School of Law

General Information

Since admitting its first class of students in 1973, the William S. Richardson School of Law has graduated more than 2,200 attorneys, most of whom continue to serve in the state of Hawai'i. Richardson graduates have risen to prominent positions, including governor of Hawai'i; lieutenant governor; president of a Hawai'i university; a federal magistrate; Hawai'i Supreme Court, intermediate court of appeals, circuit, district, family, and per diem court judges; partners in major law firms; and members of the state Legislature and Honolulu City Council. In addition, graduates of the school are found in significant numbers at the attorney general, public defender, prosecuting attorney offices, private law firms, and non-profit organizations.

The law school offers a three-year, post-baccalaureate program culminating in the Juris Doctor (JD) degree, also known as the first professional degree in law. A JD degree prepares students for the bar examination, admission to the bar, and careers in legal and related fields. The school also offers an LL.M. for international students.

Student Body

Many of the students (over 300) in the law school either are from Hawai'i or have other ties to the state or region. The school also welcomes students from the continental U.S., Asia, and the Pacific. Many students from other states express an interest in the school's exceptional Pacific-Asian, Native Hawaiian, or environmental law areas of emphasis. Each entering class (approximately 90 day students and 24 evening part-time students) typically reflects the ethnic diversity of Hawai'i and includes individuals of African American, Caucasian, Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian, Japanese, Korean, and Pacific Island ancestry. Law students from the Asia Pacific region represent China, Guam, Japan, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

Approximately half of the students are female, and about 20 percent have completed other graduate degrees before enrolling in the law school.

Mission

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. We lead in environmental law, Native Hawaiian law, and Pacific-Asian legal studies.

In carrying out this mission, the school's graduates fill a demand for qualified attorneys who are sensitive to Hawai'i's special needs and who will serve government and the public interest as well as private entities.

Students are encouraged to study law and legal institutions as integral parts of larger social, political, economic, and ecological systems. A number of law students concurrently seek other graduate degrees at UH Manoa (such as the MBA at the Shidler College of Business) while undertaking the JD program.

Accreditations

The School of Law is fully approved by the American Bar Association (ABA); this accreditation enables Richardson graduates to present a JD degree acceptable to the bar examiners in every state.

In 1989, the School of Law was admitted to full membership in the Association of American Law Schools (AALS).

Degrees Offered: juris doctor (JD), LL.M.

Advising/Careers

Students have access to academic, personal, and career counseling throughout law school. Academic counseling assists students in defining a program that will satisfy both personal interests and professional development.

Career counseling and information on job opportunities are provided to students for part-time, clerkship, and entry-level positions. About 40 Honolulu legal employers representing the private, public, and public-interest sectors participate in the on-campus interview program for law students. The law school also presents informational programs on career choices and alternatives and preparation for the job search.

LAW Courses

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Please note: This Catalog was prepared to provide information and does not constitute a contract. The University reserves the right to change or delete, supplement or otherwise amend at any time and without prior notice the information, requirements and policies contained in this Catalog.