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University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law

University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law

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Becoming a
Richardson Lawyer

Students choose to attend the William S. Richardson School of Law because they want to make a difference in their communities, serving to be part of the solution to address issues in our society and advocating for those in need. Whether your goal is to become a lawyer to serve Hawaiʻi or beyond, the Law School provides an engaging learning environment that will challenge and help develop your skills, competence, and mastery necessary to effect change in your community.

OUR MISSION

We are Hawai‘i’s Law School

The William S. Richardson School of Law has trained generations of Hawaiʻi’s leaders with a first-class law curriculum that embodies Hawaiʻi’s unique culture, values, and laws. As a Hawaiian place of learning, our students are nourished with both the depth of knowledge and experience, to enable them to become the leading nurturers and protectors of their communities in Hawai‘i and across the globe.

Life at Richardson: Meet Our Students

Richardson Law School students benefit every day by interacting with other students and faculty in a collaborative and multicultural community that prepares them to effectively practice law in a variety of fields, locations, and situations. Their backgrounds and experiences contribute to the richness of student life and provide inspiration for each other as they pursue their own professional paths.

From Hanapēpē to Richardson

Harley Broyles

Creating Effective Change

Jonah Hoshino

Getting Back to Her Roots

Tehani Louis-Perkins

Wai‘anae Native Shines

David Abitbol

Recent Rankings

The William S. Richardson School of Law is consistently ranked among the top law schools nationwide.

2024 U.S. News & World Report

  • No. 23 for Best Part-Time Programs
  • No. 23 for Best Environmental Law Programs

The Princeton Review’s Best Law Schools for 2024

  • No. 4 for Most Chosen By Older Students
  •  No. 6 for Best State and Local Clerkships

2024 National Jurist, preLaw Magazine

  • A rating for Environmental Law
  • B+ rating for Practical Training

National Jurist Magazine Law Student of the Year

  • Meleana ‘Mana’ Shim ’22
  • Mahesh Cleveland ‘18
  • Katherine ‘Kaki’ Vessels ‘16

Message from the Dean

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2515 Dole Street, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822-2350 USA (808) 956-7966
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