Education and equality at the forefront of our law degrees
Our History
Since its 1911 founding, the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University has provided a law education rooted in justice and pursuit of the truth. The goal is to advance all people by delivering knowledge with integrity and justice.
Providing a pathway to an honorable pursuit of law is at the core of who we are. Initially an evening program to give working, immigrant families access to a legal education, we now offer a full-time day program and multiple options and pathways to a legal career, along with our evening program..
A very early commitment to justice and equality allowed women and underrepresented populations to share in our legacy. Mrs. M. Murphy was admitted to Duquesne Kline School of Law in 1914. Theron B. Hamilton, a Black man, graduated in 1925. Dean Davenport, one of the first Black deans of a law school, led Duquesne Kline from 1970 to 1981. Justice and impact are practiced regularly by student attorneys through our clinical education program (est. 1995) and the Tribone Center for Clinical Legal Education (est. 2013) via hands-on client experiences that positively impact underserved communities.
We continue to trailblaze and forge a future with even bigger goals—driven by the ideals established in, and by, our past: knowledge, equality, justice, service, and the advancement of all people.
Prepared for anything
Our commitment to provide students with well-rounded law studies is evident in all we do. Our lawyers receive ample experience in legal writing and clinics. Our nationally-award winning Appellate Moot Court and highly regarded Trial Advocacy team both deliver experience in courtroom settings. Our Leadership Fellows Program allows students to better understand their own values and the implications their decisions have on others. Faculty teach the importance of understanding all perspectives, so students are well-prepared for any path.
