Carissa Gusman | William S. Richardson School of Law

Carissa Gusman

Evening Part-Time

Carissa is a first-year evening-part time law student and is planning to graduate in spring 2023 with her J.D. degree. Born and raised on Kapalama Heights, Oahu, she is a proud graduate of the Kamehameha Schools - Kapalama campus. She also received her B.A. in Communications with a minor in Sociology magna cum laude from Eastern Washington University and a M.S. in Counselor Education: Marriage and Family Therapy from Portland State University. Carissa is currently a member of Students for Public Outreach & Civic Education (SPOCE), is a lead volunteer and social media community organizer for the Andrew Yang 2020 Presidential campaign, and works full-time as an Academic Advisor and Student Exchange Coordinator at the School of Travel Industry Management at UH Manoa. Carissa is supported by her amazing husband, Noah, and stepson Asher, and is looking forward to her time at Richardson.

  • Has a 8 pound Chihuahua, Dexter, the cutest dog in the entire world
  • Had adult braces for five years
  • Loves to travel
  • Enjoys making law school memes to reflect and cope with her law school experience  
  • Plans to graduate from law school debt-free (ask her how!)

Students Speak

  •
    The atmosphere at Richardson is filled with support, respect, and kindness that creates a truly unique law school experience. I am grateful that I am constantly surrounded by a community that has a desire to create change.”
    Kym Kanenaka
  •
    Be qualified, be prepared, ask if you don't understand, and trust yourself.”
    Adil Kutbi
  •
    The student body has been gracious and keeps a good balance between academics and social engagements.”
    Nicole
  •
    As a practicing attorney in Environmental Law in Japan, I was drawn to the strength of the Environmental Law Program at UH. I am striving to earn a specialization in Environmental Law.”
    Masao Shimanuki
  •
    I was working at the Al Lawati law firm which provides legal service to Oman Oil in Oman. I had previously practiced law in Iran since 2001.”
    Mojtaba Fallah
  •
    Before I started at Richardson, the idea of attending law school intimidated me. However, the amazing faculty, compassionate staff, and selfless student body made me feel like I belonged here.”
    MJ McDonald
  •
    I feel privileged to be surrounded by amazing people who encourage me to be better and do better for my community. Richardson is a place that encourages selflessness and requires its students to look outside of themselves for opportunities to serve.”
    Arianne Cameros
  •
    Coming from out-of-state, the tight-knit community of a small school like Richardson seemed intimidating. However, faculty and students alike are extremely welcoming and instantly calmed all fears.”
    Sam Smith
  •
    You get what you put in and UH delivers on those that are willing to put in the work.”
    Jonah Hoshino
  •
    UH Law school has not only a good educational program but also diverse cultural environment. I thought I could experience something that I couldn’t get from the Mainland.”
    Jai Han Ahn

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