Roger Williams Law Campus, situated directly on the waterfront

RWU Law

#Changemakers Welcome

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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.

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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.

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Why RWU Law?

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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.

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The Only Law School In RIClick to Open

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 ...

Why that matters
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Facts at a Glance

  • #13
    Faculty Accessibility & Quality of Teaching

    Data from the Princeton Review places RWU Law among the best student reviewed faculties in the United States.

  • Innovation Leader

    RWU 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

    Race and The Foundations of American Law
  • AFFORDABILITY

    We're the most affordable private, ABA law school in the entire Northeast region.

    More about affordability
  • #Changemaker Stories

    With 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.

    Read Our Stories
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Working for the Ocean State’s Future

Camille Capraro, RWU Law Class of 2019 Juris Doctor

For Camille Capraro L'19, public service has always been paramount. She grew up with the core belief that having thoughtful and responsive government can make a true impact on people, improving their lives while drive meaningful change that makes a difference. According to her, this is what ultimately led her to join the Governor’s office.

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Featured News

  • Medium shot of subject Nate Reid wearing a jacket and tie, smiling, with fall colored leaves in the background.

    The Surprising Impact of Pro Bono Opportunities

    When 3L Nate Reid applied for the 2024 Alternative Spring Break (ASB), the Innocence Project "called my name”, he shared. ASB helped Reid complete the 50 pro bono hours RWU Law requires for graduation, but his interest went well beyond checking a box.

  • Close up shot of Professor Kogan with gray hair and beard, wearing a suit.

    Remembering Bruce I. Kogan

    Roger Williams University School of Law mourns the passing of Professor Bruce I. Kogan, a founding faculty member and one of the school's most influential leaders. From the institution's earliest days, Professor Kogan shaped the programs that continue to distinguish it today. He created the externship program, established the clinical law program, and built pathways for students to gain hands-on experience while serving the community. His work was recognized in 2018 with the creation of the Bruce I. Kogan Distinguished Service Professorship.

  • Law students with right hands raised taking oath of professionalism

    A New Class of Changemakers

    Students in the Class of 2028 come from a range of backgrounds and experience. Thirty-four percent come from underrepresented racial backgrounds, a new high for RWU Law. The new class also includes 30% of students who were first generation college students and 87% who are the first in their families to attend law school. Eighteen percent identify as LGBTQ+, the most ever.

  • Professor Jamie Gau photo with arms crossed in front wearing a suit.

    Spotlight on Trial Advocacy with Jamie Gau, L’16

    What distinguishes RWU Law’s Trial Advocacy Program? According to Professor Gau, the Trial Advocacy Program doesn’t just teach students how to advocate—it immerses them fully in the practice.

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Upcoming Events

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Institutes and Programs

Marine Affairs Institute

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.

Bernard Freamon, Institute Leader

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.