Ella Kwisnek

Ella Kwisnek serves as Associate Dean for Students and Associate Professor of Legal Skills at Duquesne University's Thomas R. Kline School of Law, where she has held progressive administrative and teaching roles since 1995. Her career trajectory includes Director of Career Services (1997), Assistant Dean for Students (1998), Assistant Dean of Students and Vice Dean of Evening Division (2011), and current Associate Dean appointment (2019).

Education:

• MS.Ed. in Community Counseling, Duquesne University School of Education
• J.D., Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University
• B.A., Saint Vincent College

Research and Teaching Expertise: Professor Kwisnek's academic focus centers on practical legal skills development, with specialized knowledge in legal writing pedagogy and civil procedure simulation. Her curriculum design integrates business law applications and advanced legal reasoning, reflecting her dual expertise in legal education and community counseling. Over 25 years, she has shaped foundational competencies for thousands of law students through required courses and specialized simulations.

Professional Contributions: Following Peace Corps service in Lesotho and a clerkship with Judge Thomas Saylor, Kwisnek established herself as a core educator in Duquesne's legal skills program. She teaches mandatory courses including Legal Research & Writing I/II, develops advanced curricula like PA Pretrial Civil Litigation Simulation, and extends her expertise to the Paralegal Institute and Business School. Her administrative leadership spans student affairs, career services, and evening division management, demonstrating sustained institutional commitment.