Dr. Donald Duquette

Biography

Donald N. Duquette is a Clinical Professor Emeritus of Law and the founding director of the Child Advocacy Law Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School. He has significantly contributed to the field of child welfare law since founding the clinic in 1976, which is recognized as the oldest of its kind in the United States. His pivotal publication, 'Advocating Child Protection Proceedings,' has been influential in shaping the national evaluation of child representation mandated by Congress. His recent work, 'Child Welfare Law Practice: Representing Children, Parents, State Agencies in Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Proceedings,' has established itself as a standard authority in American child welfare law. Duquette also played a crucial role in co-directing the National Association of Counsel for Children's initiative to develop a national certification program in child welfare law. Under his leadership, the University of Michigan Law School was designated by the Children’s Bureau as the National Quality Improvement Center for Child Representation in the Child Welfare System. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association of Counsel for Children in 2015 for his visionary support and commitment to the welfare of children and families. Before joining the University of Michigan, he served as an assistant professor in pediatrics and human development at Michigan State University. Duquette retired in 2016.

Research Interests