Duquesne Kline Law Dean April Barton Reappointed

“During April Barton’s tenure as dean, the Duquesne Kline School of Law has strengthened its academic profile while delivering results that truly matter for our students and graduates,” said Gormley, a professor of law and former dean of the school. “April’s focus on outcomes, innovation and mission-driven education has positioned the school for continued success and helps ensure our graduates are prepared for anything that comes next.”

Since assuming the deanship in 2019, Barton has led the School of Law through a period of measurable gains in rankings, admissions, enrollments, bar passage and employment outcomes, as well as a number of facility enhancements. The Thomas R. Kline School of Law recently climbed seven spots and is ranked No. 85 in the 2026–2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Law Schools rankings—its highest ranking to date and its fourth consecutive year among the nation’s top 100 law schools.

“I have been fortunate to be surrounded by excellent faculty who inspire students daily, dedicated staff who ensure our operations run smoothly, and engaged alumni who mentor and hire our graduates. In all that we do, our students serve as our north star, and the Spiritan Mission of the University provides the moral compass that guides our decisions,” said Barton. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue leading the school at such an exciting time as we continue to build on our progress and expand our impact.”

Barton has guided Duquesne Kline Law School in reinforcing its academic rigor and mission-driven identity, positioning it as a natural choice for students seeking a legal education grounded in ethics, service and professional excellence. 

In addition to curricular innovations in the full-time day division, the law school has revitalized its evening division, which honors its founding mission in 1911 to provide access to legal education for working individuals and families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend law school. 

“We have rebuilt this program thoughtfully, implementing a flexible structure that accommodates the complex schedules of working professionals while maintaining academic rigor and ensuring that evening students receive the full benefit of a Duquesne Kline legal education,” said Barton. 

Bar passage has long been a hallmark of excellence for the law school, and recent results demonstrate that this tradition continues. Employment outcomes also consistently exceed national averages, reflecting Duquesne Kline Law students’ strong success in launching their legal careers.

The law school also has launched innovative initiatives at the intersection of law and technology, including an AI and Law Collaboration that connects faculty directly with practicing attorneys to explore the ethical and practical use of artificial intelligence in modern legal practice. Through on-site engagements with regional law firms, the initiative creates a two-way exchange that informs curriculum development while ensuring students graduate with the technological skills and professional judgment needed for today’s evolving legal landscape.

With Barton’s reappointment, Duquesne Kline Law School is well positioned to advance new opportunities for students, faculty and the broader legal community while continuing to shape its next chapter.

Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of more than 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University's academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.

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