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Since joining the William S. Richardson School of Law in 2023, Matthew Stubenberg has redefined what’s possible at the intersection of law, technology, and public service. As Innovator in Residence, Matthew’s contributions have not only advanced our school’s mission but have also left a lasting impact on Hawaiʻi’s legal community.
Dean Camille Nelson, who envisioned and created the Innovator in Residence role, reflected on his lasting contributions: “Matthew’s time with us has been defined by bold ideas, generous collaboration, and a deep commitment to justice. I’m grateful for all he has done to help make Richardson Law more innovative, more accessible, and more engaged with our community.”
As Matthew prepares to depart Richardson Law, we look back with deep gratitude on the scope and influence of his work, ranging from tools that increase access to justice to projects that transform how we teach, learn, and engage with the law.
Expanding Access to Justice Through Technology
Perhaps the most powerful testament to Matthew’s mission-driven innovation is the Expungement and Bench Warrant Recall App, a tool that removes criminal records and bench warrants in what was once considered a time-consuming, opaque legal process in Hawaiʻi.
Piloted in collaboration with the Public Defender’s Office, ACLU, Volunteer Legal Services Hawaiʻi, and other community partners, this app supported two clinics in Waimānalo and Waiʻanae that helped approximately 120 people with expungements and 60 people recall bench warrants. The app is open-source and available to all here.
Modernizing Data Tools to Strengthen Impact
Recognizing the need for smarter decision-making tools, Matthew created a suite of internal Tableau dashboards for the law school that visualize finances, student metrics, alumni employment data, and more. These dashboards have improved operational efficiency and empowered administrators with real-time insights.
Externally, he developed public-facing dashboards that serve the broader legal community. The Law School Analytics Dashboard simplifies dense ABA datasets, while the AI MBE Benchmarking Tool evaluates which artificial intelligence models perform best on bar exam-style questions.
Bringing Innovation into the Classroom
As an educator, Matthew brought bold ideas into the classroom. His Coding for Lawyers course, taught three times, gave students practical skills to build legal apps and understand tech-driven workflows. His Cybersecurity Law course went even further, challenging students to hack a simulated website and determine when a legal line was crossed. These hands-on learning experiences have been in high demand and have helped future lawyers become more fluent in the digital age.
Matthew helped make his courses more accessible by volunteering to convert Coding for Lawyers into a hybrid format for part-time online JD students.
Making Richardson More Accessible
Understanding Hawaiʻi’s geographic distance from many prospective students, Matthew created a 360° virtual tour of the law school, helping students from around the world experience our campus remotely. He also built a virtual tour of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court, with future plans to build additional court tours for self-represented litigants. These immersive tools enhance accessibility, education, and connection.
Game-Based Learning and Civic Technology
Two of Matthew’s recent innovations highlight the creative breadth of his work. The Objection Game, which he designed to help students practice courtroom objections in a fast-paced, interactive way, blends learning with play, bringing procedural rules to life.
Meanwhile, his HPD AI Data Analyzer allows the public to examine patterns in police data using AI-powered tools. Designed for transparency and community oversight, this site empowers citizens and journalists to hold public institutions accountable.
Reimagining Legal Community Engagement
Matthew also changed the way we engage the broader legal community. From Coding for Lawyers and Cybersecurity Law showcase events, to CLE-accredited trainings on AI and automation, he consistently drew crowds and interest. He innovated the format and promotion of these events, introducing merchandise, charging for in-demand sessions, and making legal tech accessible and exciting.
He was a sought-after speaker on the national stage as well, presenting at the Hawai‘i Bankruptcy Bar Association, the HSBA Civil Bar Forum, and the Western States Bar Conference.
“My time at Richardson has been nothing short of amazing. I have had the chance to work with some amazing students, staff, and faculty to create some really unique and empowering legal tech tools. I leave knowing that the work we’ve done together will continue to spark innovation long after I’m gone,” Matthew shared.
On to a new chapter…
Later this month, Matthew will be bidding farewell to the Law School. His impactful work will continue to advance the mission of cultural innovation and increased access to legal education and justice in Hawaiʻi. The school’s faculty, staff and students wish him the best as he turns the page to a new chapter in his professional career.
Mahalo nui loa, Matthew, for your leadership, your creativity, and your tireless dedication to our students, our school, and our state.