WSRSL 2025-26 Viewbook

ʻOnipaʻa.

— A powerful call to stand firm in your values.

The motto of Queen Liliʻuokalani.

Message from the Dean Aloha!

At the William S. Richardson School of Law, we believe that legal education is not just about learning the law; it’s about transforming lives, serving communities, and building a more just future. Rooted in Hawaiʻi, we are guided by values that reflect our place: aloha, kuleana, and hoʻomau.

As Hawaiʻi’s only law school, we are proud to provide a legal education that is rigorous, supportive, and deeply connected to the people and land we serve. Our faculty are globally recognized scholars and passionate teachers. Our students are leaders and innovators, and our alumni are changemakers across the islands and around the world.

Whether you are drawn to environmental law, international and comparative law, Native Hawaiian rights, or any number of pathways to service, innovation, and leadership, you will find a home here. We invite you to join our Richardson ʻohana and carry forward our shared commitment to justice, opportunity, and impact.

With warmest aloha, Camille A. Nelson Dean and Professor of Law

Mission & Legacy WILLIAM S. RICHARDSON William S. Richardson served as Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court from 1966 to 1982, following his roles as Lieutenant Governor under John A. Burns, chairman of the Hawai‘i Democratic Party (1956–1962), and a key figure in the statehood movement. Of Native Hawaiian, Chinese, and Caucasian ancestry, he humbly referred to himself as “just a local boy from Hawai‘i.” A graduate of Roosevelt High School, the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and the University of Cincinnati College of Law, Richardson also served in World War II as a platoon leader with the 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment and was inducted into the Infantry Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame. As Chief Justice, he championed Native Hawaiian rights and public access to resources, grounding legal decisions in ancient Hawaiian values, such as the public ownership of water and beaches, and reshaping Hawaiʻi's legal landscape in ways that have become recognized as forward-thinking and culturally rooted. In recognition of his legacy, the state’s only law school was named in his honor, the William S. Richardson School of Law, which many consider his crowning achievement. He passed away peacefully on June 21, 2010.

PROGRAMS FULL-TIME JD The Full-Time Juris Doctor (JD) program is an in-person course of study intended for students who can commit the majority of their time to attending classes during the day, Monday-Friday. In addition to the JD, students may choose to pursue a concurrent graduate degree in another discipline offered at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Dual degree options include combinations such as JD/MBA, JD/MSW, or JD/MPH.

HAWAIʻI ONLINE JD PROGRAM The Hawaiʻi Online JD program offers a fully online, part-time path to earning a Juris Doctor degree in as few as four years.

Designed for flexibility, this program is ideal for individuals with professional, financial, or family responsibilities that make attending inperson, daytime classes challenging.

ADVANCED JD (AJD) The Advanced Juris Doctor enables graduates from foreign Law Schools to receive up to one year's worth of credit (up to 29 credits) towards the JD program, earning the degree in as little as two years as a full-time student.

MASTER OF LAWS (LLM) The Master of Laws (LLM) program is open to both international and U.S. law graduates who wish to deepen their expertise in a specific area of law, such as Environmental Law, International and Comparative Law, and more.

ULU LEHUA SCHOLARS PROGRAM The Ulu Lehua Scholars Program manifests the Law School's deep commitment to making legal education accessible. Each year, it admits a small cohort of students who have overcome adversity, shown leadership and a passion for justice, and demonstrated strong academic potential.

SPECIALIZATIONS ENVIRONMENTAL LAW The Environmental Law Program helps students build the knowledge and skills needed to address complex legal and policy issues affecting our environment. Hawai‘i faces the unique challenge of developing an environmentally sustainable economy while protecting spectacular yet fragile ecosystems, making it an ideal place to study and earn a certificate in Environmental Law.

INTERNATIONAL LAW The International Law program provides students with the opportunity to learn from leading scholars who specialize in areas such as international criminal law, international human rights & humanitarian law, and international environmental law. The Law School offers a wide variety of international law courses, in both public and private law, allowing students to earn a certificate in these areas.

NATIVE HAWAIIAN LAW Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law promotes education, scholarship, community outreach, and collaboration on issues of law, culture, and justice for Native Hawaiians and other Pacific and Indigenous peoples. Ka Huli Ao facilitates research and scholarship on the intersection of local, federal, and international laws affecting Native Hawaiians and awards certificates in Native Hawaiian Law.

PACIFIC-ASIAN LEGAL STUDIES The Pacific-Asian Legal Studies program gives students a comparative perspective on the U.S. legal system. The Law School’s unique location and proximity to Asia and the Pacific make it ideally situated to offer a broad selection of courses and a certificate in PacificAsian legal issues.

BUSINESS LAW CLUSTERED CURRICULUM The Business Law Clustered Curriculum is uniquely positioned to leverage Hawai‘i's role as a hub connecting the continental U.S. to Asia and the Pacific. This concentration equips students with essential knowledge and expertise for a wide range of legal careers in the following areas, including in Corporate Law, Cross-border and Comparative Commercial Law, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Small Firm Practice.

“The Richardson community is truly an ‘ohana, which undoubtedly contributed to my success and positive experience as a 1L. I often questioned my knowledge, skills, and ability to succeed, but the nurturing learning environment and genuine aloha and support of Richardson faculty and staff, administration, students, and legal community reassured me that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.” — KAPRI TULANG-DE SILVA, Class of 2026

BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY

ONE GRADUATE AT A TIME Richardson students benefit every day from a collaborative, multicultural community where peers and faculty bring a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. This rich environment equips them to practice law across different fields, locations, and circumstances. Student leaders work across student organizations to organize events, support peers, and foster a strong sense of belonging and mutual purpose, enhancing student life and inspiring continued excellence.

EXCELLENCE IN ACTION: BENJAMIN LEIDER ‘25 Named one of The National Jurist’s 2025 Law Students of the Year, Benjamin Leider ‘25 was recognized for his outstanding leadership, public service, and commitment to justice. His achievements reflect the caliber of students drawn to Richardson and the impact they make in the community.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Student Bar Association (SBA) Advocates for Public Interest Law ʻAhahui o Hawaiʻi Advocates for Native Hawaiian Justice American Constitution Society for Law and Policy Asian-Pacific Law and Policy Journal (Student Publication) Black Law Students Association (BLSA) Christian Legal Society (CLS) Environmental Law Society Ete Bowl Federal Bar Association - Hawaiʻi Student Chapter Filipino Law Students Association (FLSA) Hawaiʻi Women Lawyers (HWL) La Alianza Lambda Law Student Association Law & Business Organization Native American Moot Court (NAMC) Pacific Asian Legal Studies Organization (PALSO) Pacific Island Legal Association Phi Delta Phi Int’l Legal Fraternity, Richardson Inn (PDP) Phillip C. Jessup Moot Court Team Student Advocates for Mental Health Student Animal Legal Defense Fund The Federalist Society University of Hawaiʻi Law Review (Student Publication)

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROGRAM The William S. Richardson School of Law’s Experiential Learning Program provides students with many opportunities to learn the full range of lawyering skills and develop their professional identity and values.

Below is a partial list of our simulation courses and clinics, where students serve clients under the supervision of a faculty member:

Appellate Advocacy Beyond Guilt Clinic Child Defense Clinic Contract Drafting Defense Law Clinic Elder Law Clinic Entrepreneurship & Small Business Clinic Environmental Law Clinic Estate Planning Workshop Family Law Clinic Hawai‘i Innocence Project Lawyering Skills Workshop

Medical-Legal Partnership Clinic Native Hawaiian Rights Clinic Negotiations & ADR Pretrial Litigation Prosecution Clinic Real Practice of Criminal Law Refugee & Immigration Law Clinic Trial Practice

F I R S Tiated

nt-init stude pro atory mand am in progr o n o b tion the na

LIVE-CLIENT CLINICS, SIMULATION COURSES, AND EXTERNSHIPS Through live-client clinics, simulation courses, and externships, students explore their desired career paths and interests. Richardson students have externed with local and national hosts in a variety of legal environments, such as:

In-house counsel at national and international companies State and federal agencies Prosecutors’ and judges’ offices Public defenders’ offices Nonprofit legal services Private law firms

PRO BONO PROGRAM The Pro Bono Program at the William S. Richardson School of Law amplifies the School's commitment to the rule of law and justice. Students are required to complete 60 hours of pro bono work under the supervision of an attorney in any number of legal settings that match their interests and gain practical experience to aid their understanding and application of the law.

“Externing at First Circuit Court allowed me to gain practical experience by observing court proceedings and refining my research, writing, and interpersonal skills. The support I received at my externship gave me the confidence to apply for a clerkship, where I hope to contribute to the important work of our state courts.”

— KEELY KITAMURA Class of 2025

# #

16 1

PART-TIME LAW PROGRAM

#

U.S. News & World Report 2025

MOST DIVERSE FACULTY Best Law Schools for 2025 The Princeton Review

#

5

36

MOST CHOSEN BY OLDER STUDENTS Best Law Schools for 2025 The Princeton Review

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW PROGRAM

U.S. News & World Report 2025

#

5

BEST STATE AND LOCAL CLERKSHIPS Best Law Schools for 2025 The Princeton Review

# #

45

9

INTERNATIONAL LAW PROGRAM

U.S. News & World Report 2025

BEST FOR ASIAN STUDENTS preLaw Magazine (2024) The National Jurist

#

11

#

51

BEST STUDENTFACULTY RATIO preLaw Magazine (2024) The National Jurist

#

LEGAL WRITING PROGRAM

U.S. News & World Report 2025

26

BEST FOR HISPANIC STUDENTS preLaw Magazine (2024) The National Jurist

BY THE

HAWAIʻI’S LAW SCHOOL

361 361

226 226

NUMBERS TOTAL JD ENROLLMENT

135

/ 63% 135 / 37%

FULL-TIME STUDENTS

PART-TIME STUDENTS

115 115

FACULTY (Full-time & part-time)

2025 FIRST-YEAR ENROLLMENT LSAT MEDIAN*

156

158

162

GPA MEDIAN*

3.39

3.61

3.80

144 144

92 92 52 52

FULL-TIME STUDENTS

BIPOC STUDENTS

81%

FIRSTGENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS

31%

STUDENTS ENROLLED

PART-TIME STUDENTS

Updated August 1, 2025: LSAT, GPA, and demographic data are collected by LSAC and reported to the ABA. These figures are not yet certified. For more, visit law.hawaii.edu/about-us/policies-disclosures

CLASS OF 2024 EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES

87% 93% 87% 93% Employment Rate

EMPLOYED

Employed in Haw…

EMPLOYED IN HAWAIʻI

81%

81% 81%

REQUIRE BAR Bar Passage Req… PASSAGE REQUIRE BAR PASSAGE

Outcomes were collected 10 months after graduation.

36% 33% 36% 33% 26% 26% 4% 4%

Business, Government, & Public Interest

Clerkships

Law Firms

Education

2025-26 COST OF ATTENDANCE FULL-TIME

(12 or more credits per semester for 2 semesters) BUDGETARY CATEGORY EXPENSE

HI RESIDENT

WRGP/WICHE

NON-RESIDENT

Tuition

$23,304

$34,956

$46,728

Fees

$772

$772

$772

Meals/Housing

$20,234

$20,234

$20,234

Books/Supplies

$1,404

$1,404

$1,404

Personal Expenses

$2,778

$2,778

$2,778

Transportation

$2,556

$2,556

$2,556

Loan Fees

$350

$350

$350

TOTAL

$51,398

$63,050

$74,822

ONLINE PART-TIME (9-11 credits per semester)

BUDGETARY CATEGORY EXPENSE

PER CREDIT

Tuition

$971

Part-Time cost of attendance fees will be reduced to reflect an online program.

WRGP: Western Regional Graduate Program *The cost of attendance is designed to provide students with projected costs to attend for an academic year. The totals listed above are subject to change.

ADMISSIONS CHECKLIST Take the LSAT or GRE Apply to Richardson at lsac.org

Pay for the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and have all transcripts sent to LSAC as well as 2-3 letters of recommendation LSAT applicants: Ask LSAC to send your CAS report to Richardson 4867 (LSAC will add any and all reportable LSAT scores) GRE applicants: Ask ETS to send all reportable GRE scores to Richardson 2381 Priority Application Date: Jan. 28 Application Deadline: May 1

TIPS Check out Admissions FAQs on our website If eligible, apply for a need-based fee waiver or fee waiver from LSAC or ETS (maker of the GRE) Apply Early: We have rolling admissions Visit lsac.org/lawhub for FREE LSAT PrepTests, including instant scoring feedback Complete the FAFSA! You may be eligible for Federal financial aid (Our federal school code is 001610) Take an in-person tour of our campus by emailing lawvisit@hawaii.edu or go to law.hawaii.edu to take a virtual tour

FIND MORE TIPS law.hawaii.edu/admissions-aid-faq law.hawaii.edu/video-resources accesslex.org/max-pre-law

William S. Richardson School of Law 2515 Dole St, Honolulu, HI 96822-2350 (808) 956-5557 | lawadm@hawaii.edu