On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Roger Williams University School of Law hosted its annual Champions for Justice event that brought together members of the Rhode Island legal community to honor RWU Law alumni and organizations making significant contributions to social justice.
Through the images in his memoir, environmental lawyer and Brightline executive director Eddie Ahn, showed how over time he began to see his life in different shades of colors, a mix of uncertainty and transformation throughout his journey.
Roger Williams University School of Law welcomes the community to attend a conversation with Eddie Ahn, Executive Director at Brightline Defense, an accomplished environmental lawyer, and graphic memoirist, on Thursday, March 20, at 2:45 p.m.
Sarah Jane Pruell L'25 reflects on her journey to law school and her years as a part-time student juggling work, school, and two young children, one of whom was born shortly before summer term exams.
When Gina George started her first year at Roger Williams University School of Law, her family worried about her. Coming from New York, she was moving to a new town where she didn’t know anyone, to start her first year of law school, an experience that can be not only challenging but also isolating. Turns out, they didn’t need to worry.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
Close Course Type Descriptions
Course Types
We have classified RWU Law classes under the following headers. One of the following course types will be attached to each course which will allow students to narrow down their search while looking for classes.
Core Course
Students in the first and second year are required to take classes covering the following aspects of the law—contracts, torts, property, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law, evidence, and professional responsibility. Along with these aspects, the core curriculum will develop legal reasoning skills.
Elective
After finishing the core curriculum the remaining coursework toward the degree is completed through upper level elective courses. Students can choose courses that peak their interests or courses that go along with the track they are following.
Seminar
Seminars are classes where teachers and small groups of students focus on a specific topic and the students complete a substantial research paper.
Clinics/Externships
Inhouse Clinics and Clinical Externships legal education is law school training in which students participate in client representation under the supervision of a practicing attorney or law professor. RWU Law's Clinical Programs offer unique and effective learning opportunities and the opportunity for practical experience while still in law school.
