Duquesne Kline School of Law Graduate Named Distinguished Student

From the onset of his days at Duquesne Kline School of Law, McCann wanted to establish himself and prepare for a competitive legal market. He worked as a summer associate at Babst Calland in the summer of 2024, before his 3L year. He also served as a law clerk at Babst Calland. Knowing he wanted to learn more, he interned for three judges while in law school.

McCann added working at the Tribone Center for Clinical Legal Education’s Federal Litigation Clinic to his Duquesne Kline School of Law resume. As part of that role, a mere two days after his law school graduation, he argued in front of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, with the argument held in Philadelphia. 

“It was a great experience to have right after graduation; arguing in the Federal Appellate Court before being a licensed attorney,” McCann said.

He went on to pass the bar exam and became an associate in the litigation area at Babst Calland. “I really like the firm; I work on substantive stuff. I have hands on experience, and am developing my career here, learning more about the law, and helping the Pittsburgh legal community in every way I can,” he said.

Even with a fulfilling job, an ambitious McCann wanted another challenge. He applied to the American College of Bankruptcy, an honorary association for insolvency professionals. The application process is very competitive; with selection criteria including academic excellence, professional accomplishments in bankruptcy or restructuring-related courses, other endeavors while enrolled in school that relate to insolvency issues, passion or intent to practice in the restructuring and insolvency area, and a commitment to public service and pro bono efforts.

The committee reviews nominations submitted by business or law school deans or faculty in consultation with respective Circuit Regents. The Honorable Jeffery Deller, one of the judges who McCann had interned with, helped with his nomination. 

McCann was selected and traveled to San Antonio, Texas, for the College Induction Ceremony and Annual Meeting where the awards were presented. Twelve students, including McCann, were inducted as students in the 2026 class of American College of Bankruptcy in March.

Grateful for this opportunity, McCann is prepared to take this additional knowledge with him in a successful career that is only beginning. 

He said, “It solidified the work in this industry; I was exposed to more information and developed a greater passion for bankruptcy.”