The William S. Richardson School of Law is an exceptional institution of higher learning. It offers a comprehensive and rigorous legal education that prepares its students for a successful career in law and related professions. This illustrious law school offers professionals a supportive and diverse environment with the opportunity to learn from the best teachers and scholars in the field. It emphasizes preparing students for law practice in an increasingly global environment, including a strong focus on Pacific-Asian legal studies.
The school is committed to providing its students with the knowledge and necessary skills to be practical and ethical lawyers. Through internships, externships, clinics, and practice skills courses, as well as opportunities to engage in pro bono activities, the school provides students with the opportunities to gain practical experience that complements their legal education.
History
William S. Richardson was an influential figure in the history of Hawaiʻi, having served in various roles over his long career. Before he was appointed Chief Justice of the Hawai'i State Supreme Court from 1966 to 1982, Richardson had been involved in politics and private practice. As Lieutenant Governor under John A. Burns, Richardson's actions helped lay the groundwork for Hawaii's becoming a state. He was also an advocate for Hawaiian sovereignty and defended the rights of Native Hawaiians as chairman of the Hawai'i Democratic Party from 1956 to 1962.
The William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa has been authorized to provide legal education for over three decades. In 1982, it was approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association as a center for legal studies. This approval was reaffirmed for seven years in 2013. The Law School has also been part of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) since 1989, representing an important milestone in its history.
The William S. Richardson School of Law is well-known nationwide and beyond for its commitment to academic excellence. Students at the Law School are provided with a solid legal foundation that prepares them for success in the legal field. The faculty is dedicated to providing students with an outstanding educational experience through rigorous coursework, innovative research, and practical skills training.
Admissions
Statistics
| Admissions Stats
|
| Class of: |
2020-2021 |
2021-2022
|
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT |
151 - 154 - 157 |
153 - 156 - 159
|
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA |
3.17 - 3.42 - 3.6 |
3.28 - 3.54 - 3.76
|
| Acceptance rate |
40.3% |
32.7%
|
| Applications received |
675 |
785
|
| Acceptances |
272 |
257
|
| Matriculants |
39 |
44
|
During the 2022 application cycle, the University of Hawaii's William S. Richardson School of Law had a large applicant pool, with 785 individuals submitting admission applications and 257 ultimately receiving offers to attend the prestigious institution. Of that offered admission, an impressive 98 were accepted, amounting to a yield of 38.13%.
The 1L class size for the 2022-2023 academic year is 101, with a median LSAT score of 156. The 25th percentile is 153, and the 75th percentile is 159. Similarly, the median GPA for this class was 3.54, with the 25th percentile at 3.28 and the 75th percentile at 3.76.
Application Deadline
The William S. Richardson School of Law is now accepting applications for admission beginning in fall 2022. The school will accept the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to qualify for consideration. Those who apply before February 1st, 2023, will receive priority consideration. However, applications must be submitted by April 1st, 2023, at 11:59 PM HST. The January LSAT will be accepted to meet the February priority deadline. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all other application materials have been sent to and processed by LSAT before February 1st.
To Apply with the LSAT and GRE
The William S. Richardson School of Law encourages prospective students to apply for admission with a valid LSAT score. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning in the United States or an equivalent degree from a university-level institution in another country before August 2023.
To prepare for the LSAT, applicants should register for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Applicants should also determine if they qualify for an LSAC Fee Waiver and take advantage of it if applicable. The Admissions Committee will accept the highest LSAT score reported but will see all reportable scores.
In addition to the LSAT score, applicants must register for the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Through this service, LSAC will combine an applicant’s reportable LSAT scores and writing samples, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and TOEFL score (if applicable) into a CAS report that will be sent to the Law School. The William S. Richardson School of Law does not accept any physical mail regarding application materials, and they should all be processed through LSAC.
Applicants should also be aware of the admission deadlines for the program. It is essential to follow the deadlines and be aware of any additional requirements required for admission. These steps will help ensure a smooth application process to the William S. Richardson School of Law.
Application Requirements
The William S. Richardson School of Law requires prospective students to submit certain materials to be considered for admission. These include an LSAT score, a LSAT writing sample, transcripts from all institutions you have attended, two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic and personal qualities, and a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). In addition to the requirements listed, an application fee must also be submitted.
Once all materials have been gathered and processed, further your application will be reviewed.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The William S. Richardson School of Law offers full-time and part-time programs for legal studies. For those pursuing full-time courses, the fees for living on or off campus depend on whether they are residents or non-residents. Residents studying full-time and living off-campus need to pay $46,543 per year, while non-residents need to pay $69,967. For those living with a parent, the fees for residents are $36,443, and for non-residents, it is $59,867.
Part-time students also have two different fee schedules depending on their residence status. Residents studying part-time and living off or on campus must pay $40,608, while non-residents must pay $58,176.
2022-2023 Cost of Attendance (9 Months)
Full-Time Living Off or On Campus
| |
2022-2023 |
|
|---|
| Budgetary Category Expense |
Resident |
Nonresident |
|---|
| Tuition (12 or more credits per semester for 2 semesters) |
$22,392 |
$45,816 |
|---|
| Fees |
$772 |
$772 |
|---|
| Meals/Housing |
$16,870 |
$16,870 |
|---|
| Books/Supplies |
$1,350 |
$1,350 |
|---|
| Personal Expenses |
$2,742 |
$2,742 |
|---|
| Transportation |
$2,067 |
$2,067 |
|---|
| Loan Fees |
$350 |
$350 |
|---|
| Total |
$46,543 |
$69,967 |
|---|
Full-Time Living With a Parent
|
| Budgetary Category Expense |
Resident |
Nonresident |
|---|
| Tuition (12 or more credits per semester for 2 semesters) |
$22,392 |
$45,816 |
|---|
| Fees |
$772 |
$772 |
|---|
| Books/Supplies |
$1,350 |
$1,350 |
|---|
| Meals/Housing |
$6,770 |
$6,770 |
|---|
| Personal Expenses |
$2,742 |
$2,742 |
|---|
| Transportation |
$2,067 |
$2,067 |
|---|
|
|
| Loan Fees |
$350 |
$350 |
|---|
| Total |
$36,443 |
$59,867 |
|---|
Part-Time Living Off or On Campus
| Budgetary Category Expense |
Resident |
Nonresident |
|---|
| Tuition (9 credits per semester for 2 semesters ) |
$16,794 |
$34,362 |
|---|
| Fees |
$772 |
$772 |
|---|
| Books/Supplies |
$1,013 |
$1,013 |
|---|
| Meals/Housing |
$16,870 |
$16,870 |
|---|
| Personal Expenses |
$2,742 |
$2,742 |
|---|
| Transportation |
$2,067 |
$2,067 |
|---|
| Loan Fees |
$350 |
$350 |
|---|
| Total |
$40,608 |
$58,176 |
|---|
The costs above (other than tuition and fees and dorm rates) are based on information from the U.S. Department of Labor and adjusted for Hawaiʻi's inflation factor by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Labor and Statistics. The development of the budget reflects the work of a special UH system-wide Student Budget Committee and is issued by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Students may encounter expenses not described here (e.g., laptop, student health insurance). To cover such expenses, students may request that their budgets be adjusted. Please complete the Financial Aid Change Request Form. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Tuition and costs are subject to change.
The William S. Richardson School of Law encourages its students to get financial aid and scholarships to make their education affordable. They offer various grants and awards for deserving candidates and loan programs from the University of Hawaii system that can help students pay for their tuition.
To sum it up, the William S. Richardson School of Law offers comprehensive fee plans depending on the student's course type and residence status. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid and scholarships to make their legal studies more affordable.
Richardson Opportunity Grants
The William S. Richardson School of Law provides potential students with need-based financial aid through the Richardson Opportunity Grant. This grant may be available to those who demonstrate financial need, as determined by the information provided on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The maximum annual amount offered to law students is $4,000. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for this grant.
Since funding is limited, we urge potential and current Richardson School of Law students to submit their FAFSA as soon as possible each year they plan to attend school. This will give them the best chance of receiving the Richardson Opportunity Grant financial aid. Furthermore, we encourage students to apply for other scholarships and grants to fund their studies.
Internal Scholarships
The William S. Richardson School of Law offers a limited range of merit scholarships to incoming JD students. The maximum merit scholarship available for an incoming student is $5,000 per annum. No separate application must be completed for these scholarships, and international JD students are not eligible. Recipients will receive notification from the Admissions Office when they are admitted. All scholarship awardees must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.2, as outlined in the email accompanying their award notification.
In addition to merit scholarships, incoming students may apply for need-based grants and loans. Eligible students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for need-based aid. The Law School will supplement the FAFSA with additional financial aid forms to students as needed to award need-based aid packages.
External Scholarships
For those considering attending the William S. Richardson School of Law or already enrolled, there are a variety of external scholarships available to help make the journey easier. Potential students may access these funds through organizations and associations that have established themselves to provide financial aid for those who demonstrate excellent academic performance or fulfill specific criteria in terms of extracurricular participation. Additionally, some of these awards are based on financial need and can be used to offset the cost of tuition or other school-related expenses.
The William S. Richardson School of Law is dedicated to helping its students find ways to finance their education and provides resources for external scholarships that cover a wide range of topics. To this end, experienced financial aid counselors can help students explore their options for external scholarship opportunities and ensure they understand the eligibility requirements.
The William S. Richardson School of Law can provide guidance and support no matter what type of educational funding a student seeks. With access to resources such as external scholarships, students at this school can continue to pursue their educational goals despite financial constraints.
Employment Prospects
William S. Richardson School of Law, located at the University of Hawaii, is a prestigious educational institution that provides its students with a pathway to success in the legal profession. These future lawyers have the knowledge and training to pass the bar exam and enter various roles in their chosen fields yearly. Recent graduates from William S. Richardson School of Law make an average median salary of $75,000 if they work in the private sector upon graduation. For those who enter the public sector, this number drops to about $65,000.
When considering what type of job these graduates might pursue soon after graduating, it is no surprise that 43.4% will work for a law firm, 18.1% will clerk for a judge, and 7.2% will pursue public interest work. It is also reassuring to know that 78.1% of the University of Hawaii's graduates pass the bar exam on their first try. This statistic shows the effectiveness of William S. Richardson School of Law's curriculum and instructors in preparing its students for the rigors of the legal profession.
No matter what area of law a graduate from William S. Richardson School of Law chooses to specialize in, they can be confident that their education has adequately prepared them for success within their chosen field. The University of Hawaii's commitment to excellence is evident in the impressive employment and salary statistics for its graduates. William S. Richardson School of Law is an excellent choice for those seeking to pursue a career in the legal profession.
Academics
The William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii is a well-respected institution that offers a wide range of educational and practical opportunities to students interested in pursuing a career in law. According to US News & World Report, the school ranks 72nd out of 195 law schools around the country, which puts it solidly within the top-ranking tier of American law schools.
Richardson School of Law's focus on Pacific-Asian Legal Studies is unique and stands out among American law schools. Its strategic location allows students to gain hands-on experience in various legal settings, such as the Native Hawaiian Rights Clinic and the Family Law Clinic.
Clinical Program
The William S. Richardson School of Law Clinical Program provides unique learning opportunities to students through live-client clinics and other professional skill-focused courses. Through this program, they can gain practical knowledge, experiential learning, and insight into law practice. With the help of experienced instructors such as full-time faculty, judges, and lawyers, students can develop the essential skills for their legal careers. The clinical program focuses on teaching and modeling excellent professional values and reflective lawyering behavior. Students can learn various skills, from interviewing, counseling, drafting, and fact investigation to trial and appellate practice. These activities are all authorized under Hawai‘i Supreme Court Rule 7. Through the live-client clinics, students can practice criminal law, immigration law, family law, environmental law, and elder law. The William S. Richardson School of Law Clinical Program is an invaluable experience for all aspiring legal professionals.
Pro Bono Program
The William S. Richardson School of Law Pro Bono Program is renowned for being one of the first pro bono programs in the United States. It is believed to be the first student-initiated mandatory program as well. It was started in 1991 by a student organization called Advocates for Public Interest Law, which presented a formal proposal to the faculty for a mandatory pro bono requirement to help ensure legal access for all.
Since then, the program has been growing and providing help to underserved communities across Hawaii and beyond. The Pro Bono Program includes a wide variety of activities, such as volunteering with public-interest organizations, advising clients on legal matters, participating in Student Lawyer Clinics, and supporting Hawaii’s Access to Justice Commission activities. In addition, students may also gain valuable experience working with a small private firm or even a large international law firm on qualifying pro bono projects.
Field Placement Program
The William S. Richardson School of Law offers the Field Placement Program, which provides significant educational opportunities not available in traditional academic courses. This program gives students who have completed prerequisite courses a chance to gain real-world experience and develop lawyering skills in an outside environment.
Site Supervisors create scenarios tailored to each student’s strengths and interests, enabling them to learn the most from their field placements. Through these experiences, students can understand their professional responsibilities as lawyers and acquire unique insights into the practice of law that will be valuable throughout their careers.
The Field Placement Program also has several learning objectives that it seeks to accomplish.
Quality of Life
Hawaii's William S. Richardson School of Law is highly regarded for its small and tight-knit community, unique culture, values, and ideal environment for minority students. With a student body of approximately 300 people, Hawaii Law rarely produces any competition among its peers - enabling students to bond with each other and the school incredibly positively. As for what students can do outside of the classroom, there are endless possibilities! There is something for everyone, from various academic and social clubs (like the Surf Club) to exploring Hawaii's pristine environment. Additionally, the school has made great efforts to create a diverse faculty and student body - earning them Princeton Review rankings of being one of the "Best Environment for Minority Students" (#3) and one with the "Most Diverse Faculty" (#5). All-in-all, Hawaii Law offers an incredibly unique experience that sets it apart from other law schools. With its commitment to diversity, a strong sense of community, and endless opportunities to explore - students are sure to have a fulfilling and enriching experience.
Synopsis
Hawaii's quality of life is tough to beat, as is the school's low cost of attendance, but many Hawaii graduates struggle to find work, and those that do are often limited geographically. These are all factors, among many others, that any prospective student should keep in mind when evaluating the University of Hawaii Richardson School of Law.
Contact Information
William S. Richardson School of Law
Admissions Office
2515 Dole Street
Honolulu, HI, 96822-2350 USA
Phone: (808) 956-7966
Email: lawadm@hawaii.edu
Summary
| Established |
1982
|
| Location |
Honolulu, HI
|
| Dean |
Camille A. Nelson
|
| 2022 US News Ranking |
91
|
| LSAT Median Score |
156
|
| GPA Median Score |
3.54
|
| Bar Passage Rate |
78% (2022)
|
| Employment Rate |
44% (2022)
|
| Cost |
$22,392 RESIDENT
$45,816 NONRESIDENT
(Full-Time Living With a Parent)
$16,794 RESIDENT
$34,362 NONRESIDENT
(Part-Time Living Off or On Campus)
|
| Average Debt |
$85,768
|
| Application Deadline |
April 1, 2023
|
Forum and Discussion
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Reference
https://www.law.hawaii.edu/
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