Applicants must submit a one to two page personal statement. Many applicants choose to address why they would like to attend law school, why they would like to become an attorney, or significant background information. Applicants should use the personal statement as an opportunity to convey their unique traits and background to the Admissions Committee.

Essay Two - Overcoming Obstacles Duquesne Kline Law is committed to promoting equal justice and democratic discourse, ideals that depend on a legal profession enriched by a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. Our Spiritan tradition affirms the dignity of every person and recognizes that the obstacles one has faced, and overcome, often shape the contributions one is uniquely positioned to make.

Obstacles take many forms. Personal or family hardship, financial constraints, educational setbacks, and barriers related to identity or background are just a few examples of the challenges that may have shaped your path.

Describe how you have overcome obstacles in your life, your education, or your career. How do your experiences, background, and perspectives add to the strength of our educational community and the legal community?

Essay Four - Volunteer, Service, and Community Experience Duquesne University's mission can be stated simply: "We serve God by serving students who, in turn, go on to serve others." This spirit of service, rooted in our Spiritan tradition, calls each member of our community not only to give of themselves but also to walk alongside others, building authentic relationships grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose.

Service and community go hand in hand. Volunteer work, ministry and religious service, community organizing, mentorship, and contributions to civic or professional organizations are just a few examples of the ways individuals build community and live out a commitment to service.

Considering this mission, please discuss your volunteer, service, or community experience and reflect on what this experience has revealed about your own values and goals.

Essay Three - Leadership Our Law School's mission reads: Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University educates lawyers to excel in the ethical practice of law, to preserve the highest ideals of our profession, and to promote equal justice and democratic discourse through leadership, service, and civic engagement. We do so inspired by our Catholic Spiritan tradition and our law school's motto, "Salus populi suprema lex," which translates as "The welfare of the people is the highest law."

Leadership is a lifelong journey, developed and demonstrated in many ways. Volunteer work, athletics, and professional experience are just a few of the contexts in which leadership takes shape.

Please submit an essay describing either your leadership experience or the leader you aspire to become. You may choose to focus on leadership of self, leadership of others, or both.

Essay One - Fit Please explain why Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University is a good fit for you. You may wish to consider our academic programs, our Catholic Spiritan mission and values, our location in Pittsburgh, or your personal and professional goals, though you are welcome to address any aspect of fit that you find most meaningful.

You are welcome to provide additional information as part of your application.

The Admissions Office requires applicants to provide a current résumé. Please provide as an attachment.

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, please provide a detailed explanation in the space provided. If more space is needed, please attach an addenda and any other relevant documentation. Please include dates, jurisdiction (if applicable), and resolution. Additionally, you should provide a narrative that explains the circumstances of the incident. Be advised that it is highly likely that you will be required to provide a more in-depth disclosure, including the disclosure or expunged or sealed records, to the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners, which is exempt from the PA Clean Slate Act, or to Bar Examiners in other jurisdictions. In addition to the bar examination, there are character, fitness and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

We strongly recommend that you fully disclose any convictions or guilty pleas on the application for admission because your admissions application will later be reviewed by the Bar Examiners for consistency with your bar examination application. Answering "yes" and providing details of an incident will not necessarily preclude your admission. All applications are reviewed in light of many factors including but not limited to the nature of the offense, academic achievement, experience, and potential for success in the program.

1. Have you ever been convicted of, pled guilty, or pled no contest to any crime, other than a minor traffic violation (i.e., parking or speeding citations) that has not been subsequently expunged? Failure to fully disclose, unless a matter has been expunged, is often more serious than the acts that gave rise to the offense.

2. Please provide a detailed explanation. If you need more space, please attach a document with your explanation. Include dates, jurisdiction (if applicable), and resolution. (maximum characters 3000)

3. Have you ever been arrested, charged, prosecuted, or cited for any crime, other than a minor traffic violation (i.e., parking or speeding citations) for which the matter has not yet been fully adjudicated or otherwise resolved?

4. Please provide a detailed explanation. If you need more space, please attach a document with your explanation. Include dates, jurisdiction (if applicable), and current status. (maximum characters 3000)

5. Have you ever been placed on probation, received an academic warning, been suspended, dismissed, expelled, placed on leave, or disciplined by any college or university, including any law school?

6. Please provide a detailed explanation below. If you need more space, please attach a document with your explanation. Include dates, school, and resolution. (maximum characters 3000)

7. Are there currently pending any conduct or academic disciplinary processes at any current or past academic institution? The word "pending" as used here is meant to include any such process that was not completed to closure for any reason.

8. If yes, please provide a detailed explanation. (maximum characters 3000)

Required JD Application Items:

Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report from LSAC (This report includes your LSAT score(s) (if applicable), transcript(s), and letter(s) of recommendation)

LSAT or GRE score(s). Your LSAT score(s) will be sent via LSAC. We will only accept official GRE score reports from ETS. Please indicate Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University as a score report recipient using our designated institution code of 3377. For more information about reporting GRE scores, see the ETS website. If you have taken both the LSAT and the GRE, all scores will be reported to the School of Law, and you will be considered an LSAT candidate.

Transcripts from ALL institutions attended, including graduate coursework, must be submitted to LSAC

One (1) letter of recommendation. Unless you have been out of school for over two years, your letter should be from a professor who taught you in a college or graduate school course.

Personal Statement (1-2 pages, double-spaced)

Resume or CV

Optional Essays

TOEFL or IELTS (required for foreign applicants)

Binding Early Decision Agreement (if applicable)

3/3 Certification Form signed by Pre-Law Advisor (if applicable)

• Please be advised that a final undergraduate transcript indicating degree conferred and conferral date will be required prior to matriculating at Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University.

Application Dates and Deadlines

Applications are accepted beginning September 1, 2026. Decisions can take 8-12 weeks from the time an application is placed in review and are made on a rolling basis beginning in late-November.

Priority application deadline for all programs: April 1, 2027.

Binding Early Decision Program deadline: December 31, 2026. All documentation, including all LSAT Scores, must be submitted by December 31, 2026 to be considered for Early Decision. Decisions will be rendered for Early Decision applicants by January 31, 2027.

Binding Early Decision Program Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University offers a binding Early Decision Program for applicants who are certain that Duquesne Kline School of Law is their first choice law school. If admitted Early Decision, applicants must withdraw all outstanding applications at other law schools and may not initiate new applications. Students admitted under the Early Decision program will receive scholarship consideration. The last date to take the LSAT for Early Decision applicants is the November LSAT administration. The deadline to apply Early Decision is December 31, 2026. To apply Early Decision, you must submit the Binding Early Decision Agreement located under Forms.

3/3 Early Admission Program Only juniors from pre-approved undergraduate institutions may apply to the 3/3 Early Admission Program. Through a 3/3 Program, students may apply to law school in their junior year of college. A minimum 3.50 undergraduate GPA as well as an LSAT score in the 60th percentile is typically required. Please consult with your undergraduate advisor or pre-law advisor for further information about any specific agreements. To apply 3/3 Early Admission, you must submit the 3/3 Certification Form located under Forms. It must be signed by your Pre-Law Advisor.

Credential Assembly Service (CAS Report) Applicants must have completed their bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university before matriculating at Duquesne Kline School of Law. Applicants must submit their undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all institutions attended to LSAC so that they can be included in the CAS Report. If matriculating at Duquesne Kline School of Law, students must also submit a final copy of their undergraduate transcript indicating degree conferred directly to LSAC. CAS reports will also include all LSAT scores received in the last five years. The Admissions Committee will review all previous scores, but will use the highest score for reporting purposes.

LSAT or GRE score(s) Your LSAT score(s) will be sent via LSAC. We will only accept official GRE score reports from ETS. Please indicate Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University as a score report recipient using our designated institution code of 3377. For more information about reporting GRE scores, see the ETS website. If you have taken both the LSAT and the GRE, all scores will be reported to Duquesne Kline School of Law, and you will be considered an LSAT candidate. As part of the holistic review, we will consider all application information submitted.

Personal Statement Applicants must submit a one to two page personal statement. Many applicants choose to address why they would like to attend law school, why they would like to become an attorney, or significant background information. Applicants should use the personal statement as an opportunity to convey their unique traits and background to the Admissions Committee.

Resume or CV Applicants must submit a current resume or curriculum vitae with their application materials.

Letter of Recommendation (one required) The recommender should complete the letter of recommendation and return it directly to the LSAC Credential Assembly Service. Recommendations should be from professors who have had significant exposure to your academic work (i.e. someone who has taught you in a college or graduate level course). Recommenders should be able to speak to your aptitude for the study of law, your work ethic, professionalism, analytical skills, and maturity. If you have been out of school for an extended period of time, submitting recommendations from a supervisor is appropriate. Letters from relatives or friends will not be accepted. Although only one letter of recommendation is required, two additional letters are welcome.

Optional Essays From its establishment in 1911, the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University has maintained a commitment to enrolling students who represent a broad section of our community and society. We understand that a student body with a wide variety of life experiences and perspectives strengthen the quality of interaction, awareness and education for the entire legal community.

The Optional Essays provide us with important, relevant information that may not be found in other parts of the application for admission. Please complete one or more of the essays on the topics provided. Essays will be evaluated based on your quality of writing, experiences as an individual, and unique ability to contribute to the Duquesne Kline School of Law. Essays should be one to two pages in length (double spaced, with 11-point font). Please include the essay title at the top of the page.

Essay One - Fit Please explain why Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University is a good fit for you. You may wish to consider our academic programs, our Catholic Spiritan mission and values, our location in Pittsburgh, or your personal and professional goals, though you are welcome to address any aspect of fit that you find most meaningful.

Essay Two - Overcoming Obstacles Duquesne Kline Law is committed to promoting equal justice and democratic discourse, ideals that depend on a legal profession enriched by a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. Our Spiritan tradition affirms the dignity of every person and recognizes that the obstacles one has faced, and overcome, often shape the contributions one is uniquely positioned to make. Obstacles take many forms. Personal or family hardship, financial constraints, educational setbacks, and barriers related to identity or background are just a few examples of the challenges that may have shaped your path. Describe how you have overcome obstacles in your life, your education, or your career. How do your experiences, background, and perspectives add to the strength of our educational community and the legal community?

Essay Three - Leadership Our Law School's mission reads: Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University educates lawyers to excel in the ethical practice of law, to preserve the highest ideals of our profession, and to promote equal justice and democratic discourse through leadership, service, and civic engagement. We do so inspired by our Catholic Spiritan tradition and our law school's motto, "Salus populi suprema lex," which translates as "The welfare of the people is the highest law." Leadership is a lifelong journey, developed and demonstrated in many ways. Volunteer work, athletics, and professional experience are just a few of the contexts in which leadership takes shape. Please submit an essay describing either your leadership experience or the leader you aspire to become. You may choose to focus on leadership of self, leadership of others, or both.

Essay Four - Volunteer, Service, and Community Experience Duquesne University's mission can be stated simply: "We serve God by serving students who, in turn, go on to serve others." This spirit of service, rooted in our Spiritan tradition, calls each member of our community not only to give of themselves but also to walk alongside others, building authentic relationships grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose. Service and community go hand in hand. Volunteer work, ministry and religious service, community organizing, mentorship, and contributions to civic or professional organizations are just a few examples of the ways individuals build community and live out a commitment to service. Considering this mission, please discuss your volunteer, service, or community experience and reflect on what this experience has revealed about your own values and goals.

Character and Fitness Requirements The law school application requests information regarding your character and fitness. Candidates who check "yes" to either of the character and fitness questions on the application must submit a statement fully explaining each situation on a separate attachment. Any false or misleading statement, incomplete or inaccurate information, omission of required information or failure to update changes in information in this application may cause you to be denied admission; or, if admitted, to be dismissed from the Duquesne Kline School of Law or cause your degree to be revoked, and may jeopardize licensure with Bar Examiners.

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

Readmission The Duquesne Kline School of Law does not accept students who have been dismissed from another law school.

Additional Information The Admissions Committee cannot consider any application until all required documents are received. Applicants are responsible for the monitoring and completion of their applications. Applicants can check the status of their application online. Applications are reviewed in the order they become complete. Duquesne Kline School of Law makes application decisions on a rolling basis beginning in November. It is recommended that applicants retain copies of all materials submitted as part of the application process. Documents submitted become the property of the Duquesne Kline School of Law and will be neither reproduced for nor returned to the applicant.

Application questions about race, ethnicity, and gender are used solely for data collection and reporting. Responding to these questions is voluntary. Your answers will not be shared with application reviewers or anyone involved in the decision-making process.

Notice of Nondiscrimination Policy Consistent with its mission and federal, state, and local law, Duquesne University prohibits and does not engage in discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, shared ancestry, genetic information, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a veteran and any other legally protected classes in its programs or activities, including but not limited to in admissions.

Please have the bottom portion of the 3/3 Certification Form completed by your undergraduate academic advisor or your pre-law advisor and attach it to your application.