Richardson Law Welcomes Shari Larsen ’06 as Associate Dean for Student Services

The William S. Richardson School of Law is pleased to welcome Shari Larsen (née Dela Cuadra) ’06 as our new Associate Dean for Student Services. A proud Richardson alumna, Dean Larsen brings a deep commitment to the law school’s mission, vision, and values, along with nearly two decades of experience in public service, including education, government, and nonprofit leadership. In her new role, she will lead the Office of Student Services in providing holistic, student-centered support for the next generation of Richardson Lawyers.

As a law student, Dean Larsen helped draft Hawaiʻi’s Language Access Law and later supported the launch of the state’s Office of Language Access. Her career with the Hawai‘i Department of Education focused on student achievement, organizational improvement, and legal compliance—directing the implementation of state and federal programs, advising senior leadership, and conducting complex civil rights investigations to ensure safe and equitable learning environments.

Throughout her career, Dean Larsen has advanced systems that deliver access, clarity, and measurable outcomes, especially for historically underserved communities. At Richardson, she looks forward to working collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and external partners to build strong, sustainable networks of academic and professional support.

“It’s wonderful to be back at Richardson Law,” said Dean Larsen. “As a proud alumna, I am deeply committed to the mission of our school. I’m especially excited to connect with each student to learn their “why”, and to empower students by facilitating their access to the resources and relationships necessary to ensure their lifelong success as Richardson Lawyers. I am eager to collaborate with my team, colleagues, and external partners to maintain and develop comprehensive systems of support. In just a few weeks, I’ll have the privilege of welcoming our new students to our ‘ohana at Orientation, and I look forward to connecting with all of our returning students soon after. In the meantime, I welcome anyone to get in touch with me. I’m confident a phenomenal school year awaits us all!”

›› [Click here to watch an interview with Dean Larsen.]

Dean Larsen and her husband, Lance, also a Richardson Law graduate, are raising four children together and instilling in them a deep gratitude for life’s abundance. She shares that her children continue to be her greatest teachers, allowing her to experience the world through new eyes, open hearts, and inquisitive minds.

Welcome back, Dean Larsen!