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The William S. Richardson School of Law was again recognized for being one of the nation’s top law schools for diversity and its international law programs in the winter 2022 issue of preLaw magazine.
Richardson was named one of the nation’s “Best Law Schools for Diversity,” and was 1 of 45 law schools ranked as “Best Schools for Hispanics.”
Law students have no shortage of options today when it comes to choosing a law school.
Diverse environments and specialties like international law are in high demand, particularly during a time when increased globalization is evident, and interest in social justice issues and addressing systemic racism have been magnified on a national scale. “It is heartening to be recognized in these areas, especially at this time,” said Camille Nelson, dean of Richardson Law School. “Richardson Law takes seriously its mission as an inclusively excellent law school in a unique location where international questions and conversations are prominent and common.”
“We are fortunate to be able to bring together a diverse and unique group of students each year. This is further emphasized in the life experiences that the students bring to the classroom, lending to a richer learning experience within this tight-knit student community,” said acting director of admissions Loreto Coloma, Jr.
Last year was particularly significant, with Richardson reaching its highest number of applications to the law school in 9 years.
Methodology for preLaw’s ranking of law schools’ diversity was based on 3 different data points: the percentages of students in each ethnic group, percentages of minority law professors, and the diversity services offered by the school.
The nod to diversity adds to Richardson’s national distinction already recognized by The Princeton Review, ranking among leading schools for “Most Diverse Faculty” and “Most Chosen By Older Students” in its latest “Best Law Schools for 2022” list.
preLaw also gave Richardson an A- rating for international law, included among 42 law schools recognized for their international law programs in an article, “A calling to serve.”
The publication cites international law’s influence in other areas due to increasing globalization, including business and human rights.
Professor Carole Petersen said, “Given that we are located mid-way between Asia and the continental United States, it is not surprising that Richardson Law School takes international law very seriously. Multilateral treaties now address almost every aspect of public life – the economy, the environment, human rights, armed conflict, and even public health.”
Richardson’s offerings include not only foundational courses and advanced electives in International Law, but a Certificate in International Law.
Aside from international law, schools were featured for their excellence in areas of public policy and trial advocacy. preLaw magazine grades law schools based on a number of curricular factors, with the most heavily weighted ones from a concentration, a clinic, a center, and an externship.