2005-2009

“RWU Law and the regional bench and bar have a symbiotic, mutually complementary relationship that helps to attract talented adjuncts, opens doors to internships and jobs, and gets so many of our wonderful judges involved. Students would never have the opportunity to gain that wisdom in any other state – not at the level they do at Roger Williams.”

~ Mark Mandell, Esq., Chair, RWU Law Board of Directors (2008-2020; as chair 2011-2014)

2005

The Pro Bono Collaborative (PBC) is established as pilot programThe  Pro Bono Collaborative (PBC) is established as pilot program. It is officially launched as a full RWU Law program in January 2006, with support from the Rhode Island Foundation.

AALS2006

RWU Law awarded membership in the AALS (Association of American Law Schools).

The Honorable Joseph R. Weisberger, retired Chief Justice ofThe Honorable Joseph R. Weisberger, retired Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court (1993-2001), becomes the first chair of RWU Law’s Board of Directors.

2007

RWU Law’s first endowed professorship is established in honor of the Honorable Joseph R. Weisberger.

Professor Michael YelnoskyProfessor Michael Yelnosky releases his first Faculty Productivity report, measuring per capita productivity of law faculties, based on publication in major law journals between 1992 and 2007, and underscoring the quality of RWU Law’s faculty.

 

2008

Chief Justice John Roberts

Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court meets with RWU Students in Providence, and swears in 43 alumni to Federal Bar.

 

 


Justice Antonin ScaliaAssociate Justice Antonin Scalia of the U.S. Supreme Court spends a memorable day at RWU Law as Distinguished Jurist in Residence.

 

 

2009

In furtherance of RWU Law’s commitment to public service, the faculty votes …In furtherance of RWU Law’s commitment to public service, the faculty votes to require that, in order to graduate, students must complete at least 50 hours of unpaid, law-related public service, for which they will not receive academic credit.

Timeline

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.