A 1991 graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law, First Circuit Court Judge Todd Eddins, was Gov. David Ige’s nominee as the next associate justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court. Eddins credited his training at the UH law school as the “foundation for my legal skill set.”
Eddins’ nomination, to replace Associate Justice Richard Pollack who retired in July, is subject to Senate confirmation. If he is confirmed, two of the state’s top legal jurists will have been UH law school graduates.
The other is Associate Justice Sabrina McKenna, who said in an email message that this would be the first time two Richardson lawyers might serve concurrently on the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court—“furthering Chief Justice Richardson’s vision of educating lawyers focused on serving Hawaiʻi and the Pacific, and who seek justice for all under the law.”
In an email interview, Eddins said his life has been “enriched by the lifelong friends I met at the William S. Richardson School of Law.”
“We exchanged ideas on every topic imaginable,” he continued, “revised our world views, and refined our analytical skills…My professors also inspired me to think critically and responsibly about the law’s impact on individual lives, and the challenges we face as a society.”
Eddins, a former state public defender, was among a core group of UH law students who initiated the Pro Bono program that was adopted in 1992, and requires students to complete 60 hours of free public service as part of graduation requirements. It was one of the first mandatory public service law school programs in the nation, as well as the first student-initiated program, and became a model for other law schools.
“This rewarding experience animated my career-long commitment to public service,” said Eddins.
Dean Camille Nelson joins the UH law school in celebrating Eddins’ nomination as the next associate justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court.
“Judge Eddins exemplifies excellence,” said Nelson. “Throughout his distinguished career he has served impressively as an advocate for his clients, and as a learned jurist. His commitment to public service is an example for us all as Judge Eddins has lived true to the calling of our profession to be in service of others.”
For more see the UH law school’s website.
