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The Mellon Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s William S. Richardson School of Law to develop new approaches to the formation of law students’ professional identity. Led by Professor Eduardo R.C. Capulong, Director of Experiential Learning, the initiative, “’Pluralizing’ Professional Identity,” will create new educational materials and opportunities aimed at strengthening the legal profession’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
The initiative comes at a pivotal time for legal education and the legal profession. The last few years have seen the largest, most diverse incoming law school classes and some of the most serious challenges to law practice. Recognizing the increasingly varied backgrounds of today’s law students, the project seeks to enhance legal education by drawing on these students’ experiences and exploring the core principles that define the legal profession.
“We are grateful to the Mellon Foundation for supporting this timely and important work,” said Dean Camille Nelson. She continued, “[t]his grant affirms our commitment to preparing future lawyers who are grounded in integrity, guided by purpose, and ready to meet the moment.”
Strengthening the Democratic Ethos of the Legal Profession and the Rule of Law
The project will support the development of programs that align with American Bar Association (ABA) accreditation standards that require the “intentional exploration of the values, guiding principles, and well-being practices considered foundational to successful legal practice.”
In collaboration with law faculty from the University of Montana, University of Washington, and Georgia State University College of Law, the two-year project will bring together faculty, students, and legal professionals to develop materials that encourage thoughtful reflection on the responsibilities and ethics of law practice. The project will also include research, symposia, and training opportunities to share these insights with the broader community.
“The law school curriculum needs to address the needs and experiences of all of our students,” said Professor Eduardo R.C. Capulong, the principal investigator of the grant. “And especially now, it needs to model lawyering practices that promote democracy and the rule of law.”
Advancing Legal Education at Richardson Law
The William S. Richardson School of Law is nationally recognized for its engaged learning environment and commitment to legal excellence. The school provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.
With the Mellon Foundation’s support, this initiative will contribute to shaping the next generation of legal professionals by fostering a deeper understanding of their role in upholding the principles of the profession.