William S. Richardson School of Law

08/04/2026

Counting down the days until our students are back on campus 📚🌈

Soon we’ll be welcoming our incoming class for orientation, with returning students not far behind. Can’t wait for Richardson to be full and alive again!

07/28/2026

For five decades, Professor Williamson "Bill" Chang has shaped generations of lawyers, scholars, and community leaders across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. He joined the Richardson Law faculty in 1976 and has spent his career advancing justice, Indigenous rights, constitutional law, and the legal and political history of Hawaiʻi, becoming one of the most influential voices in Hawaiʻi legal education along the way. His pioneering scholarship on Native Hawaiian sovereignty, self-determination, and land rights helped shape public discourse across the state, and his courses on legal ethics, water law, Native Hawaiian rights, and international law became foundational experiences for countless students.

More than 4,000 students have passed through the law school during his tenure. In his own words: "I cannot imagine a life better spent."

The Richardson ʻohana extends its heartfelt gratitude to Professor Chang for fifty years of dedication and leadership.

Read his full story: https://law.hawaii.edu/31878/

07/25/2026

Our recent graduates will soon sit for the bar exam. Before they do, Dean Camille Nelson, Associate Dean Troy Andrade, and Associate Dean Shari Larsen wanted to share a quick message.

You’ve put in the work. We believe in you.

Good luck to all of our bar takers. We’re cheering you on! 💚

07/16/2026

This summer, Richardson Law welcomed international visiting students for Introduction to U.S. Law, a three-week course in the fundamentals of the American legal system, from common law reasoning to civil litigation.

Beyond the classroom, students argued a mock case in the Richardson Law Moot Courtroom, toured Aliʻiōlani Hale, home of the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court, and sat down with alumna Justice Sabrina McKenna to talk legal careers in the U.S.

“The students were wonderful in sharing their perspectives and drawing comparisons with how their home jurisdictions approach common issues,” said Professor Richard Chen, who taught the course.

We’re excited for this program to return next summer! 🌺⚖️

07/07/2026

What does federal law actually say about Native Hawaiians? Professor Derek Kauanoe ‘08 joined KHON2’s What’s the Law to break it down, from the distinction between a racial group and an indigenous people with trust-related obligations, to how the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom shapes these questions today.

Prof. Kauanoe teaches legal writing, federal Indian law, and torts. His scholarly research interests focus on Indigenous self-determination and self-governance, with his work focusing on Native Hawaiians and Indigenous communities.

Watch or read the full conversation: https://www.khon2.com/whats-the-law/native-hawaiians-federal-whats-the-law/amp/

Derek Kauanoe, Assistant Professor at the William S. Richardson School of Law joins producer/host Coralie Chun Matayoshi to discuss how Native Hawaiians are understood under federal law, whether Co…

06/29/2026

From picking kiawe beans as a kid to becoming general counsel at Hawaiian Electric, Jackie Mahi Erickson '77 has lived by a simple philosophy: work hard, save, share.

Her recent pledge to name the Jackie Mahi Erickson '77 Ulu Lehua Seminar Room at Richardson Law reflects a lifetime of giving back, and a deep belief that education opens doors for entire communities.

Read her full story: https://law.hawaii.edu/31747/

06/26/2026

To our recent Richardson graduates preparing for the July Bar Exam:

Professor Mary Apodaca, Director of Bar Success, shares three reminders to help you stay focused as you continue preparing.

From building endurance to practicing actively and taking care of yourself, every step you take now is an investment in your success.

Trust your preparation, stay consistent, and remember that your Richardson community is cheering you on every step of the way.

You’ve got this. 💚⚖️

06/16/2026

A beautiful summer day at Richardson Law 🌱🌈

06/05/2026

Celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎓

From the pre-ceremony toast to crossing the stage and celebrating with family and friends, Commencement 2026 was a day to remember.

Mahalo to everyone who helped make this milestone so special, and congratulations to our newest Richardson alumni. We can’t wait to see the impact that you’ll make in Hawaiʻi and beyond.

Click the link in our bio to view the full Commencement photo gallery!

05/28/2026

The Transfer and Visiting Student application for Fall 2026 is open! 📚🌺

The William S. Richardson School of Law is accepting applications through July 1, 2026.

For the first time, students may also apply as Transfer or Visiting students to the Hawaiʻi Online JD program, expanding access to a Richardson legal education with the flexibility of online learning.

Whether you are looking to continue your legal education in Hawaiʻi or join our online program from afar, we look forward to reviewing your application.

Learn more and apply today!