Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Associate Justice Lisa M. Ginoza delivers the keynote address to graduates of the University of Hawaiʻi William S. Richardson School of Law on May 18, 2025.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s William S. Richardson School of Law celebrated its 2025 commencement ceremony on May 18 at Andrews Amphitheater, honoring 102 graduates for their academic achievements and dedication to the legal profession.

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Associate Justice Lisa M. Ginoza delivered the keynote address. A proud alumna of Richardson Law, Justice Ginoza applauded the 94 recipients of Juris Doctor degrees and the eight recipients of Master of Laws degrees.

“You have earned this day of celebration,” she told the graduates, while also acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. “Many unknowns and challenges are looming. But I want to underscore that you are joining a noble profession — a profession which, at its core, is about helping others, and about pursuing fairness and justice.”

“To meet the challenges of today and as you go forward in your noble profession, you will – at important times – need to have the guts to do the right thing, to do the fair thing, to do what is ethical, to do what is just, to stand up for the rule of law and for others who lack a voice, to find ways to make our community in Hawaiʻi and the world a better place.

Just remember, wherever you go, you are a dynamic force. You are a Richardson Law School graduate.”

Also in attendance to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025 were Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Associate Justices Sabrina S. McKenna and Todd W. Eddins, along with Associate Judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals Sonja M.P. McCullen — all distinguished alumni of the law school.