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 ...
Defending Dreams in Challenging Times
Jeremy Love and Samantha Armstrong, RWU Law Class of 2006 and 2018 Juris Doctor2012 was an important year in immigration law, as the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program opened a new category of legal status for undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. under the age of 18, so-called “Dreamers.” It was also the year Jeremy Love L’06 founded the Love Law Firm, a full-service immigration firm in Alabama. In 2024, another RWU Law graduate, Samantha Armstrong L’18 joined the firm.
Read full storyFeatured News
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.
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.
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.
RWU Law Named a ‘Best Law School’ by The Princeton Review
The college guide’s “Best Law Schools for 2025” recognizes Roger Williams University School of Law for its strong sense of community, faculty mentorship, and commitment to real-world learning.
Middle Schoolers Explore the Rule of Law at Second Annual Mandell-Boisclair Justice Camp
Through hands-on site visits, lively debates, and conversations with legal and political leaders, 34 Rhode Island students received a transformative learning experience envisioning their roles as future changemakers.
Upcoming Events
- FriSep12
- WedSep17
Race and the Foundations of American Law: A Virtual Coursebook Release Celebration
- Virtual Program (Zoom Webinar) - FriNov7
Law Review Symposium: Prisoners' Rights: Protecting Civil Liberties Behind Bars & Beyond
- RWU Law Bristol Campus
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.