Dean’s Message

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa | William S. Richardson School of Law is truly unique. It is distinct because of its history of excellence, its location in Hawaiʻi, which is singular in its beauty, its rich culture, its provision of a truly inspiring setting in which to study the law, and its commitment as a Hawaiian place of learning.

As part of a major research university, the William S. Richardson School of Law continues the great tradition of its namesake in uplifting and embracing individuals, community, and all seekers of justice by fortifying them with an excellent legal education delivered by a world-class faculty.

Our professors are internationally recognized for their excellence in teaching, impactful scholarship, and transformative public service. They are dedicated to, and engaged with, our students in ways that support their dreams and aspirations. The William S. Richardson School of Law ranks amongst the nation’s leading schools in affordability and faculty-student ratio. As one of the smaller law schools in the United States, we provide a more personalized learning experience, level of academic support, and engagement with our students, thereby ensuring an exceptional opportunity for our students to learn in an environment where they are empowered to excel and achieve.

Our graduates continue to be recognized for their talents in legal practice, business, policy, and on the bench. They have achieved well-deserved reputations for their ethical approach to excellent lawyering and thoughtful leadership, in Hawaiʻi, across the United States, and around the world. The Law School is proud of our many areas of focus and expertise. Our particular strengths in Environmental Law and Pacific-Asian Legal Studies have been recognized and celebrated for some time. We also feature many other programs of which we are equally proud and invite you to join us in celebrating our Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law, our Clinical and Pro Bono Programs, our Health Law Program, our Business and International law concentrations and certificates, our Innocence Project, and our ongoing commitment to public service, amongst many other excellent programs and learning opportunities for our students.

The staff, administrators, and faculty of the William S. Richardson School of Law nurture, teach, and mentor the next generation of leaders. In short, Richardson Lawyers make a difference. The Law School is home to a community committed to a life of purpose, fortified by an exceptional education that transforms lives and communities, and therefore our world. We are small but mighty and come together in ways that are inspired, uplifting, good-natured, and engaging.

We wish you the very best and appreciate your interest in our very special community.

With warm aloha,

Camille Nelson

Dean and Professor of Law