Business Teams Up with Law School to Offer Micro-Credential for Students

The School of Law is partnering with the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business to offer law students a business perspective with the Business Essentials for Lawyers Micro-Credential program beginning in the fall 2021 semester.

“Business acumen and financial tools are critical components of modern law practice,” said Law School Dean April Barton. “Our collaboration with the School of Business ensures our law students receive this unique skillset expanding their possibilities in law.”

The program is open to students enrolled in the School of Law Juris Doctorate (J.D.) program who have completed the first one-third of their J.D. coursework and are in good standing. Students are required to take nine credits, including four graduate courses from the School of Business and one from the School of Law.

This additional option to diversify career opportunities is cost-effective as students will not incur any additional costs for micro-credential program courses they take during the fall and spring semesters.

“Whether the law student intends to pursue private practice, join a law firm or practice in-house, coupling fundamental business acumen with the Duquesne lawyer’s toolkit is a significant differentiator,” said Dr. Karen Donovan, associate dean of graduate programs and executive education for the business school. “Moreover, the Business Essentials for Lawyers Micro-Credential also can be stacked with the Juris Doctor/MBA joint degree program for those who wish to further develop their business expertise and ability to provide guidance to clients in a variety of areas.”

Those enrolled in the micro-credential program also will receive six credits toward an M.B.A. degree, if they wish to pursue it.