William S. Richardson School of Law: Ranking, Reputation, and Programs
The William S. Richardson School of Law, located at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, is a public law school established in 1973. Named after former Hawaii State Supreme Court Chief Justice William S. Richardson, the school is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS). The school offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, along with certificates in Native Hawaiian Law, Pacific-Asian Legal Studies, and Environmental Law. Students can enroll on a full-time or part-time basis.
A Collaborative Community
The William S. Richardson School of Law is known for its collaborative and supportive environment. Students describe being welcomed into the Hawaii legal community from day one, fostering a "family for life" atmosphere. The school emphasizes a "commitment… to a collaborative community," reflecting the Hawaiian legend of Kānāwai Māmalahoe, which promotes justice and the protection of human rights through the rule of law. Unlike more competitive law schools, aggressive behavior and sabotage are discouraged, creating a more helpful and supportive learning environment.
Faculty and Academics
The William S. Richardson School of Law boasts a faculty of well-versed practitioners and scholars. While some students desire more "heavy hitters," many appreciate the accessibility of the professors, who often have open-door policies. The school's location provides access to some of the finest environmental law professors, and the school attracts prestigious guest lecturers. Specialized courses often have a favorable teacher-to-student ratio, sometimes less than 1:10.
The school has a vibrant international LLM program, encouraging collaboration and exchange of ideas among law students from around the globe. There is a heightened focus on ASEAN through the ASEAN Law Integration Center, and on China, Japan, and Korea through the Pacific Asian Law and Society Certificate, the Pacific Asian Law and Society Organization, and the Asia Pacific Law and Policy Journal. The school also features numerous moot court teams that perform well on a national level.
Programs and Centers
The William S. Richardson School of Law houses several centers and programs dedicated to specific areas of legal study:
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Institute of Asian-Pacific Business Law: Established in 2006, this institute serves as an academic center for research and training in business law in Asia and the Pacific. It focuses on commercial law, insolvency and secured transactions, corporate law and business transactions, securities, intellectual property, real estate financing, and labor law issues.
Hammurabi Legal Forum for the Rule of Law (HLF): Founded in 2008, the HLF initially aimed to aid law schools in Iraq by providing an online database of free legal resources. In 2009, its efforts expanded to assist Rule of Law activities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law: Created in 2005, this center promotes education, scholarship, community outreach, and collaboration on issues of law, culture, and justice for Native Hawaiians and other Pacific and Indigenous peoples. It focuses on education, research and scholarship, community outreach, and the preservation of historical, legal, and traditional and customary materials.
Journals and Publications
The William S. Richardson School of Law publishes two scholarly legal journals:
The University of Hawaii Law Review: A student-run journal that publishes works by jurists, scholars, and practitioners.
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The Asian-Pacific Law & Policy Journal (APLPJ): A biannual, peer-reviewed, open-access journal covering issues facing Asia and the Pacific Rim.
Rankings and Recognition
The William S. Richardson School of Law has received recognition for its programs and student body. U.S. News & World Report previously ranked the school 25th for "Most Selective." The school is also recognized for its diverse student body. The Princeton Review has also named the William S. Richardson School of Law as one of the "Best Law Schools for 2024". The UH law school was ranked No. 4 for most chosen by older students, No. 5 for most diverse faculty and No. 6 for best state and local clerkships.
Experiential Learning and Alumni Network
Students at the William S. Richardson School of Law have access to externships, internships, and pro bono opportunities. Networking is emphasized by the administration and students. The school's alumni network includes leaders in government, law, and public interest sectors, including governors, lieutenant governors, members of Congress, state legislators, and federal and state judges.
The Hawaii Experience
Located in Honolulu, the William S. Richardson School of Law offers students access to the natural beauty of Hawaii. While island life may have some drawbacks, such as slower internet access, the school provides resources such as a computer lab and helpful law librarians. The school emphasizes community, support, and opportunity.
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