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

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    How connected the Law School is. Big time player on a small island. How many incoming 1Ls met three Supreme Court Justices the first week and continue to?”
    Beverlyn Simina
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    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
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    The student body has been gracious and keeps a good balance between academics and social engagements.”
    Nicole
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    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
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    It is because Richardson allows me to obtain the legal knowledge to give back to my ‘ohana, kaiāulu, and lāhui, that I am able to remain rooted in who I am as a kanaka maoli.”
    Tehani Louis-Perkins
  •
    All of my classmates are so encouraging and willing to help. We really are one big ‘ohana!”
    Turner Wong
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    It is not often that you can find a law school in which your classmates actively seek ways to support you and root for your success.”
    Ian Falefuafua Tapu
  •
    I chose UH Law because I wanted to experience studying in Hawaiʻi, and I learned that the School has an excellent Environmental Law program. My graduate degree fellowship with the East-West Center is also tied with enrollment at UH.”
    Aya DeLeon
  •
    You get what you put in and UH delivers on those that are willing to put in the work.”
    Jonah Hoshino
  •
    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

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