The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s William S. Richardson School of Law was awarded a $250,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation to support the development of innovative approaches to professional identity formation in legal education.
Led by Eduardo R.C. Capulong, law professor and director of experiential learning, the two-year initiative, “Pluralizing Professional Identity,” will create new educational materials, host symposia and provide training opportunities that promote ethical, reflective lawyering practices.
“The law school curriculum needs to address the needs and experiences of all of our students,” said Capulong, the principal investigator of the grant. “And especially now, it needs to model lawyering practices that promote democracy and the rule of law.”
Said law school Dean Camille Nelson, “This grant affirms our commitment to preparing future lawyers who are grounded in integrity, guided by purpose, and ready to meet the moment.”
Values, principles, well-being practices
The effort aligns with American Bar Association accreditation standards requiring law schools to intentionally explore the values, principles, and well-being practices foundational to legal practice.
Partnering with faculty from the University of Montana, University of Washington and Georgia State University, the project will engage students, faculty and professionals in conversations that reflect the increasingly diverse backgrounds and experiences of today’s law students.
Nationally recognized for its engaged learning environment, the William S. Richardson School of Law continues to lead in shaping the next generation of legal professionals prepared to navigate a rapidly changing legal landscape.
