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john chung

Distinguished Research Professor: John Chung

Michael M. Bowden

A popular teacher and academically prolific scholar, Chung’s work focuses on commercial law – but he’s never been afraid to tackle more “transcendent” issues.

raquel ortiz

Dean’s Distinguished Service Award: Raquel Ortiz

Michael M. Bowden

Roger Williams University School of Law is proud to announce that Raquel M. Ortiz – dean for Library & Information Services and associate professor of law – is this year’s recipient of the Dean’s

deborah gonzalez

Distinguished Service Professor: Deborah Gonzalez

Michael M. Bowden

Roger Williams University School of Law is proud to announce that Deborah Gonzalez – director of the Immigration Law Clinic and Associate Clinical Professor of Law – will serve as the Bruce I. Kogan

Virtual Commencement

A Commencement Like No Other

Michael M. Bowden

RWU Law graduates, family, friends, alumni, faculty and staff gather online for a "Virtual Commencement" to mark what should have been — and anticipate in-person celebrations to come.

Tara Allen

Professor of the Year: Tara Allen

Michael M. Bowden

“This class embraced my rather nontraditional teaching methods, and trusted themselves enough to step boldly into that space between mystery and mastery of the law.”

David Coombs

Adjunct Professor of the Year: David Coombs

Michael M. Bowden

As a seasoned JAG and private defense attorney, Coombs has represented countless soldiers (most prominently Wikileaks defendant PFC Chelsea Manning). As a professor at RWU Law, his classes have yielded many grateful alumni — and one video you've really got to see.

ann marie thompson

Staff Person of the Year: Ann Marie Thompson

Michael M. Bowden

The Class of 2020 has voted Ann Marie Thompson — RWU Law's assistant director of Student Finance & Records — as Staff Person of the Year! Here's why.

Dennis Nixon

Dennis W. Nixon: Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa

RWU Law celebrates the Director of the Rhode Island Sea Grant Program and a member of our own Marine Affairs Institute's advisory board — a respected and engaged marine lawyer, educator, academic, boater, diver, and more.

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.