Kelly Kwan | William S. Richardson School of Law

Kelly Kwan

Class of 2022

Born and raised in Nu‘uanu, Kelly is currently a first-year law student.  She graduated from Punahou School and then from Scripps College (Claremont, CA) with a degree in the Humanities:  Interdisciplinary Studies in Culture with a focus in Human Rights and Social Justice.  Kelly is a senator on the Student Bar Association where she sits on the Finance Committee and chairs the Student Life Committee.  She participates in American Inns of Court and is a member of the Pacific-Asian Legal Studies Organization and the Filipino Law Student Association.  Her passions in criminal justice are the result of her experiences with formerly and currently incarcerated people in California and Denmark.

  • Teaches and performs ballet, jazz, street, modern, contemporary, and tap dance
  • Used to be fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin
  • Has never had a pet
  • Kickboxes
  • Favorite coffee shop on island: Ali‘i Coffee Company
     

Students Speak

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    At Richardson, we’re learning how to be competent lawyers and, more importantly, good people.”
    Kenneth Go
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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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    There’s something special about being able to say, ‘I’m learning how to be a Richardson lawyer,’ that carries a sense of pride, community, and legacy.”
    Caroline Kikkawa
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    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
  •
    Being a part of the Richardson ‘ohana has brought some of the most caring, strong, and intelligent people into my life. Applying to law school was by far the best decision I have made in my life yet and I have no doubt that it’s only up from here.”
    Monte H. Keawe-Costa
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    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
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    I chose UH because they offer a specialization in Criminal law. The other reason is the fact that I wanted to live in Hawai'i.”
    Katharina

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