David Abitbol | William S. Richardson School of Law

David Abitbol

Evening Part-Time

David is a second year student in the Evening Part-Time Program. Born and raised in Waianae, Oahu, he is a proud graduate of Damien Memorial School. David received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, where he graduated with High Honors. David works as the Policy and Contracts Manager at the Hawai‘i Health & Harm Reduction Center, and oversees a federal grant that provides medical care and support services to people living with HIV. David also helped start Hawai‘i’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) pilot, a program that diverts low-level offenders away from incarceration, and into intensive case management. In 2019, Pacific Business News recognized David as a Business of Pride honoree for going above and beyond in making Hawai‘i’s workplaces more inclusive. At Richardson, David is a member of the Intellectual Property Moot Court Team and a Senator with the Student Bar Association.

  • Native Hawaiian and Moroccan descent
  • American and Israeli dual-citizen
  • Has a three-legged rottweiler named Zoe

Students Speak

  •
    Richardson has provided opportunities for me I never dreamed possible. This law school truly cares about each individual student’s academic success.”
    Harley Broyles
  •
    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
  •
    I knew I would get a great education at Richardson, but Iʻve come to equally value the support network and comradery of my classmates and the faculty.”
    Hōkū Chun
  •
    There’s a strong sense of belonging when you step onto campus. Whatever the day is going to throw at you, whatever the next challenge may be, you’ve got people ready to fight right alongside you.”
    Kelly Kwan
  •
    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
  •
    At Richardson, we’re learning how to be competent lawyers and, more importantly, good people.”
    Kenneth Go
  •
    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
  •
    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
  •
    The student body has been gracious and keeps a good balance between academics and social engagements.”
    Nicole
  •
    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

Admissions

Account
Pages