Roger Williams University School of Law

05/29/2026

Congratulations to Rebecca L. Aitchison 'L11 who has been chosen as Rhode Island's newest federal magistrate!

The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island on Tuesday announced the selection of longtime public defender Rebecca Aitchison to an eight-year term as magistrate judge, succeeding Patricia Sullivan upon her retirement in October.

05/27/2026

05/16/2026

Speakers. Ceremonies. A day three years in the making. Yesterday belonged to RWU Law’s Class of 2026 — , every one. We can’t wait to see what they do next.

04/28/2026

RWU Law Professor and former Dean Michael Yelnosky weighed in on Rhode Island's interim US Attorney appointment in the Boston Globe this week.

The US District Court could now appoint a new interim US attorney, but the Trump administration has promptly fired replacements for loyalists in other states, legal observers note.

04/27/2026

This weekend, RWU Law hosted the Fifth Annual Workshop for Asian American and Pacific Islander / Middle Eastern and North African Women in the Legal Academy in Bristol.

The workshop brought together scholars from across the legal academy — including Sudha Setty, President and CEO of LSAC and one of the workshop's founders — for two days of dialogue, mentorship, and connection. Among the highlights: Justice Melissa Long of the RI Supreme Court, Associate Justice Linda Rekas Sloan of the RI Superior Court, and Associate Justice Shilpa Naik of the RI Family Court joined the scholars in conversation — jurists whose presence on the bench reflects the lived experience and shared mission that animates this community.

Affinity spaces like this matter. RWU Law is proud to have been home to this community this weekend, and grateful to Professor Natasha Varyani for her leadership in making it possible.

04/22/2026

The law we teach is shaped by the people who fight to change it.

On April 28, RWU Law is hosting a conversation on the life and ongoing work of civil rights attorney Fred D. Gray, whose advocacy has helped reshape constitutional law and advance equal protection in the United States.

From representing Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to litigating landmark desegregation and voting rights cases, his work offers a powerful lens for how advocacy and doctrine intersect.

Join us for this important discussion on how advocacy stories like his can and should be embedded in legal education.

🗓 Tuesday, April 28
⏰ 3:00–4:00 p.m. EST
🔗https://rwu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HodP2edfRC6OUGcdnUfSiw #/registration

04/16/2026

Last week, RWU Law was proud to gather in Providence for one of the most cherished traditions on our calendar: the annual Champions for Justice celebration.

The evening honored three honorees whose careers and commitments exemplify what it means to serve justice: Lynette Labinger, Amy Greer,, and Tamera Thomas Rocha on behalf of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Access to Justice Office. Each represents the highest ideals of the legal profession and a sustained, meaningful dedication to expanding access to justice across our state.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for this celebration and to our honorees for the extraordinary work they continue to lead. Evenings like this remind us why this tradition matters — and why the people it recognizes are so deserving of our gratitude and admiration.

04/10/2026

We are still celebrating!

04/09/2026

We’re celebrating a major milestone at RWU Law.

A historic $4 million gift from Mark Mandell will establish the Mandell Trial Advocacy Center, creating a permanent pathway to train the next generation of trial advocates and strengthen the civil justice system.

This very generous gift also rounds out the strong and growing support the law school has been receiving. It reflects real momentum and belief in the mission of RWU Law.

What makes this even more meaningful is the continued partnership and generosity of the Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell firm. Over the years, they have supported initiatives that expand access to legal education and bring the law to life:

• Justice Camp, now entering its third year, introducing middle school students to the rule of law
• Sponsorship of Justice Riders, creating opportunities for students to engage directly with the history and realities of justice
• Long standing support of our Feinstein Center for Pro Bono & Experiential Education at RWU Law's Pro Bono Collaborative
• Ongoing investments in programs that support public interest and diverse pathways into the legal profession

This is impact you can see and feel. Story in the first comment below.

We are grateful for partners who believe in the mission and help bring it to life in meaningful ways.

Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd

04/08/2026

Proud to see Rhode Island recognized in the latest U.S. News graduate school rankings, especially the continued strength of Roger Williams University School of Law and Roger Williams University’s Public Affairs graduate program.

These recognitions reflect the kind of work that happens every day. Faculty are deeply engaged in practice and scholarship, students are committed to making an impact, and programs are built for real-world relevance.

It is a meaningful moment for our community and the role we continue to play in Rhode Island and beyond.

Read more via Rhode Island Patch, link in the first comment.