Press Kit
A Legacy of Developing Ethical Leaders
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.
- Founded: 1973
- Dean: Camille A. Nelson (since 2020)
- Student–Faculty Ratio: 5:1
- Employment Outcomes: 93% of JD graduates employed within 10 months (Class of 2024)
- Bar Passage: Consistently above the national average for first-time takers
- National Recognition:
- #1 Most Diverse Faculty (The Princeton Review, 2025)
- #5 Best State & Local Clerkships (The Princeton Review, 2025)
- #16 Part-Time Law Program (U.S. News & World Report, 2025)
- #36 Environmental Law Program (U.S. News & World Report, 2025)
- #45 International Law Program (U.S. News & World Report, 2025)
Academic Programs
Richardson Law offers multiple pathways for aspiring legal professionals:
- Juris Doctor (JD): Full-Time and Part-Time programs
- Advanced JD (AJD): For foreign-trained lawyers
- Master of Laws (LLM): For U.S. and international graduates
- Dual Degrees: JD + MBA, JD + MSW
- Certificates: Pacific-Asian Legal Studies, Environmental Law, International & Comparative Law, Native Hawaiian Law
- Other Areas: Business & Commercial Law, Conflict Resolution, Criminal Law, Ocean Law & Policy, Human Rights, Family Law, Intellectual Property Law
Learn more about our programs!
Experiential Learning & Special Programs
Richardson students gain hands-on experience through nationally recognized programs:
- Clinics: Refugee & Immigration Law Clinic, Medical-Legal Partnership for Children in Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Innocence Project
- Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law: Promoting justice and scholarship for Native Hawaiians and other Pacific and Indigenous peoples
- Business Boot Camp: Intensive business and financial literacy training for law students
- Island Leadership Lab Seminar: An immersive experience designed to prepare the next generation of leaders for success
- Externships & Clerkships: Opportunities across Hawaiʻi, the U.S., and the Pacific
From Our Students
“Richardson is truly unique because we embody the spirit of lōkahi, working together to lift each other up. The values that make Hawaiʻi special are woven into everything we do here.” – Bronson Gonzales (3L)
“I love the community that Richardson fosters and the opportunity to build meaningful connections with classmates, faculty, and legal professionals. I am so grateful to have gained incredible mentors and life-long friends who have been so supportive throughout my experience.” – Hannah Hawley (2L)
“I feel incredibly lucky to study environmental law in Hawaiʻi, where Native Hawaiian law and tradition are not just respected but lived. Learning in this place, from the land, the people, and the stories has grounded me in a deeper understanding of what it means to protect something bigger than yourself.” – Anna Meeks (3L)
Teaching Excellence
- 19 UH Regents’ Medalists for Excellence in Teaching
- 3 Society of American Law Teachers (SALT) Great Teacher Awards
- 1 SALT Junior Faculty Teaching Award
- 1 Two-Time Recipient of the UH Chancellor’s Citation for Meritorious Teaching
Trending at Richardson
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Branding Style Guide
This guide ensures consistent and cohesive representation of the law school’s brand across all communications. By adhering to these standards, we maintain a unified visual identity that strengthens our reputation and fosters trust among community, stakeholders, and prospective students.
Filming Guidelines
Accreditation
The William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa has been accredited by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association since 1982. The Section of Legal Education may be contacted at 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610 or by phone at (312) 988-6738. The Law School has been a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) since 1989.