William S. Richardson School of Law

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

The application process for admission in 2025 follows a clear structure designed to give prospective students ample time to prepare. Applications for Fall 2026 entry will open on September 1, 2025, and all submissions must be completed through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) system. The school sets two major deadlines: a priority deadline on January 28, 2026, and a final deadline on May 1, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to plan ahead so that their documents are fully processed by LSAC before these dates.

For standardized testing, the law school accepts both the LSAT and the GRE without preference, giving applicants the flexibility to choose the exam that best aligns with their strengths and circumstances. All applicants must also hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, or the international equivalent, by August 2026 in order to enroll. The admissions process is entirely electronic, meaning physical documents will not be accepted.

The school’s Enrollment Management team provides guidance for applicants who have questions, and prospective students are also invited to attend admissions events and webinars. These sessions are designed to offer a closer look at the law school, its programs, and the admissions process, ensuring that applicants have access to the resources they need to apply with confidence.

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2023-2024	2024-2025
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	154 - 157 - 160	153 - 156 - 159
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.27 - 3.48 - 3.79	3.28 - 3.7 - 3.84
Acceptance rate	29.6%	32%
Applications received	875	1122
Acceptances	252	359
Matriculants	89	95

For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle at the William S. Richardson School of Law, the class profile shows a range of academic and application data. The LSAT scores for the middle 50 percent of admitted students fell between 153 and 159, while the GPA range for this group was between 3.27 and 3.84. The school received 1,122 applications, out of which 359 were accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of about 32 percent. Of those admitted, 95 students ultimately matriculated, joining the entering class for that academic year.

Application Deadline

For the 2025 admissions cycle at the William S. Richardson School of Law, applications for Fall 2026 entry will open on September 1, 2025 through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The school observes two key deadlines: the priority deadline is January 28, 2026, and the final deadline is May 1, 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete all requirements well before these dates to ensure LSAC has processed their materials in time for review.

To Apply with the LSAT and GRE

Applicants to the William S. Richardson School of Law have the flexibility to apply using either the LSAT or the GRE. The law school treats both tests equally, with no preference for one over the other. This allows candidates to select the exam that best highlights their academic strengths and testing abilities.

When applying, scores must be submitted directly through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) for processing. If you choose the LSAT, your results will automatically be reported to LSAC. If you opt for the GRE, you must request that your official score report be sent to LSAC so it can be included in your application file. Regardless of the test chosen, all other application requirements—such as transcripts, personal statement, résumé, and letters of recommendation—must also be completed and transmitted through LSAC.

This dual-option approach is designed to provide applicants with greater access and flexibility, ensuring that the admissions committee can evaluate candidates based on the strongest representation of their academic potential.

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

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the William S. Richardson School of Law offers a tuition structure that varies by residency, with lower rates for Hawaiʻi residents, special reduced rates for students from participating Western states through WRGP/WICHE, and higher tuition for non-residents. In addition to federal student aid options like Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS Loans, the school provides financial support through the Richardson Opportunity Grant, which offers need-based assistance, and a range of merit-based scholarships awarded based on academic performance and other achievements. Together, these resources are designed to make a legal education at Richardson more accessible and financially manageable for a diverse group of students.

Cost of Attendance

For full-time JD students, the estimated nine-month cost of attendance includes tuition and fees, living expenses, books, supplies, transportation, and personal costs.

William S. Richardson School of Law – Estimated Cost of Attendance (2025–2026)

Item	In-State (HI Residents)	Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees	$23,620	$47,044
Additional Fees	$772	$772
Living Costs (Off-Campus)	$24,662	$24,662
Estimated Total COA	$45,349	$68,773
Typical Grants/Scholarships	~$6,000	~$6,000
Net COA after Aid	$39,349	$62,773

The cost of attendance for the 2025–2026 academic year at the William S. Richardson School of Law varies significantly depending on residency status. For Hawaiʻi residents, tuition and fees total about $23,620, while non-residents pay approximately $47,044. Both groups are responsible for the same additional university fees of around $772 and estimated living expenses of about $24,662, which include housing, food, books, transportation, and personal costs. Altogether, this brings the projected annual cost of attendance to roughly $45,349 for in-state students and $68,773 for out-of-state students. On average, students receive about $6,000 in grants or scholarships, reducing the net cost to approximately $39,349 for residents and $62,773 for non-residents. This breakdown highlights how residency and financial aid can substantially influence the overall affordability of attending Richardson.

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
2025 US News Ranking	99th
LSAT Median Score	156
GPA Median Score	3.7
Bar Passage Rate	69.1% (2025)
Employment Rate	65.2% (2025)
Cost	"$23,620 (in-state, full-time), $47,044 (out-of-state, full-time)"
Average Debt	$90,756
Application Deadline	May 1, 2025

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Reference

https://www.law.hawaii.edu/
Rank #99
LSD Law
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