We are located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. Steps away from legal, business, and tech communities, as a student, you can easily
take full advantage of externships, clerkships, and other opportunities as you develop
your legal career.
At Duquesne Kline School of Law, our mission is to enable students to make an immediate
impact as successful lawyers, responsible leaders, and world citizens. This is inspired
by the Spiritan Congregation that founded Duquesne University and its School of Law
with a dedication to ensuring dignity, justice, and respect for all in a collaborative
community.
Prepare to Apply
As you prepare to apply to law school, you may ask yourself: "How do I create the
most competitive application and ensure that I'm a great fit for Duquesne Kline Law?"
We've got the answer: Read, Research, Reach out.
As you prepare to apply to law school, you may ask yourself: "How do I create the
most competitive application and ensure that I'm a great fit for the Thomas R. Kline
School of Law of Duquesne University?" We've got the answer: Read, Research, Reach
out.
Our Degrees: We offer JD programs and numerous joint and dual degree programs.
Our Students' Success: We help you achieve your career goals through our top-ranked Legal Research & Writing
program, extensive career programs and networking, and emphasis on bar preparation
from the first year of law school.
Our Location: Pittsburgh appears at the top of every 'Best of" list in the country.
Our Faculty: Noted for their teaching excellence, scholarly research, and practical experience,
our faculty will get to know you personally through our small classes and seminars.
Our Alumni: Want proof of the value of a Duquesne Kline School of Law degree? Check out the
success of our more than 9,000 alumni working all across the U.S. and internationally.
We've compiled all the information you need to navigate the application process. Review the application and be prepared to submit your best application!
Ask yourself:
Have I registered for the LSAT or GRE in time for the scores to reach Duquesne Kline
School of Law by the priority deadline of April 1st? This gives you the best chance
to receive scholarship awards. We recommend taking the exam twice!
Is my personal statement ready for submission (proofed and edited)?
What else do I need to know about Duquesne Kline School of Law's application process?
Check out our frequently asked questions.
We offer a variety of opportunities for you to conveniently engage with the Duquesne
Kline School of Law community. Please check out "Visit, Tour, and Engage with Us" to learn more.
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications
for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to
determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission
by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available
through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
The Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University is motivated by its Catholic
identity and values equality of opportunity, human dignity, racial, cultural, and
ethnic diversity, both as an educational institution and as an employer. Accordingly,
the School of Law prohibits and does not engage in discrimination or harassment on
the basis of a person's race, color, gender, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion,
national origin, marital status, genetic history, Veteran status, or disability. The
School of Law will continue to take affirmative steps to support and advance these
values consistent with the University's mission statement.
Harassment is defined as unwelcome verbal or physical conduct, that is based on one
or more of the categories described above, and that creates an intimidating, hostile,
or abusive employment or educational environment or that has the purpose or effect
of unreasonably interfering with an individual's employment or academic performance.
Such conduct may include epithets, slurs or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating
or hostile acts; denigrating jokes; and written or graphic material that denigrates
or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group.
As a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and a member of the
Association of American Law Schools (AALS), Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne
University complies with ABA Standard 205 and AALS Bylaw 6-3. The School of Law is
committed to providing equality of opportunity in legal education for all persons,
including faculty and employees, with respect to hiring, continuation, promotion,
and tenure, applicants for admission, enrolled students, and graduates, without discrimination
or segregation on the ground of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin,
sex, gender (including identity and expression), sexual orientation, age, military
status, or disability.
If you have questions about these policies or would like to report a violation of
a policy, please contact:
Alicia M. Simpson Title IX Coordinator And Director of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response (412) 396-2560 simpsona8@duq.edu
Anne Mullarkey Sawa Director of Student Conduct (412) 396-6642 mullarke@duq.edu
Within the Duquesne Kline School of Law
Ella Kwisnek Associate Dean for Students (412) 396-1474 kwisnek@duq.edu
Admissions Policy
The Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University seeks to admit students who
will become excellent lawyers with a high degree of professional skill and a special
sensitivity to ethical and moral concerns. Our mission of service leads us to build
an incoming class and student body that will apply the law for the good of individual
clients, for the betterment of society, and in furtherance of justice. In the Spiritan
tradition, Duquesne Kline School of Law is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit.
The School of Law was a pioneer in making quality legal education available to working-class
students, to minorities, and to women.
In evaluating candidates for admission, we place substantial weight on quantitative
academic measures such as the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores and undergraduate
grades. However, we consider each candidate holistically, taking into account qualitative
factors such as letters of recommendation, work experience, graduate study, leadership
potential, maturity, the rigor of the program of study and institution attended, as
well as service to others. As we seek to assemble a class with diverse experiences
and perspectives that serves our academic mission and enriches our campus community,
we also consider hardships overcome, socioeconomic disadvantage, and varied backgrounds.
Applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds are offered admission each year.
No specific undergraduate academic curriculum is required, but it is highly recommended
that the course of study emphasizes skill in critical thinking and logical analysis
and that students strive to develop strong writing skills.
All admissions decisions are final. Applicants who are denied admission in one division
are not eligible to be subsequently considered for other divisions. We do not provide
feedback on admission decisions. Applicants who wish to ask questions about the application
must seek an appointment in writing. This does not assume that the appointment will
be granted. Applicants who have received a final decision may not walk-in to the
admissions office to request time with the admissions staff. Any appointments granted
will be completed via Zoom.
FAQs
Please review answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
Yes, Duquesne Kline School of Law offers both a Full-Time Day division and a Part-Time Evening division, allowing students to choose the schedule that best fits their needs. Both
divisions feature primarily campus-based instruction. The Evening Division also offers
added flexibility by allowing students, with professor approval, to attend class synchronously
via Zoom on an occasional basis.
Please note that the Evening Division is not a fully online program, and students are expected to regularly attend classes on-campus.
Clinical education is one of the instructional cornerstones of Duquesne Kline Law.
As a student here, you will have the opportunity to participate in law clinics, externships,
pro bono programs, and fellowships that offer live client experiences and often include
opportunities to appear in court.
Bar preparation is a top priority at Duquesne Kline Law, with results that reflect
that commitment. Our graduates consistently achieve bar passage rates that exceed
both state and national averages, and preLaw Magazine has ranked us in multiple years
as #6 in the nation for preparing students to pass the bar exam.
Our comprehensive Bar Studies Program combines individualized support, expert faculty guidance, mentoring, and extensive
practice opportunities. This integrated approach helps students develop the knowledge,
confidence, and exam-taking strategies needed to succeed on the bar exam and launch
their legal careers.
Yes. TheCareer Services Office (CSO)at the School of Law provides assistance to all law students and alumni seeking employment
in the legal profession. Throughout the year, the CSO offers seminars and workshops
designed to aid students and alumni at various stages of the career planning process.
If you have any questions regarding career services, please contact:
To set up a visit, observe a class, or participate in an online session, click: Visit, Tour, and Engage with Us for available dates/times.
Our Admissions representatives attend numerous law and graduate school fairs around
the country each year, as well participate in a variety of virtual fairs. Check out
our Recruitment Calendar for event dates and details. New events are added regularly so be sure to check back
often.
We also host numerous on-campus and virtual information sessions throughout the application
cycle, providing prospective students with an opportunity to learn more about Duquesne
Kline Law and ask questions of our admissions team and current law student ambassadors.
Event dates and registration links can be found here.
Applications for all divisions are accepted after September 1 for the following academic
year. Decisions are made on a rolling basis, therefore it is in your best interest
to apply well before the priority deadline of April 1. Applications received after
the priority deadline will be evaluated on a space-available basis. Decisions can
take 6-8 weeks from the time an application is placed in review and we will begin
notifying applicants of their acceptance in December. We do not offer a mid-year admission
program. Applicants are responsible for submitting all required items and can check
the status of their application online via theApplication Status Check.
JD applications received by April 1 for priority consideration are guaranteed to be
considered for a merit scholarship.*
JD applications received after the priority deadline may be considered for a merit
scholarship.
Binding Early Decision Programapplications must be complete no later than December 31.
*Students may submit their application prior to taking the LSAT. We recommend applicants
take the LSAT twice.
Applicants who wish to receive consideration for merit scholarship should apply by
the Priority Deadline of April 1.
Yes, Duquesne Kline Law operates on a rolling admissions basis, with applications
sent to the Admissions Committee for review once they are complete. Decisions are
released on an ongoing basis beginning in late fall and continuing through the spring.
Because admissions decisions are made throughout the admission cycle and because seats
in the class are limited, submitting a late application may reduce a student's chance
for admission and scholarship consideration.
We also offer a binding Early Decision option for applicants who are confident that
Duquesne Kline Law is their first-choice law school. Early Decision applications must be submitted by December 31, and applicants will receive an admission decision no later than January 31.
All applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee in the order that they become
complete. Relevant factors such as academic achievement, the competitiveness of the
undergraduate institution, aptitude as measured by the LSAT, extracurricular activities,
letter(s) of recommendation, work history, and other experiences are carefully considered
by the Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee will discuss all relevant information
then make a decision on the applicant's request for admission. Since all admission
decisions are final, and will not be reconsidered, it is important to provide complete
and accurate information on the application.
Interviews are not required as part of the regular application process. However, the
Admissions Committee may request an interview if additional information or context
would be helpful in evaluating an application and making an admissions decision.
An interview is required for applicants to the 3+3 Early Admission Program. Once an
application to the 3+3 program has been submitted and is complete, applicants will
be contacted to schedule an interview.
Yes, we review transfer student applications based on a variety of factors, including your entire academic record,
up through the first year of law school.
Transfer applications are accepted from June 1 through July 15 each year.
Because decisions are made on a rolling basis, students are strongly encouraged to
take the LSAT or GRE before or early in the admission cycle in which they plan to
apply. Students may apply prior to taking the LSAT or GRE, but an application is not
considered complete and ready to review until a test score is received.
LSAT and GRE test scores are valid for five years.
We encourage students to take the LSAT or GRE more than once, as many applicants improve
their scores on subsequent attempts. The Admissions Committee will consider your highest
score when reviewing your application.
While we accept either the LSAT or the GRE, applicants who have taken both examinations
will be evaluated as an LSAT candidate and cannot elect to apply using their GRE score
instead.
Applicants to the full-time day division should plan to take the LSAT or GRE no later
than February. Applicants to the part-time evening division may take the LSAT or GRE
in April.
Yes. ALL accepted students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships
awarded by the Duquesne Kline School of Law. These tuition awards are made each year
to admitted students based on their records of achievement, aptitude for the study
of law, and general background. These scholarships can be renewed annually. A separate
application or request is NOT required.
Yes, there are several additional donor-funded scholarships that students may apply
for after admission. Applications for these scholarships are typically available
to admitted students by mid- to late-January, and applications are due by March 1.
Yes.Financial Aidis processed centrally through the Duquesne University Financial Aid Office. This
includes Federal Stafford Unsubsidized Loans and private educational loans. The Duquesne
Kline School of Law does not process financial aid.
To apply for financial aid, applicants must be currently enrolled in the University
or be in the process of applying for admission. Applicants to the Duquesne Kline School
of Law should not wait until admission to submit their financial aid application.
Students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online atStudentAid.govby the May 31 priority deadline. Be sure to list Duquesne University with the school
code 003258.
*Full-time applicants to the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University
DO NOT have to complete the Duquesne Financial Aid Application.
For further information, please contact:
Duquesne University Office of Financial Aid Phone: (412) 396-6607 Email:faoffice@duq.edu
Duquesne's school code is: 003258
Waitlist FAQ
The waitlist is not ranked. If an opening occurs, all applicants on the waitlist will
be reviewed and reconsidered by our Admissions Committee before a selection is made.
We cannot predict the number of students to be admitted from the waitlist each year;
it will be entirely dependent on the number of students who accept our offer of admission.
Because we may learn of unexpected withdrawals throughout the summer, we may be selecting
candidates from the waitlist as late as the first day of Orientation.
Yes, if you are admitted from the waitlist you will be considered for a merit scholarship.
Complete the online waitlist form so that we know you are still interested;
Submit a letter of continued interest by emailing the Office of Admissions atlawadmissions@duq.edu;
Email us any new information you'd like added to your application;
Update transcripts with LSAC (if applicable); and,
Advise us via email if you are retaking the LSAT or GRE.
