April M. Barton
Dean and Professor of Law
Duquesne University Thomas R. Kline School of Law
Why is teaching leadership in law schools important?
I believe in guiding a leadership mindset that emphasizes ethics, character and values. Leadership development instills within our students a deep desire to serve others, pursue justice and act with integrity in any role they choose.
If you teach a leadership course, what’s the title and brief description of the course?
Law and Leadership
Law and Leadership equips students with a leadership mindset and prepares graduates for leadership positions as lawyers in multiple contexts. Although a traditional assumption was that leaders were born, not made, contemporary research demonstrates that leadership’s major competencies can be learned through understanding and practice.
The course will define leadership in contemporary times, while examining leadership characteristics and skills through case studies, reflection, and discussion. The course will also build awareness and habits that will prepare students with a leadership mindset that will serve them in their professional and personal development.
If you or your law school have a leadership program, what’s the title and brief description of the program?
Leadership Fellows
Since 2019, 170 students have completed our distinctive, yearlong Leadership Fellows program which prepares our graduates to ethically lead governments, enterprises and organizations and make a positive impact in the world around us.
What’s your favorite leadership book?
Multipliers by Liz Wiseman