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Three women faculty members--left wearing floral blue dress with glasses, middle wearing an off white suit jacket, right wearing a bright red dress and eyeglasses with the School of Law building sign visible in the background.

New Book on Race and Law Gives Context, Fills Gaps

Suzi Morales

The first edition of “Race and the Foundations of American Law,” a new casebook by a group of Roger Williams School of Law professors, makes the resources from RWU Law’s first-of-its-kind course on the same subject available to schools and students around the U.S. and sheds light on the role of race and racism in everything from property ownership to the child welfare system.

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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

Suzi Morales

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.

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

Remembering Bruce I. Kogan

Helga Melgar

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.

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Law students with right hands raised taking oath of professionalism

A New Class of Changemakers

Suzi Morales

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.

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

Spotlight on Trial Advocacy with Jamie Gau, L’16

Helga Melgar

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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John A. Dorsey L'10

John Dorsey L'10 Selected for U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Rhode Island

Helga Melgar

Chief Judge David J. Barron of the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit announced on June 5 that John A. Dorsey L'10 has been selected to fill the upcoming vacancy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Rhode Island that will result from Judge Diane Finkle's retirement on September 8, 2025.

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Deborah Gonzales wearing judicial robe in court with US flags behind her

Up for a Challenge

Suzi Morales

Deborah Gonzales L'07 began her legal career on the cleaning staff. “I’ve had every position, from the cleaning person, to the receptionist, to the secretary, to the paralegal, to the lawyer, to the partner, to the law professor, and now the judge,” Gonzalez says.

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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.