Get a Closer Look at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law

Ready to find out how Hawaiʻi’s only law school will prepare you for a rewarding legal career? Download our informative guide and explore all that Richardson Law offers. You’ll gain detailed insights into our JD program and discover how we train ethical professionals through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and public service.

The William S. Richardson School of Law ranks among the top law schools in the nation for Environmental Law and International Law.


U.S. News & World Report (2025)

A Native Hawaiian Place of Learning

At the William S. Richardson School of Law, being a Native Hawaiian place of learning signifies a deep-rooted commitment to honoring Hawaiian cultural values and perspectives in legal education. This unique identity reflects a dedication to the principles of ‘āina (land) and ‘ohana (family), ensuring that the legal education provided is not only rigorous but also culturally inclusive and reflective of Hawaiʻi’s rich heritage. 

  • Aʻo (to learn, teach, or counsel)
  • ʻAuamo (to collectively engage)
  • Alu (to cooperate or work together)
  • ‘Āina (land)
  • ‘Ohana (family)
  • Kuleana (responsibility)
  • Aloha (love, respect, or greeting)
  • Mahalo (thank you)
  • Pono (righteousness, balance)
  • Malama (to care for or protect)
  • Ho’omaikaʻi (congratulations)

The Hawaiian language, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, is the indigenous language of Hawaiʻi and official language of the state of Hawaiʻi along with English. The use of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi in our communication highlights the importance of embracing and celebrating the local culture, promoting a sense of belonging, and respect for the backgrounds in our community.

A'o Learning from One Another ALU Connecting with Each Other ʻAuamo Working Together

The William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa is truly unique. It is distinct because of its history of excellence and inclusivity, its location in Hawaiʻi, which is singular in its beauty, its rich culture, its provision of a truly inspiring setting in which to study the law, and its commitment as a Hawaiian place of learning.

– Dean Camille Nelson

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