Class of 2026 Graduates Sworn into Legal Profession

Duquesne University President David J. Dausey, Dean April Barton, Director of Bar Studies and Associate Professor of Law Ashley M. London, and Associate Director of Bar Studies and Assistant Professor of Law April Milburn-Knizner provided remarks at the event.

“This ceremony was an inspiring and joyful day for our graduates. Their bar results and achievements are a testament to the strength of their Duquesne Kline School of Law education and their commitment to the rule of law. These graduates have bright futures ahead of them that will be guided by our Spiritan mission of serving others,” Dausey said.

Nearly 300 family members and friends of the 2026 graduates attended the ceremony, to support and applaud the class in this major professional milestone.

“Taking the oath is one of the most meaningful moments in a lawyer’s life, and it was a privilege to witness our graduates take that step surrounded by the people who helped them get there. They have worked hard to earn this honor, and I have every confidence they will serve their clients and communities with skill and integrity,” Barton said. 

The Class of 2026 continues a strong tradition of raising the bar, outperforming the Pennsylvania state average on the July bar exam for the 11th consecutive year. The recent graduates achieved an impressive 87.41% pass rate on their first attempt at the lawyer licensing exam. The Pennsylvania state average for first-time bar takers was 80.60%.

“These numbers are great, but the human impact is what truly motivates all that we do,” London said. “Our signature swearing-in ceremony is deeply meaningful and a concrete representation of why we do what we do in the Duquesne Kline Bar Studies program. We work with students from the moment they enter the law school right up until this poignant moment when they pledge together to serve this profession.”