Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in Hawaii that provides Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), or Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). You can use the following list to pick a school that fits your needs. These law schools in Hawaii are ranked based on the student reviews, alumni surveys, assessment of peer institutions, and official data reported by each law college. In addition, we also provide average LSAT scores, GPA and acceptance rates for each of these law schools in Hawaii.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in Hawaii
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 107 | University of Hawaii, Manoa (Richardson) (Honolulu, HI) Acceptance rate: 20.9% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 153-160 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.11-3.55 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $17,378 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $32,522 per year Enrollment (full-time): 276 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 80.5%
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All Law Schools in Hawaii
Hawaii offers a unique and enriching environment for law students, with its rich cultural history and its position as a key player in the Pacific Rim, making it an attractive location for students interested in environmental law, international law, and indigenous legal issues. The state is home to only one accredited law school, the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii.
1. William S. Richardson School of Law (University of Hawaii at Mānoa)
Overview
The William S. Richardson School of Law, located at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa in Honolulu, is the only law school in Hawaii. Established in 1973, it has gained a reputation for its strong emphasis on environmental law, indigenous rights, Pacific-Asian legal studies, and public service. Named after former Chief Justice William S. Richardson of the Hawaii Supreme Court, the school is known for its commitment to social justice, community service, and practical legal training. The law school offers students a close-knit learning environment and a strong connection to the local legal community.
Degree Programs
The William S. Richardson School of Law offers a variety of degree programs that cater to both traditional law students and those seeking specialized legal training:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program designed to prepare students for the bar exam and general legal practice. The program includes opportunities for specialization in areas such as environmental law, Native Hawaiian law, and international law.
- Advanced Juris Doctor (AJD): A two-year J.D. program designed for foreign-trained lawyers who want to obtain a J.D. and qualify to take the U.S. bar exam.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): A one-year program for foreign-trained lawyers or U.S. attorneys seeking advanced legal training. The LL.M. program offers specializations in:
- International Human Rights
- Environmental Law
- Pacific-Asian Legal Studies
- U.S. Legal Systems (for international students)
- Environmental Law Program (ELP): A specialized program that allows students to focus on environmental law, with access to Hawaii’s unique ecosystems and legal issues surrounding land, water, and ocean resources.
- Pacific-Asian Legal Studies (PALS): A program that focuses on the legal issues of the Pacific and Asian regions, making it a hub for international legal studies.
- Dual Degrees:
- J.D./M.A. in Asian Studies
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration)
- J.D./M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration)
Admission Requirements
Admission to the William S. Richardson School of Law is competitive, with the admissions committee looking for students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to public service.
- Average LSAT: 157
- Average GPA: 3.45
Other important factors considered in the admissions process include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement that highlights their motivation for pursuing a law degree, career goals, and how they would contribute to the school’s mission of promoting social justice and public service.
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically from academic professors or professional supervisors who can attest to the applicant’s abilities, character, and potential for success in law school.
- Resume: Detailing the applicant’s work experience, leadership roles, community service, and other relevant extracurricular activities.
- Diversity Statement (optional): Applicants may submit an optional statement discussing their background, unique experiences, or how their perspective can contribute to the diversity of the law school community.
Starting Salaries
Graduates of the William S. Richardson School of Law are well-prepared for careers in private practice, public service, and non-profit organizations, both in Hawaii and on the mainland. The school’s focus on practical training and community service ensures that graduates have the skills needed to succeed in the legal profession.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $75,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $60,000
Strengths of William S. Richardson School of Law
Environmental Law Program
One of the key strengths of the William S. Richardson School of Law is its Environmental Law Program (ELP), which is highly regarded both locally and internationally. Given Hawaii’s unique ecosystems and its reliance on natural resources, environmental law is a critical area of legal study at the law school. The ELP offers students the opportunity to study topics such as climate change, water rights, conservation, and sustainable development. Additionally, the ELP provides access to hands-on learning experiences through externships, field trips, and internships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private law firms.
Key features of the Environmental Law Program include:
- Environmental Law Clinics: These clinics allow students to work on real-world environmental law cases under the supervision of experienced attorneys, helping them develop practical skills in litigation and policy advocacy.
- Hawaii Law Review and Environmental Law Moot Court Team: Students can gain valuable writing and advocacy experience by participating in the school’s law review or competing in national environmental law moot court competitions.
- Certificate in Environmental Law: Students can earn a certificate in environmental law by completing a set number of credits in environmental law courses and participating in relevant practical experiences.
Native Hawaiian Law and Indigenous Rights
Another area of focus for the William S. Richardson School of Law is Native Hawaiian Law and the legal issues surrounding indigenous rights. Hawaii’s unique legal landscape, shaped by its history and the ongoing struggles of Native Hawaiians for land, cultural preservation, and sovereignty, makes this an important area of study. The school’s Native Hawaiian Law Center offers courses, seminars, and internships that focus on legal issues affecting Native Hawaiians, including land claims, natural resource management, and civil rights.
Key features of the Native Hawaiian Law Program include:
- Native Hawaiian Law Certificate: Students can earn a certificate in Native Hawaiian law by completing specific coursework and participating in internships or externships related to indigenous legal issues.
- Partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA): The law school works closely with the OHA, providing students with opportunities to engage in legal work related to Native Hawaiian rights and governance.
Pacific-Asian Legal Studies (PALS)
Given Hawaii’s location in the Pacific, the Pacific-Asian Legal Studies (PALS) program is another key strength of the law school. PALS provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal issues facing the Asia-Pacific region, including international trade, human rights, and maritime law. The program offers students the opportunity to study with renowned scholars and gain practical experience through externships and internships in countries such as Japan, China, and the Philippines.
Key features of the PALS program include:
- Study Abroad Opportunities: PALS offers students the chance to study law abroad, either through exchange programs or summer internships in countries like Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.
- Pacific-Asian Law Journal: The school publishes a journal focusing on legal issues in the Pacific-Asian region, providing students with the opportunity to engage in legal research and writing on international topics.
Clinical and Externship Programs
The William S. Richardson School of Law offers several clinical and externship programs that allow students to gain practical legal experience while providing valuable services to the community. These programs give students the opportunity to represent clients, draft legal documents, and participate in court proceedings under the supervision of experienced attorneys.
Some of the key clinical and externship programs include:
- Environmental Law Clinic: Students work on real-world environmental cases, gaining experience in litigation, policy advocacy, and regulatory work.
- Elder Law Clinic: Focuses on issues affecting the elderly population, including estate planning, guardianship, and healthcare law.
- Family Law Clinic: Students assist clients with family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and domestic violence.
- Judicial Externships: Students have the opportunity to work with judges in Hawaii’s state and federal courts, gaining valuable insights into the judicial decision-making process.
Bar Passage and Employment Rates
The William S. Richardson School of Law has a strong record of preparing students for the bar exam, with many graduates passing the Hawaii Bar Exam on their first attempt. The school provides comprehensive bar preparation courses and resources to ensure students are ready for the exam.
- Bar Passage Rate: Approximately 80% of graduates pass the Hawaii Bar Exam on their first attempt, with many also passing the bar exams in other states.
Graduates of the law school have excellent employment prospects, particularly in Hawaii’s legal market, which offers opportunities in private practice, government service, and public interest law. Many graduates also find employment on the mainland, particularly in areas related to environmental law, international law, and indigenous rights.
- Employment Rate: Over 90% of graduates are employed within ten months of graduation, with many securing positions in law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition at the William S. Richardson School of Law is relatively affordable compared to many other law schools in the United States, particularly for residents of Hawaii. The school also offers a variety of financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and loan programs.
- In-State Tuition: Approximately $22,000 per year.
- Out-of-State Tuition: Approximately $45,000 per year.
The law school provides several scholarship opportunities for students with strong academic backgrounds, leadership potential, and demonstrated financial need. These scholarships help offset the cost of tuition and reduce the overall financial burden of attending law school.