Our Mission
Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University educates lawyers to excel in the ethical practice of law, to preserve the highest ideals of our profession, and to promote equal justice and democratic discourse through leadership, service, and civic engagement. We do so inspired by our Catholic Spiritan tradition and law school motto, "Salus populi suprema lex"-"The welfare of the people is the highest law."
Who We Are
We believe that education is a path to empowerment and that every person deserves dignity, respect, and grace. Our students are educated about their role as global citizens to enable them to make immediate impacts as successful lawyers and responsible leaders. Guided by the Spiritans' moral and ethical imperatives we are committed to service, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Student Learning Outcomes
Duquesne Kline School of Law establishes the following learning outcomes:
- Knowledge and understanding of substantive and procedural law;
- Legal analysis and reasoning, legal research, problem-solving, and written and oral communication in the legal context;
- Exercise of proper professional and ethical responsibilities to clients and the legal system; and
- Other professional skills needed for competent and ethical participation as a member of the legal profession.
Vision Pillars
Collaborative Learning emphasizes our need to educate lawyers with skills beyond the courtroom; we must equip today's lawyers for the practice of law in this rapidly changing landscape by integrating 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.
About Duquesne
One of the nation's top Catholic universities, Duquesne University provides a well-rounded education that will challenge you academically while nourishing your spiritual and ethical development. Founded 140 years ago by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne University is the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the United States. This means we share in the Spiritans' values and are deeply committed to:
- Educational excellence
- Moral and spiritual values
- An ecumenical atmosphere open to diversity
- Service to the Church, the community, the nation and the world