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The William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa continues to earn national recognition for its excellence in legal education, according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Law Schools rankings released today.
Richardson Law ranked No. 99 overall among nearly 200 law schools nationwide, and No. 16 in Best Part-time Law Programs, maintaining its strong reputation for academic quality, flexibility, and student support. The law school also placed among the top programs in several specialty areas that reflect its mission, values, and regional leadership.
2025 Rankings:
- #99 – Best Law Schools (tie)
- #16 – Best Part-time Law Programs
- #36 – Best Environmental Law Programs
- #45 – Best International Law Programs
- #51 – Best Legal Writing Programs
- #72 – Best Dispute Resolution Programs
- #82 – Best Criminal Law Programs
- #95 – Best Tax Law Programs
- #98 – Best Constitutional Law Programs
- #98 – Best Contracts/Commercial Law Programs
- #108 – Best Business/Corporate Law Programs
- #123 – Best Intellectual Property Law Programs
- #125 – Best Clinical Training Programs
- #128 – Best Health Care Law Programs
- #178 – Best Trial Advocacy Programs
“These rankings reflect the depth and breadth of our academic offerings, as well as the commitment of our faculty, staff, and students to excellence and service,” said Dean Camille Nelson.
“At Richardson Law, we’re proud to offer a world-class legal education rooted in the values of justice, community, and aloha. These rankings underscore the strength of our programs and our deep commitment to training lawyers who lead with integrity and compassion—in Hawaiʻi and beyond.”
Richardson Law has long been recognized for its leadership in Environmental Law, Native Hawaiian Law, International & Comparative Law, and programs with a strong commitment to community and cultural relevance. The Hawai’i Online JD Program, the school’s part-time program, remains among the best in the country, offering flexibility for working professionals and non-traditional students who bring unique perspectives to the classroom.
To learn more about Richardson Law’s nationally ranked programs and admissions, visit law.hawaii.edu.