More Stories
The William S. Richardson School of Law is proud to share that Dean Camille A. Nelson has been named the 2025 Outstanding Woman Lawyer by Hawaiʻi Women Lawyers (HWL). This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to improving the lives and careers of women in the legal profession, enhancing the status of women, influencing the future of the profession, and promoting equal opportunity for all.
“I am deeply honored and profoundly grateful to receive this award from Hawaiʻi Women Lawyers,” said Dean Nelson. “It is a privilege to be part of a profession where we can uplift and empower one another, and I remain committed to expanding opportunity and cultivating the next generation of women leaders in law. Mahalo nui loa to HWL and to my incredible colleagues and students at Richardson Law who inspire me every day.”
Dean Nelson, who has led Hawaiʻi’s Law School since 2020, is being recognized for her decades of service, leadership, and innovation in legal education. A nationally respected legal scholar and administrator, she has served as dean at three law schools—breaking barriers as the first woman and first person of color in each of those roles—and has mentored generations of students, scholars, and legal professionals throughout her distinguished career.
In January 2025, Dean Nelson received the prestigious 2025 Deborah L. Rhode Award presented by the American Association of Law Schools (AALS). The award is a joint recognition by AALS sections on Leadership, Pro Bono & Service Opportunities, Professional Responsibility, and Women in Legal Education. It honors individuals, like Deborah L. Rhode, who exemplify groundbreaking contributions and inspired action in advancing leadership, professional responsibility, pro-bono service and gender equality in law.
Since arriving at Richardson Law, Dean Nelson has launched a number of strategic initiatives aimed at expanding access, empowering students, and preparing future leaders. These include the Island Leadership Lab, a culturally grounded leadership experience; the Business Bootcamp, which equips students with critical financial and business skills; and an Innovator in Residence program that supports technological growth in the legal community.
She also led the creation of the Hawaiʻi Online JD Program, which broadens access to legal education for students on neighbor islands and throughout the Pacific region.
Her deanship has also been marked by a deep commitment to opportunity and student success. Under her leadership, Richardson Law earned the 2024 ABA Diversity Leadership Award and continues to be ranked among the nation’s top 100 law schools overall, specializing in Native Hawaiian law, environmental law, international and comparative law, and part-time legal education.
Dean Nelson was formally honored at the HWL Annual Awards Ceremony and Reception on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Eve at Ala Moana. The Richardson Law ʻohana is proud to celebrate her achievements and joins HWL in recognizing her extraordinary impact on the legal profession in Hawaiʻi and beyond.
