Duquesne University Kline School Of Law – Must Know Facts

Duquesne University Kline School of Law offers a blend of tradition, academic strength, and hands-on training in the heart of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1911, it stands out for its commitment to ethics, service, and accessible legal education. Known for both full-time and part-time programs, the school provides a well-rounded path to a legal career. From strong Bar passage rates to respected faculty and vibrant student life, Duquesne Kline Law delivers a solid foundation for anyone looking to enter and thrive in the legal profession.

History And Overview Of Duquesne University Kline School Of Law

The Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University began in 1911 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the university’s first professional school. Its foundation responded to a pressing need to deliver legal education to working-class individuals who lacked access to traditional daytime law programs. This initiative led to the creation of an evening-only curriculum, establishing a legacy of accessibility and flexibility. The evening division continues to operate, distinguishing the institution as the sole provider of such a program in Western Pennsylvania.

Classes commenced on September 25, 1911, with an inaugural cohort of twelve students. From its earliest days, the law school prioritized community service and inclusivity. Instruction focused on blending legal theory with ethical practice, creating an environment grounded in the university’s Catholic Spiritan mission. Faculty and leadership worked to embed moral reasoning and service-oriented practice into the fabric of legal training.

A landmark moment occurred in 2022 through a $50 million philanthropic gift from Thomas R. Kline, a prominent trial attorney and alumnus. This historic contribution, the largest in Duquesne University’s history, led to the renaming of the law school in his honor. The donation strengthened core components of legal education, including scholarships, bar exam readiness, faculty research, and clinical training.

Institutional growth continued through the development of substantial facilities such as Edward J. Hanley Hall and the Dr. John E. Murray, Jr. Pavilion. These buildings provided enhanced academic spaces, courtrooms, and legal clinics that support experiential learning. Commitment to practical education, ethics, and service shaped the school’s evolution, reinforcing its role as a key institution for legal education in the region.

Campus And Location

Address And Location Of Duquesne University Kline School Of Law

The Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University is located at 900 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, situated on Duquesne University’s main campus in the Uptown neighborhood. This location places the law school within walking distance of downtown Pittsburgh’s legal, corporate, and governmental centers, including the Allegheny County Courthouse.

Description Of The Law School’s Campus And Facilities

The Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University occupies a unified complex on the university’s main campus in Pittsburgh, encompassing approximately 125,000 square feet. The campus includes Edward J. Hanley Hall and the Dr. John E. Murray, Jr. Pavilion. Hanley Hall contains amphitheater-style lecture halls, seminar rooms, moot courtrooms, study areas, administrative offices, lounges, and dedicated spaces for student organizations. The Dr. John E. Murray, Jr. Pavilion enhances this setting with additional instructional space and contributes to the law school’s integrated design.

The law library, extensively renovated during this expansion, serves as a central research and study hub. The Bridget and Alfred Pelaez Legal Writing Center stands out as a resource for the legal writing curriculum. The law school unveiled a new façade, front entryway, and a third-floor archival collection room in April 2024 during a building rededication ceremony, enhancing its physical infrastructure and academic environment.

Proximity To Legal Institutions And Opportunities In The Area

The Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University stands in downtown Pittsburgh near the Allegheny County Courthouse, federal courts, law firms, and government offices. The location enables direct access to legal institutions that operate throughout the city. Students engage with externships, clinical programs, and legal professionals in active practice. The setting encourages participation in court proceedings and legal services, creating a consistent link between academic instruction and the realities of legal work across multiple sectors.

Academic Programs And Curriculum

Overview Of The Juris Doctor (JD) program

The Juris Doctor program at the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University offers three distinct formats: full-time day, part-time day, and part-time evening divisions. The curriculum begins with foundational courses such as Civil Procedure, Contracts, Criminal Law, Property, Torts, and

Legal Research and Writing. Second-year studies expand to include Constitutional Law, Business Associations, Evidence, Criminal Procedure, and Professional Responsibility. Upper-level students complete elective coursework, engage in writing-intensive classes, and participate in experiential learning to develop practical skills. Academic advising and registration follow structured requirements based on credit hours, progression, and degree completion timelines.

Concentrations And Joint Degrees

Concentration options allow students to specialize in Civil Litigation, Criminal Law, or Law and Computing. Each concentration mandates completion of four elective courses, including one with a writing or experiential learning focus. Joint degree programs integrate the J.D. curriculum with advanced degrees in Business Administration, Environmental Science and Management, Healthcare Ethics, Philosophy, or Divinity. These joint tracks enable interdisciplinary engagement through cooperative academic planning with other university departments. Concentrations and joint degrees align with specific professional goals while maintaining rigorous academic standards across fields.

International Curriculum And Experiential Learning

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) program serves international students with two focused tracks: a General Curriculum and a Bar-Track Curriculum. Instruction centers on U.S. legal systems, case analysis, legal writing, and research methodology. The curriculum prepares graduates with practical knowledge of federal and state law. Experiential learning extends beyond the classroom through clinical programs, externships, and pro bono service at the Tribone Center for Clinical Legal Education. Legal clinics address real client issues under supervision, fostering hands-on engagement with legal practice. The school’s clinical infrastructure supports legal service delivery, public interest advocacy, and legal reasoning under real-world conditions.

Faculty And Alumni

Distinguished Faculty

The Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University features faculty who combine academic expertise with substantial legal experience. Dean April M. Barton leads the institution with a vision rooted in innovation and ethics. Richard Heppner, serving as Associate Dean for Faculty Scholarship, focuses on civil procedure and appellate advocacy. Stephen R. Kaufman, a Distinguished Faculty Fellow, brings over three decades of prosecutorial experience, including service as Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Morgan A. Gray integrates legal technology into the curriculum, exploring machine learning and data analysis in legal contexts. Jacqueline Lipton, the Carol Los Mansmann Chair in Faculty Scholarship, offers scholarships in information law and intellectual property, contributing to national discourse on technology and digital rights.

Accomplished Alumni

The alumni community of the law school includes over 8,500 individuals across diverse legal sectors. Thomas R. Kline, a nationally recognized personal injury attorney, achieved landmark trial outcomes and supported legal education through a transformative gift. Hon. Kim Berkeley Clark leads the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Hon. Janice M. Holder served as the first female Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court. Hon. Max Baer and Hon. Henry X. O’Brien held leadership roles in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, reflecting a tradition of judicial impact. Hon. David S. Cercone presides as a Senior Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Hon. Louis L. Manderino contributed to both legal education and jurisprudence. Hon. Thomas G. Saylor continues to influence the field as Judicial Scholar-in-Residence at the Kline Center for Judicial Education.

Acceptance Rate And Selective Admissions

Acceptance Rate

The Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University reports an acceptance rate of 56.1 percent. This figure reflects a moderately selective admissions process, allowing for a diverse and academically prepared applicant pool. Admission decisions align with the institution’s mission to balance accessibility with academic rigor, welcoming individuals with demonstrated potential for legal study and professional achievement.

LSAT And GPA

LSAT scores for admitted students range from 154 to 159, with a median score of 156. Undergraduate GPAs span from 3.2 to 3.83, and the median GPA for all program entrants stands at 3.57. These academic indicators represent a strong cohort with varied educational backgrounds. The range of scores illustrates a holistic admissions process that evaluates academic performance, critical thinking, and readiness for rigorous legal training. The data also highlight the school’s continued effort to attract candidates with both academic promise and diverse experiences.

Rankings And Recognitions

Current Ranking Of Duquesne University Kline School Of Law

Duquesne University Kline School of Law is one of the top law schools in Pennsylvania. The law school ranks No. 92 out of 195 in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Law Schools list. The part-time law program also holds national recognition, ranking No. 44 out of 67. These placements reflect performance across key metrics such as bar passage rates, faculty credentials, and employment outcomes.

In specialty areas, the law school earns a spot at No. 44 in Legal Writing and No. 83 in Trial Advocacy, indicating strength in practical skills training. Additional specialty rankings include No. 102 in Criminal Law, No. 125 in Clinical Training, and No. 134 in Constitutional Law. Other placements include No. 142 in Business/Corporate Law, No. 139 in Contracts/Commercial Law, No. 156 in Environmental Law, and No. 162 in International Law. The school also ranks No. 118 in Tax Law, No. 123 in Intellectual Property Law, and No. 109 in Health Care Law.

Accreditation And Affiliations With Legal Organizations

The Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University holds full accreditation from the American Bar Association (ABA), ensuring its compliance with national standards for legal education. This status qualifies its graduates to sit for bar exams throughout the United States. The prestigious law school also maintains membership in the Association of American Law Schools (AALS), an organization committed to advancing excellence in legal scholarship and teaching. These accreditations and affiliations underscore the institution’s dedication to academic integrity, ethical practice, and professional readiness. Accreditation by the ABA reflects rigorous evaluation of the school’s curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student outcomes. AALS membership highlights its engagement with broader academic and policy-oriented conversations in legal education. These recognitions affirm the law school’s standing within the national legal education community and reinforce its mission to prepare graduates for effective and principled legal practice. The school’s alignment with these standards supports its ongoing pursuit of excellence and accountability.

Student Life And Organizations

Student Organizations And Engagement

The Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University supports a wide network of over 30 student organizations. These groups address a range of legal interests such as criminal law, environmental law, family law, and election law. Affinity groups like the Black Law Students Association, Lambda Law Society, and First Generation Society offer supportive spaces for diverse identities and perspectives.

The Student Bar Association operates as the student government, serving as a voice for the student body and maintaining communication with faculty and administration. Oversight of student organizations falls under the guidance of Beth Bauer, Associate Director of Law Student Organizations and International Programs, ensuring administrative support and structured growth.

Wellness And Community Support

The law school integrates wellness into student life through regular programs designed to promote balance and mental health. Wellness Week features events and services aimed at reducing stress, including therapy dog visits and wellness hours hosted by the Dean of Students. These activities complement the academic schedule and reflect the institution’s attention to student well-being. Peer interaction and shared experiences build a collaborative and resilient learning environment. Programming includes mindfulness, physical health, and emotional support, reinforcing a culture of care and personal development throughout the academic year.

Publications And Professional Development

Student-edited journals provide opportunities for legal scholarship and writing development. The Duquesne Law Review serves as a flagship publication featuring in-depth legal analysis. Joule: Duquesne Kline Energy & Environmental Law Journal focuses on evolving issues in environmental regulation and policy. Juris Chronicle highlights practical perspectives and student contributions across legal fields. These publications allow students to explore specialized research, refine editing skills, and participate in academic discourse.

Orientation programs introduce new students to the academic and extracurricular structure of the law school, offering presentations on professionalism and access to student organization fairs. These initiatives ensure integration into the school community and alignment with the expectations of legal education.

Bar Passage Rate And Job Employment Rate

The Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University reports strong post-graduation outcomes. Within ten months of graduation, 92 percent of graduates secure full-credit positions. The first-time bar passage rate stands at 83.3 percent, exceeding the 75.1 percent average across all jurisdictions. The ultimate Bar passage rate, calculated as a two-year average, reaches 91 percent. These figures reflect consistent performance in Bar examinations and employment, highlighting the effectiveness of academic preparation and the alignment of the curriculum with licensing standards.

Frequently Asked Questions About Duquesne University Kline School Of Law

1. What Is Duquesne Kline Law School Ranked?

The ranking of Duquesne Kline Law School changes yearly. It’s currently ranked 92nd among the top law schools.

2. Is Duquesne Law School Hard To Get Into?

Getting into Duquesne Law School is challenging, but it’s definitely doable. Good grades, a strong LSAT score, and a standout application will help your chances.

3. What Is The LSAT Score For Duquesne Law School?

LSAT scores for admitted students at Duquesne University Kline School of Law typically range from 154 to 159, placing the median score at 156. This range reflects the middle 50 percent of enrolled students and offers a benchmark for assessing competitiveness within the applicant pool.

Conclusion

The Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University combines academic rigor, experiential learning, and community engagement to deliver a comprehensive legal education. With strong employment outcomes, solid Bar passage rates, and a vibrant student life, the school fosters both professional competence and ethical responsibility. Duquesne Kline Law maintains high standards across all areas, is accredited by the ABA, and is affiliated with leading legal organizations. Its supportive environment and strategic location further enhance student opportunities in the legal field.

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