RWU Law
#Changemakers Welcome
Juris Doctor (JD)
Few degrees are more versatile than the Juris Doctor, whatever your professional interest: private practice, public interest, government, litigation, corporate, marine, educational or elsewhere!
Master of Studies in Law (MSL)
Designed especially for students who want to bring deep legal skill and know-how to their existing career focus, but not actually practice law.
Why RWU Law?
Social Justice
At RWU Law, we believe that lawyers should use their legal skills to serve their communities – and that pro bono service in law school can set the stage for a lifetime of invaluable social contributions.
Guaranteed Clinical Experience
RWU Law guarantees that every qualified student will be afforded a substantial, hands-on clinical experience. You tell us: where do you want to go? The possibilities are virtually limitless.
Affordable Tuition
Our affordable tuition makes us the best-priced ABA-accredited private law school in the Northeast. Lower tuition. Higher value. That's RWU Law.
The Only Law School In RI
As the state's one and only law school, RWU Law is able to offer you a level of access, connection and experience that few institutions can rival – helping you have an impact today, and make a difference now ...
Facts at a Glance
- #1Faculty Accessibility
Data from the Princeton Review places RWU Law among the best student reviewed faculties in the United States.
Innovation LeaderRWU Law is one of just a handful of law schools to add a 3-credit required course on race in its curriculum, and is leading other schools in integrating diversity into classroom teaching with co-authorship of a book on the subject with a webinar series
- 2Campuses
Our Bristol seaside campus provides the backdrop for your legal education. Our Providence experiential campus gives you the experience you seek in your third year.
AFFORDABILITYWe're the most affordable private, ABA law school in the entire Northeast region.
- 60,100Hours of Community Service
Our 2022 graduates provided a combined total of 60,100 hours of community service equivalent to an estimated value of $1.8M
#Changemaker StoriesWith extensive pro bono clinic experiences, RWU Law students start being changemakers in school. Our alumni go out into the world armed with the education and experience to contribute meaningful changes within their spheres of influence.
Adventures in Law
Terrence Haas, RWU Law Class of 2007 Juris DoctorTerrence Haas L‘07 is an adventurer. In his twenties, he lived off the grid in rural northern Michigan in a shelter with no electricity or water. After law school, he moved to Alaska to become a public defender in a town outside of the state’s road system. In September 2023, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy appointed Haas as the Alaska Public Defender.
Read full storyFeatured News
Professor Tara I. Allen Announced as Federal Public Defender
Chief Judge David J. Barron of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit announced on June 4th that the Court has selected Attorney and current Professor of Law Tara I. Allen to serve as the next Federal Public Defender for the Districts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
RWU Graduates Encouraged to ‘Be Fearless’ and to Always ‘Seek Knowledge’
Shabana Basij-Rasikh, co-founder of the School of Leadership Afghanistan, delivers Commencement address to RWU’s 1,249 graduates.
Elisabeth D’Amelio Chosen as Class of 2024 Graduate Student Commencement Speaker
BRISTOL, R.I. – Selected as the Graduate Student Commencement Speaker for the Class of 2024, Elisabeth D’Amelio, of Lincoln, R.I., said she knows how easy it is to compare yourself to other people
Upcoming Events
- SatMar1
Institutes and Programs
Feinstein Center for Pro Bono and Experiential Education
This center connects students and faculty with community organizations to provide pro bono legal services to those in need and to help students to gain valuable practical legal experience.
Marine Affairs Institute
The Marine Affairs Institute prepares law students to enter the exciting field of ocean and coastal law and policy by providing them with strong academic credentials and practical experiences that help them be practice-ready upon graduation.
Institute for Race and the Law
The innovative Institute for Race and the Law aims to transform the landscape of legal education, drive justice reform through legal scholarship, and address root causes of systemic inequality.