

Vision

Our Vision Pillars ensure a legal education rooted in proficiency, ethics, modern skills, and equality. We are dedicated to cultivating students minds, spirits, and hearts steadfast in furthering justice and good of our society.

Vision Pillars

A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) advocates for diversity in law schools. Like the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University, they believe that access to justice is essential for a democratic society, and diversity in the legal profession increases the likelihood of access for people from an increasingly diverse population.

Learn more

Leadership is Integral to an Outstanding Law Education

At Duquesne Kline School of Law, we teach principles of leadership and provide our faculty with an environment that allows them to model leadership. Acclaimed for their teaching, research, scholarship, and service, your professors will share their expertise with you from day one.

Faculty/Staff/Leadership
Leadership isn't just taught at the Kline School of Law, it's modeled, supported, and developed at all levels...starting with Administration.
  • April Barton, Dean and Professor of Law
  • Ann Marie L. Schiavone, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Law
  • Tara L. Willke, Associate Dean for Strategic Academic Programs and Associate Professor of Law
  • Ella A. Kwisnek, Associate Dean for Students and Associate Professor of Legal Skills
  • Richard Heppner, Associate Dean for Faculty Scholarship, Assistant Professor of Law
  • Katherine Norton, Associate Dean for Faculty Scholarship, Director of Clinical and International Programs and Assistant Professor of Law
Contact Leadership
Whether full-time, adjunct, or emeritus, the law faculty at the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University is committed to teaching content, best practices, and ethical leadership.

Moot Court Board, 2022
Moot Court law students See all Faculty

Staff at the Duquesne Kline School of Law support students and professors in a myriad of tasks from administrative assistance to career services to technology support to special programs coordinated by Admissions, Advancement, the Paralegal Institute, etc.  Duquesne University is a community dedicated to the educational experience of its students.

Connect with Staff

The Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University Advisory Board advances and supports the continued efforts to enhance the Duquesne Kline School of Law. The Board provides the experience and perceptions of distinguished alumni and other distinguished members of the bench and bar, as well as friends of the School, on matters of Duquesne Kline School of Law policy, activities, programs and goals. The Advisory Board pursues these efforts based exclusively on its independent, collective judgment.

  • The Honorable Dana Baiocco L'97, Commissioner, US Consumer Protection Safety Commission
  • Bryan C. Brantley L'04, Partner, McGuireWoods
  • Alan N. Braverman L'75, Senior Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of The Walt Disney Company
  • Brian J. Cali L'77, Founding Partner, Brian J. Cali & Associates
  • Marilyn Chiafullo L'93, Brigadier General, Retired, U.S. Army
  • The Honorable Jay Costa, Jr. L'89, Pennsylvania State Senate
  • Eric R. I. Cottle L'96, Partner, K&L Gates
  • The Honorable Jeffery A. Deller L'96, Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court
  • The Honorable Christine Donohue L'80, Justice, Pennsylvania Supreme Court
  • Paul J. Gitnik L'85, Member, Pennsylvania Board of Finance and Revenue
  • Gretchen R. Haggerty L'80, Retired Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, United States Steel Corporation
  • Linda Varrenti Hernandez L'01, Of Counsel, Dickie McCamey
  • Marie Milie Jones L'87 (Chair), Founding Partner, JonesPassodelis
  • The Honorable Maureen P. Kelly L'87, Magistrate Judge, United States District Court
  • Shanicka L. Kennedy L'01, Senior Attorney, Business Model and Employment Litigation Group, FedEx Ground
  • The Honorable Maureen Lally-Green L'74, Professor Emerita, Duquesne University Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University
  • Terrence M. Lewis, L'96, Senior Associate Counsel at UPMC
  • The Honorable Michael E. McCarthy L'84, Judge, Court of Common Pleas for Allegheny County
  • Sandra R. Mihok L'94, Member-in-Charge, Eckert Seamans (Pittsburgh)
  • Matthew M. Mohn L'05, Partner, Reed Smith
  • Brian K. Parker L'93, Partner, Parker Poe
  • Jon R. Perry L'91, Partner, Rosen & Perry
  • Mary-Jo Rebelo L'88, CEO and Member, Burns White
  • Gwendolyn Robosson L'81, Partner, Fragomen
  • Michael T. Victor L'86, Retired President of Mercyhurst University
  • Joseph R. Williams L'09, Partner, Pollock Begg

Emeritus

  • The Honorable Donetta W. Ambrose L'70
  • The Honorable Cynthia A. Baldwin L'80
  • The Honorable Joy Flowers Conti L'73
  • Kenneth J. Horoho, Jr. L'80
  • Charlotte Jefferies L'80
  • Hal A. Kestler L'87
  • The Honorable Timothy K. Lewis L'80
  • Glenn R. Mahone L'74
  • John R. McGinley, Jr. L'68
  • Garry A. Nelson L'82
  • Peter F. Vaira L'62
  • David B. White L'82
See Advisory Board Members

 

ABA Disclosures and Accreditation