Advance Program

Building the next generation of leaders

In furtherance of the ASU Charter, the ASU Law Advance Program is committed to inclusive excellence. This year-long program brings together a cohort of 20 first-year students whose backgrounds offer different perspectives along socioeconomic, geographic, disability, racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender, sexual orientation and military experiences.

Admitted students selected for the program will participate in a three-day, pre-orientation workshop focused on law school success strategies. The workshop also will provide Advance students with early opportunities to interact with ASU Law faculty and staff, current students, ASU Law alumni, and members of the Arizona legal community. The program continues throughout the students’ first year of law school, offering events and programming open only to the Advance cohort.

Each Advance Program participant will also be paired with an attorney mentor and a 2L/3L student mentor. This network from within the law school community and beyond are firmly committed to helping our students realize their professional goals.

A significant portion of ASU Law faculty are first-generation college graduates who actively share their experiences at student events and provide ongoing support to assist students in transitioning to legal careers.

The program provides participants with the following:

Attorney mentor
2L or 3L student mentor
$2,000 stipend for first-year expenses
Monthly events that provide opportunities for the cohort to gather and attend academic and non-academic programs

To be considered for the Advance Program, an applicant must first apply and be admitted to the JD program at ASU Law. Admitted JD students interested in the program must submit a resume and an essay of no more than 500 words that addresses the one of the following questions: How will your life experiences help ASU Law build an inclusive cohort for the Advance Program? or How have you overcome adversity to get where you are today?

Group photo of the Fall 2023 Advance Program standing in the Reading Room.

Frequently asked questions about the Advance Program

No, you may apply without any kind of commitment. Those who apply and are accepted into the program will have until the first seat deposit submitted to secure your seat in the class and retain your spot in the Advance Program.

The week before 1L Orientation, which is immediately before law school classes begin for the fall semester.

The three-day workshop is designed to be a “jump start” into law school. Topics will include reading and briefing cases, understanding IRAC, and preparing for class and the Socratic method. Students will meet additional ASU Law faculty members and current students.

Yes, selection for and participation in the Advance Program may be listed as an honor on your resume.

Yes, the program is limited to 1L students starting the JD program.

The events will be a mix of academic and non-academic events. Programming from last year included sessions on outlining, essay exams, and interview skills, as well as a screening of My Cousin Vinny, a lunch with local judges, and a Coyotes NHL game.

The committee will begin accepting students into the Advance Program in December and on a rolling basis after that. Applying early is an advantage.

Advance Program

Building the next generation of leaders

The program provides participants with the following:

Frequently asked questions about the Advance Program

Does applying for this program commit me to attending ASU Law?

When will the three-day workshop be held?

What kind of content will the three-day workshop cover?

Can I list this on my resume?

Is the program only open to 1Ls?

What will the monthly events be like?

When will I be notified if I am accepted into the program?