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 ...
Bringing Election Law to Students
Maureen Wagner Vinson, RWU Law Class of 2010 Juris DoctorAwareness of voting and election laws has increased with the rise of election-related litigation over the last few years, but RWU Law alum Maureen Wagner Vinson L'10, has been directly involved with these issues since much earlier in her career. She credits the school with upholding its commitment to diversity of opinion and civil discourse, stating that many faculty members “were always happy to debate or serve on a panel with Federalist Society speakers.”
Read full storyFeatured News
Disrupting Legal Education for Equity
"We are a small law school, and the only one in Rhode Island, but we are punching above our weight in the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging space," Nicole Dyszlewski said.
RWU Receives $750,000 Gift From Hassenfeld Family Foundation to Strengthen Law School's Regional Impact and Reputation
RWU Law will use gift to launch campaign about the school’s public impact and creating changemakers in law.
Exploring Law from Classroom to Courtroom
Having the opportunity to learn about the legal system from the ground up was Dillon Donaldson’s main goal in law school. As a recent intern at the United States District Court, District of Rhode Island for Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Donaldson had the unique opportunity to look behind the curtain and get a close look at the inner workings of the justice system.
The Powerful Combination of Representation and Advocacy
Filiaggi didn't have any clue that a legal career was in his future while he was studying Marine Affairs as an undergraduate at the University of Rhode Island. His experience included an impactful semester away with the Williams-Mystic Coastal and Ocean Studies Program. Weighing his future options during the pandemic, Filiaggi realized he could still dedicate his career to protecting the natural environment by pivoting to become a lawyer.
Supporting Rhode Island's Aquaculture
Aquaculture is crucial for the state, but when it comes to navigating legal matters, many in the sector are left without help. At RWU Law, the Marine Affairs Institute has made it part of its mission to change this.
Upcoming Events
- WedDec4
- FriJan24
- 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.