For Kevin Olasanoye L‘12, the belief in the government’s ability to fundamentally create positive change for the people it serves is one of his core tenets. In fact, it’s a belief that has shaped his career and led him to pursue a career in politics. The Providence native has spent the better part of the last two decades in the political world. Starting as a staff assistant for Senator Jack Reed…
Type: Story
Type: Faculty & Staff Profile
To graduate from RWU Law, each student must complete the school’s writing requirement “under the direct supervision of a professor or director of an institute” during which the student “must write an individually authored paper that reflects substantial legal research; presents a legal argument that is well-developed, organized, and supported; is at least 5500 words long; and is of sufficient…, Tip 1. , Find a supervisor early. , This paper is an excellent opportunity to work closely with a faculty member or legal professional with expertise in an area of law that you find interesting. Reach out to potential supervisors early in the process with the subject of your paper and your timeline. Everyone appreciates it when someone is considerate of their time and obligations., Tip 2., , Select a topic that is interesting to you., A directed research paper will represent a large investment of your time. In your future job search, you may need to discuss it during interviews or use it as a writing sample. But just as important, your passion, as an author, is likely to shine through your writing and make your work more engaging to readers. , Tip 3., Your topic should represent a legally significant issue that is arguable—from multiple, defensible perspectives—and is demonstrably relevant or timely., There are various ways to go about finding a suitable topic. Your supervisor or other mentor, with subject matter expertise, can provide you with guidance. You can also search news sources for issues of legal controversy. Likewise, articles in law journals and bar publications can be excellent sources of information on the developments, issues, and trends in various areas of law. Things to…, For legal news, , try browsing the Lexis Legal News Hub , Westlaw Today , or Law.com for up-to-date legal news and the cutting-edge issues facing lawyers and legal scholars today. If you want something a bit more off the beaten path, you can peruse Thomson Reuters’s Legally Weird blog , a great source for legal questions presented in emerging and unique areas of the law. , Tips 4., , Check out the helpful guides that your super smart law librarians created for you., Selecting a topic and conducting your research is exciting and work intensive. These guides are intended to help you at all stages of the writing process. TimeSaver: Selecting a Topic (basic information on selecting a topic) TimeSaver: Legal Research & Writing (information on legal research & writing) LawGuide for Law Review (information on topic development and preemption), Tip 5. Know the Policy on Using Generative Artificial Intelligence. , It is prohibited (see the student handbook ) unless you are expressly granted permission by your instructor or supervisor in writing. The prohibited conduct includes “using generative artificial intelligence, text generated by research databases, large language model chatbots, or similar tools to produce, derive, or assist in creating any materials or content for any course or program, at or…, Tip 6. Ask for help when you need it., Regardless of where you are in your topic selection and research process, meeting with a research librarian is an invaluable step to help formalize your thesis and research trajectory. The library provides individualized research consultations for students to assist in the development of research strategies based on individual needs. To schedule a research consultation with a law librarian,…
Type: Article
Join, Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly, for an evening of networking with the Rhode Island legal community in partnership with the Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association. The event will feature comments by Judge Melissa Dubose L'04., KEYNOTE SPEAKER, The Hon. Melissa DuBose L'04, The Hon. Melissa DuBose L'04 has been confirmed to fill a seat in the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. When she is sworn in, she will become the first person of color and first openly LGBTQ person to serve on the court. She will replace Judge William E. Smith, who will be taking senior status as of January 1, 2025. DuBose previously was an associate judge on the…, REGISTER, Tickets are $40 per person Light Hors d'oeuvres & Cash Bar Presented by, Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly, , Rhode Island Women's Bar Association, and Roger Williams University School of Law
Type: Event
Type: Course
Sarah Jick joined the School of Law in October 2024. She has worked previously in higher ed, having held positions at Bard College and the New England Conservatory. She earned her MBA in Social Impact from Boston University.
Type: Faculty & Staff Profile
In the spirit of personal well-being and global mental health, the American Bar Association has joined the World Health Organization in recognizing October 10th as a day for mental health, specifically for law students. Law Student Mental Health Day is an important yearly reminder to take a breath and a step back from your day-to-day schedule. This is the perfect opportunity to slow down, if only…, something, to take care of yourself and honor mental health day. You deserve a break. And if you didn’t already know this, you are doing amazing!
Type: Article
Adelaide Backer joined the Office of Admissions in October 2024. Before coming to the law school, Adelaide worked in K-16 residence life at schools in the US, Australia, and Canada. She earned her Master of Education degree in Higher Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2019 and her Bachelor of Arts degree in the History of Architecture from Harvard College in 2015.
Type: Faculty & Staff Profile
Register - November 18 - Integrating Doctrine & Diversity Speaker Series, Join us for an important discussion that shines a light on the often-overlooked role of academic law libraries amid rising anti-DEI legislation. This session will examine issues such as book banning and will focus on how these developments impact not only library collections, but also the staff dedicated to serving diverse communities. Participants will explore: The current landscape of anti-DEI…, Meet the Speakers, Sarah Lamdan, Sarah Lamdan, is the Deputy Director at ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom. Before joining ALA, Sarah was an attorney and Professor of Law at CUNY School of Law and a librarian in various academic and private law libraries. Her work has been featured in , Library Quarterly, , , Georgetown Law Technology Review, , and , NYU's Review of Law & Social Change, . Her book , Data Cartels, was published by Stanford University Press in 2022. Josh LaPorte, Josh LaPorte, (he|him) is the Reference & Access Services Librarian at the St. John’s University School of Law Rittenberg Library. Prior to his service at St. John’s, Josh worked in Access Services at the BU School of Law and UConn Law libraries. Josh focuses on non-MLIS personnel in libraries and the development and evolution of these essential staff roles. He serves as Chair of the Diversity &…, Nichelle “Nikki” Perry, received her Master of Library Science and Juris Doctor degrees from North Carolina Central University. She currently serves a Legal Research Analyst for McGuireWoods LLP. In 2024, she retired from North Carolina Central University where she served as an Associate Professor and the Director of the Library. Prior to becoming director, she served as the Assistant Director and the Reference…, Amanda Watson, is the assistant dean for library and information services at Harvard Law School. She previously served as the director of the law library and as an associate professor of law at the University of Houston Law Center. During her tenure at the University of Houston, Watson received national recognition as the winner of both the 2024 Law Library Journal Article of the Year Award for her article "…, Meet the Moderator, Nicole P. Dyszlewski, Nicole P. Dyszlewski, is one of the editors of, Integrating Doctrine and Diversity: Inclusion and Equity in the Law School Classroom, . She currently serves as Assistant Dean of Academic Innovation at Roger Williams University School of Law. She received a B.A. from Hofstra University, a J.D. from Boston University School of Law, and an M.L.I.S. from the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Library and Information Studies. She is a member of the Massachusetts State Bar and the Rhode Island State Bar. Her areas of…
Type: Event
This program is full. Thank you for your interest., The Roger Williams University School of Law announces its Supreme Court of the United States Bar Admission alumni swearing-in ceremony on an argument day. Supreme Court of the United States Dean Gregory W. Bowman will invite the candidates for admission to join them for breakfast the morning of the swearing-in ceremony. The breakfast will be held at 8:00 AM at the Supreme Court of the United…
Type: Event
