Zaki Farah understands firsthand that for many, the courtroom is not a place of fairness, but a place of fear. His mission is to change that. The son of Syrian immigrants who fled religious and political persecution, Farah grew up in upstate New York watching his family navigate the immigration system with little support. His father built a photography business from the ground up, but the process…, Zaki Farah flanked by two other RWU Law studnets with the LA Superior Court of California building behind them., That purpose led him to Alternative Spring Break during his 2L year , where he was placed with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office . It was, in his words, “the most formative experience of my legal education.” There, he was thrown into active criminal cases, invited into courtroom chambers, and mentored by public defenders and judges who modeled the kind of advocacy he aspires to…
Type: Article
Welcome First-Gen Students!, RWU Law understands that First-Gen students face a number of different challenges impacting their success in law school. This program exists to let these students be seen and heard. First-Gen students often are trained from their time in college to “go it alone” when it comes to seeking out support. Our goal is for First-Gen students to see that they are a part of the grand mosaic that makes up…, LEAD@RWULaw, The mission of the LEAD@RWULAW Pre-Orientation Program is to empower incoming law students to achieve their full potential through mentoring, learning, and leadership experiences. The goal of LEAD@RWULAW is to foster a thriving community of students who are supported and connected through meaningful relationships and opportunities for learning and growth. LEAD@RWULAW is designed especially for…, First Generation Mentorship Program, The Mentorship Program matches incoming first-year students with an upper-level student mentor. The goal is to have someone to help guide incoming students through the transition into law school. While many folks may have survived college without seeking help, law school is very different and having a friendly face in the building to ask questions of is invaluable. Mentors are expected to…, Additional Programming, Throughout the year, we will do other dedicated programming. Examples from the past have included networking when you don't have a network and tips for writing final exam answers. These programs can continually expand to meet the needs of First-Gen students in the School of Law. If you have any ideas or requests, please get in touch with Christopher Gerlica .
Type: Basic Page
Building on our legacy as Rhode Island's only law school and a leading institution in Southern New England, RWU Law works hard to offer a legal education that's accessible and affordable. That's how we became, at $48,584 for incoming 1Ls in fall 2026, the best-priced ABA-accredited private law school in the Northeast – and one of the best legal education values on the entire East Coast. And we're…
Type: Basic Page
Type: Course
BRISTOL, R.I. – , A group of paper houses and apartment complexes with a warm light inside greeted attendees at the door inside one of Rhode Island’s State House rooms. It was a symbol of what everyone there was fighting for: “a neat, well-lit place” as a right for all in Rhode Island to have. At the inaugural RWU Law Housing Advocacy Clinic Showcase last month, the struggles of condominium owners, rising housing…
Type: Article
Chelsie Horne, Director of Programs & Initiatives, and Nicole Dyszlewski, Assistant Dean for Curricular Innovation and Professor, have received the 2025 Presidential Spotlight Award from the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) for their sustained leadership of the Integrating Doctrine and Diversity Speaker Series., A Nationally Recognized Initiative, The Integrating Doctrine and Diversity Speaker Series was launched as an extension of the book Integrating Doctrine and Diversity: Inclusion and Equity in the Law School Classroom, co-edited by two RWU Law professors. The initiative provides practical, classroom-ready strategies for incorporating equity, inclusion, and critical perspectives into doctrinal instruction. In 2024, the project…, Sustained Work Behind the Series, The AALS Presidential Spotlight Award recognizes individuals and programs whose contributions strengthen pre-law education and expand access to the legal profession. This year’s award reflects the sustained commitment and collaboration of Horne and Dyszlewski in developing, coordinating, and sustaining the Integrating Doctrine and Diversity initiative. Dean Gregory W. Bowman commented on the…, “This recognition from AALS affirms the extraordinary leadership behind the Integrating Doctrine and Diversity initiative. Nicole Dyszlewski and Chelsie Horne have built a program that is reshaping legal education by giving faculty practical, thoughtful ways to bring DEIB principles into the law school classroom.”, View past sessions from the Integrating Doctrine and Diversity Speaker Series here.
Type: Article
This one-hour program introduces attorneys to the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Rhode Island with a focus on the Social Equity Program. Through a blend of legal analysis, policy history, and insights into the existing regulatory framework, this session will help practitioners build a foundational understanding of cannabis equity policy in our state. The panel of speakers will offer a…, Meet the Speakers, Carla Aveledo, Carla Aveledo, Esq., Chief of Policy, Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission Carla Aveledo is an attorney currently serving as Chief of Policy for Rhode Island’s Cannabis Control Commission. In this role, Carla supports in policy-making decisions for the State’s adult-use cannabis regulatory framework, specifically the Social Equity Program, and helps facilitate public meetings for the Cannabis Advisory Board.…, Michelle A. Reddish, MS, MPH, Administrator, Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission Michelle A. Reddish Michelle A. Reddish, MS, MPH is a mission-driven leader with a passion for cannabis, compliance, and community. Known for her practical leadership style, she builds systems that promote health, equity, and innovation, creating space for meaningful change in complex, highly regulated environments. Her regulatory career…, Shannon Heery, Associate Professor of Law, Roger William University School of Law Shannon Heery Shannon Heery joined the Roger Williams University School of Law faculty in July 2025. Prior to joining RWU Law, Professor Heery taught Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Evidence at Vermont Law and Graduate School. She currently serves as the Reporter for the Advisory Committee to the Vermont Supreme Court on…, Meet the Moderator, Nicole P. Dyszlewski, Assistant Dean of Academic Innovation, Roger Williams University School of Law Nicole P. Dyszlewski Nicole’s work centers on building a more inclusive and equitable legal system. Her areas of focus include DEIB pedagogy in law schools, mass incarceration, and access to information— topics where she brings both a lawyer’s insightful analysis and a librarian’s relentless curiosity. Nicole is the…, Rhode Island MCLE Credit, This program is approved for one DEI Rhode Island MCLE Credit., Registration, $40 Registration/One RI MCLE DEI Credit $25 RWU Law Alumni $25 Non-profit/Government Complimentary RWU Law Students Complimentary RWU Law Faculty & Administration Register for the January 13, 2026 CLE Program Here, Cancellation & Refund Policy, RWU Law CLE cancellations received by Thursday, January 8, 2026 are eligible to receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee. Cancellations received after the stated deadline will not be eligible for a refund. Cancellations are accepted via email at lawevents@rwu.edu
Type: Event
Ben Frost is a housing advocate, driven by the belief that everyone has the right to a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home. He was appointed President of Proactive Development at Rhode Island Housing in 2024, a position created to find innovative ways to stimulate housing production and solve the Ocean State’s housing crisis. Prior to coming to Rhode Island, Ben worked at New…
Type: Faculty & Staff Profile
Type: Faculty & Staff Profile
Type: Faculty & Staff Profile
