Richardson Law Rises in 2026 U.S. News Rankings, Earns National Recognition Across 16 Categories

HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi (April 13, 2026) — The William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa continues to earn national distinction for academic excellence, public service, and innovative legal education in the newly released 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Law Schools rankings.

Richardson Law ranked No. 91 overall among the nation’s top law schools, climbing from No. 99 last year. The law school also earned standout recognition in a number of categories, with several programs ranked among the nation’s best.

Leading the way, Richardson Law ranked No. 18 in Environmental Law, reinforcing its longstanding reputation as one of the country’s premier destinations for environmental and natural resources law. Richardson also ranked No. 18 among law schools with the most graduates in federal clerkships, reflecting the strength of its student preparation and post-graduate outcomes.

2026 Rankings:

• #91 – Best Law Schools 
• #18 – Best Environmental Law Programs 
• #18 – Law Schools with Most Graduates in Federal Clerkships
• #24 – Best Part-time Law Programs
• #41 – Best International Law Programs
• #47 – Best Dispute Resolution Programs
• #48 – Best Legal Writing Programs 
• #80 – Best Tax Law Programs 
• #88 – Best Criminal Law Programs 
• #92 – Best Contracts/Commercial Law Programs 
• #92 – Best Health Care Law Programs 
• #95 – Best Constitutional Law Programs 

“These rankings reflect the excellence of our faculty, the dedication of our students, and the enduring strength of Richardson Law’s mission,” said Dean Camille Nelson.

Richardson Law has long been recognized for its leadership in environmental law, Native Hawaiian law, international and comparative law, and experiential education rooted in community impact. The school’s Hawaiʻi Online JD Program, its part-time offering, continues to rank among the nation’s best, creating flexible pathways for working professionals, caregivers, and talented students seeking a distance education option for a Richardson legal education.

This year’s strong showing also highlights the school’s success in preparing graduates for prestigious judicial opportunities, with Richardson ranking among the nation’s leaders in federal clerkship placements.

To learn more about Richardson Law’s nationally ranked programs and admissions opportunities, visit law.hawaii.edu.

---

About William S. Richardson School of Law

The William S. Richardson School of Law is a collaborative, multicultural community preparing students for excellence in the practice of law and related careers that advance justice and the rule of law. We develop highly qualified, ethical professionals through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and public service. We embrace Hawai‘i’s diversity and values and recognize a special responsibility to our state and the Pacific region.

MEDIA CONTACT

Collin Cedotal, Public Information Specialist
(808) 956-9391 | ccedotal@hawaii.edu