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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    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
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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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    UH Richardson is the best law school if you intend to practice law in Hawaii and want to give back to your community, family, and mentors.”
    Kendrick Chang
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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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    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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    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
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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
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    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
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    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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    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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