UH Law Review Honors Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald at Spring Symposium

HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi (May 8, 2026) — In early March, the University of Hawaiʻi Law Review at the William S. Richardson School of Law hosted its annual symposium, honoring the retirement and legacy of Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald. The student-led event, held on March 6, brought together approximately 150 students, practitioners, judges, and faculty to discuss the Chief Justice’s rulings, his leadership of the courts, and his lifelong push to make the legal system work for everyone.

The symposium featured three panels, focused on access to justice, jurisprudence, and leadership and impact on the legal community, highlighting the scope of Chief Justice Recktenwald’s influence across Hawaiʻi’s legal landscape. Panelists included leaders from the judiciary, legal practice, and academia, with discussions moderated by Richardson faculty and administrators.

“When we learned that Chief Justice Recktenwald would be retiring, we knew this was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to honor a jurist whose tenure has shaped Hawaiʻi’s legal landscape in profound ways,” said Christie Ferreira and Jasmine Joao, Editors-in-Chief of Volume 48 of the University of Hawaiʻi Law Review. “As we begin our own careers, we look to CJ as a model of excellence, humility, integrity, and leadership, and to his jurisprudence as a standard for thoughtful, principled decision-making.”

Chief Justice Recktenwald expressed his appreciation for the symposium and its contributors. “Mahalo to the members of the Law Review for soliciting thought-provoking articles from distinguished authors and organizing an in-person symposium where participants could freely share their perspectives,” he said. “The symposium provided an opportunity to reflect on the past, acknowledge those who were instrumental in that work, and take stock of what lies ahead.”

In addition to examining key decisions from his tenure, the program emphasized the broader impact of his work on Hawaiʻi’s courts and communities, as well as the importance of preserving judicial independence and the rule of law.

The Law Review will anchor its upcoming Spring Issue around these discussions. The issue will feature additional scholarship and personal tributes honoring Chief Justice Recktenwald’s legacy.

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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