Continuing its tradition of strong admissions for another year, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law welcomed an incoming class of 113 students for fall 2021, including: 83 full-time day students; 19 evening part-time students, seven seeking a masters or LLM degree; and four pursuing an advanced juris doctorate.
The numbers for the new year are consistent with the numbers over the last few years, despite the volatility in law school admissions that have been seen across the country over the past decade.
“We are excited to be starting a new year and welcoming such a vibrant class of students,” said Dean Camille Nelson. “Despite our law school’s relatively small size, we attract a strong group of Hawaiʻi, continental U.S. and international students who value excellence and learning in an environment of support and collegiality that comes from both the students themselves, as well as the faculty and staff.”
The number of applications Richardson received this year was the largest in the past nine years, and the admissions team calls it a hopeful sign that law school applicants are looking forward, and want to train themselves now so they will be ready for a post-pandemic future.
“We have been fortunate to further expand our reach and engagement with prospective students in the past year through virtual events,” said Loreto Coloma, Jr., associate director of admissions. “It is very encouraging to see the increasing interest in wanting to study law and to attend our law school.”
Richardson received a 12.9% increase in applications, topping the national average of a 12.6% increase. The applicant pool was 55% female, and the incoming class is 71.5% female, said Coloma.
This effort is an example of UH Mānoa’s goal of Enhancing Student Success (PDF), one of four goals identified in the 2015–25 Strategic Plan (PDF), updated in December 2020.
For more information, see the UH law school website.
–By Beverly Creamer
