Meleana gay

Meleana ‘Mana' Shim, a student at Richardson Law School, was commended among the cohort of law students designated as the 2022 Law Student of the Year by National Jurist magazine.

The Student of the Year accolade, an annual feature indeed, is published in the spring edition of National Jurist prelaw magazine, which honors gifted, extraordinary law students with an earnest commitment to their community. Shim's name was selected from roughly two hundred ABA-accredited law schools across the country.

The current third-year law student, a retired professional soccer player, has a devoted passion for activism, athletics, mental well-being, and public service.

Professor Dina Shek remarked, 'Mana is simultaneously fearless and self-aware, a constant and supportive student, classmate, and ally.'

Shim has bravely voiced her opposition to sexual misconduct within the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), striving towards policy modifications and utilizing her voice to boost awareness in order to guarantee a safer environment for athletes, promoting change within the league both nationally and locally in Hawai‘i - all while juggling the responsibilities of a full-time law student.

Molly Levinson, advisor to the U.S. Women's National Team players, acknowledged Shim's valor in speaking out publicly. "Mana Shim exemplifies the attributes of an exceptional advocate, trusted counselor, visionary leader, and courageous change maker. Behind the scenes, she has made an even greater impact, dedicating her time, energy, and numerous talents to a comprehensive reshaping of league leadership, culture, policies, and procedures. It is both reassuring and encouraging to recognize that she is the future of the law," Levinson stated.

Shim's extraordinary commitment became apparent in her work with the Office of the Public Defender, along with her work ethic, commitment, and compassion for clients. Assistant Public Defender Lee S. Hayakawa stated, 'Every lawyer Mana collaborated with was impressed not only by her work, but also by her enthusiasm and sincerity. Her insight and understanding of the subtleties of criminal defense trial work were unexpectedly advanced.'

Furthermore, she is dedicated to mental health and has been a keen participant in Richardson Law School's Mental Health Committee, speaking on LGBT and mental health concerns, and continuing to work toward change and greater awareness. Shim also engaged in mental health community outreach as a volunteer for the Institute of Human Services.

The inaugural student member of the Law School's wellness committee, Shim also co-presides over Lawyers Against Sexual Violence and the Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law, an academic center that fosters education, scholarship, community outreach, and collaboration concerning matters of law, culture, and justice for Native Hawaiians and other Pacific and Indigenous peoples. She was presented with the Advocates for Public Interest Law (APIL) grant and contributed her efforts to the Hawaii Land Trust, an organization with a mission to preserve and manage the lands that sustain Hawai&8217;i, and to perpetuate Hawaiian values by connecting individuals with ‘āina (land).

Shim was a member of Richardson Law School's initial Island Leadership Lab seminar, a comprehensive leadership encounter centered on training next-generation leaders for success; the initiative was launched by Law School Dean Camille Nelson.

Dean Camille Nelson said, 'I am inspired by Mana's courageous leadership. Her integrity and bravery are forging a better route for those in identical circumstances, and those aiming to bring about transformative justice-seeking change across a multitude of spaces and places. I am thankful for her empathy, dedication, and tireless advocacy.'

Richardson has seen law students acknowledged in prior years, including Mahesh Cleveland in 2018 and Katherine Vessels in 2016.