What is the, Law 401, podcast?, Law 401 is a Rhode Island–based podcast produced by the state’s only law school, Roger Williams University School of Law. , Law 401 breaks down the legal issues shaping our communities., Whether you’re a concerned citizen, community advocate, or just curious about the legal forces shaping your world, Law 401 makes complex legal topics accessible, engaging, and relevant., Watch. Listen. Subscribe on your Favorite Streaming Platform., Watch on YouTube Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Amazon RSS Feed, Your Law 401 Podcast Hosts, Law 401 podcast hosts Nicole Dyszlewski and Michael Donnelly-Boylen lead the conversation on modern-day legal issues affecting the citizens of Rhode Island. Professor Nicole wearing glasses smiling gleefully with School of Law in the background, Nicole P. Dyszlewski, Professor and Assistant Dean for Curricular Innovation at RWU Law Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn Michael Donnelly-Boylen, Michael Donnelly-Boylen, Associate Dean of Enrollment and Strategic Initiatives at RWU Law Connect with Michael on LinkedIn Nicole and Michael, along with expert guests, look at issues with a legal lens, bring insight, curiosity, and real-world relevance to every conversation. Each episode features Rhode Island voices—from legal experts to local leaders—offering perspective on the legal challenges and opportunities…
Type: Basic Page
As the chief legal counsel of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, Steven Colantuono L’03 is helping to lead the organization through the high-profile development of its new mixed-use transit hub. Prior to becoming the head lawyer for a state agency, Colantuono worked in small firm and solo private practice as well as for nonprofit organizations in the disability space. Throughout his…, Nonprofit leader-turned-lawyer, Colantuono started his career as an aid in a facility for adults with mental disabilities. By the time he began to seriously consider law school, he was in a stable position as a clinical director and was eyeing CEO jobs. He didn’t think he would end up practicing law, “but a law degree couldn’t hurt me, it could only help me.” When he made his first deposit to RWU Law, Colantuono had three…, A new road, Around six years ago, Colantuono learned that RIPTA was looking for a new legal counsel. The agency was particularly interested in someone with disability law experience, a natural fit. Once again, he decided to take the leap. A typical day at RIPTA begins with leadership meetings, followed by substantive legal work. He often ends his days in the late afternoon with phone calls, a holdout from…
Type: Story
Diplomas Photo of flags at Graduation, Prior to graduation you will be notified to complete the Graduation Information form by the Office of Student Finance and Records. From the information you provide on this form this office will order your diplomas. Please review your information carefully before you submit your form. Form may be accessed at: Graduation Information Form, Student Account Balances, Outstanding balance statements will be sent to all graduating students this first week of April. All balances must be paid in full to be eligible for graduation. Commencement Information
Type: Basic Page
Type: Basic Page
School of Law Commencement , Friday, May 15, 2020 12:30 p.m., FAQS, Regalia, Graduates will order regalia, consisting of a robe, hood, and tam, through the bookstore thorough their online site: https://rwulaw.shopoakhalli.com . Regalia should be ordered by March 1, 2020 for pick up at the Mandatory Commencement Meeting (Wednesday, April 15 at 12:30pm in Room 283). Questions about regalia should be referred to Sandra in the bookstore at lawbookstore@rwu.edu . Students on…, Class Rings, Class rings may be ordered online. For an appointment with the Balfour representative, contact: Todd.Incantalupo@balfour.com . Order a Class Ring, Photography, Roger Williams University Media Services will record the ceremony. Graduates will be emailed a link to view the ceremony online after the ceremony. The Office of Programs & Events will have a professional photographer at the ceremony. Graduates will receive a 5 x 7" print from the Office of the Dean. Additional prints may be purchased directly from Commencement Photos, Inc. at 978-851-5924. , Due to safety regulations, family members and friends must remain in their seats throughout the ceremony. No guest will be permitted to stand in the aisles during the ceremony. Members of the audience using cameras may take pictures or videos from their seat., Live Stream / Close Captioned Viewing, The School of Law’s Commencement will be available via UStream (live feed) during the ceremony. Family and friends unable to be present at the ceremony will be able to tune in on that day. Following the ceremony, the video will be archived and you will receive a link to access it at a later date. Click , here, for close captioned viewing of the ceremony. Watch Commencement via UStream, Graduate Arrival, Graduates should arrive to campus by 10:45 AM SHARP and should report directly to the Gym in the Campus Recreation Center. An official Class of 2020 will be taken in the Gym at 11:15 AM If you are not assembled at that time, you will not be included in the historic photograph. The graduate procession will begin at 12:20 PM , PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR TRAVEL ALONG METACOM AVENUE, ROUTE 136., Guest Information, Tickets are not required for family and friends to attend Commencement and there is no limit on the number of guests you may invite. Gates to seating will open at 11:00 AM, Flowers, A professional florist, Commencement Flowers, Inc., will be on campus before and during our Commencement ceremony. Flowers may be purchased on Commencement day near the front entrance to the commencement tent. For your convenience, you may pre-order flowers ahead of time, and have them available for pick-up at our location at Commencement. Pre-Order Flowers Online, Refreshments, Hawks Nest: Featuring Seattle's Best gourmet coffee, Pepsi products, Fruit Juice Smoothies, eXpress grab & go sandwiches, salads, snacks, and more. The Hawk's Nest in the Campus Recreation Center will be open on Friday, May 15, from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. , Parking Information, Parking is available at no charge. All graduates and guests should enter through the North Gate for parking. Public Safety will direct vehicles. Handicap parking and seating should be requested by Friday, May 8 using the 2020 Request for Handicap Parking or Seating form below. Traffic will be heavy, please allow extra time to arrive on campus. Parking Map 2020 Request for Handicap Parking or…, Directions, Enter thru North Gate GPS Address: 10 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, RI, Please allow extra time for travel along Metacom Avenue, Route 136., General Information, Any law graduate or family member having questions relating to the School of Law Commencement, please contact the Office of Programs & Events at 401-254-4659 or lawevents@rwu.edu ., Special Accommodations, Persons who, because of a special need or condition, would like to request an accommodation for this event should contact the Office of Programs & Events, as soon as possible, but no later than 72 business hours before the event, so that appropriate arrangements may be made. , 2019 Law Commencement Video
Type: Basic Page
Jamie Gau joined the Roger Williams University School of Law faculty in August 2024, teaching trial advocacy. She graduated from RWUSOL in 2016 and currently serves as secretary on the Law Alumni Association Board of Directors. Jamie began her legal career practicing criminal defense in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and later expanded her work into civil litigation and residential and…
Type: Faculty & Staff Profile
Professor Lowney earned her J.D. degree from Boston University School of Law and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from the University of Notre Dame. While at BU, Professor Lowney served as the Managing Editor of the American Journal of Law & Medicine and a Legal Teaching Fellow. Before joining RWUSOL, Professor Lowney worked as a Compliance Investigator at Met Life.
Type: Faculty & Staff Profile
The Roger Williams University School of Law Class of 2028 arrived in Bristol for orientation on August 13, 2025. Already the new class has made a big impact on campus. At 191 students, the incoming class is 15% larger than last fall’s new class. The number of accepted students who enrolled also jumped from around 23% in 2024 to 31%. This is the first time since the American Bar Association began…, Drawing students with authenticity, The high numbers of applications and competitive applicant pool reflect national trends. According to data from the Law School Admissions Council, the number of applicants for 2025-26 nationally rose around 18% from the prior year. “We knew it was going to be a busy admission cycle,” notes Assistant Dean of Admissions Kate Vieira L’12. “The national trends from almost the very beginning of the…, Numbers reflect holistic approach, 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. “This is not the result…, A sense of energy, As an alumna herself, Vieira says the enrollment statistics are “a reflection on the school that I chose to go to and the ability of the law school to continue to produce lawyers that want to be changemakers. … I want [the new class] to join the ranks of all of my fellow alums that are already out practicing law and making difference in the world. The metrics are important because they allow…
Type: Article
Jamie Gau, L’16 brings a unique combination of technical expertise and a deep passion for teaching to RWU Law’s Trial Advocacy Program., 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. Students learn the procedural mechanics of litigation and how to connect those skills with persuasive, justice-oriented storytelling. It’s a mission-driven environment where experimentation, practice, and meaningful growth are more than encouraged—they’re…, What qualities do students cultivate in the program?, Gau emphasizes that the program fosters qualities that extend well beyond legal technique:, Professional vulnerability, : Students learn to embrace trial and error—even stumbling in front of peers—but also to acknowledge progress, saying, “I haven’t perfected this yet, but I’m going to keep trying.” That openness builds resilience and allows the human element of advocacy to shine alongside technical skill., Adaptability, : Through repeated practice and thoughtful critique, students learn to pivot and grow in real time—a fundamental skill for any litigator facing an unpredictable courtroom., Confidence paired with humility, : Students build the ability to stand firm and articulate their case in court while also remaining curious—asking questions, inviting feedback, and refining their approach in front of others. These qualities are essential not only for trial work but also for a sustainable legal career. About this article This story is adapted from an interview with Jamie Gau L’16, originally published by Juris…
Type: Article
window.GeckoChatSettings = {
account_id: 'grPpfcKvySOYsfl',
auto_boot: true
};
Type: L1 & Institute
