Student meeting professor in a conference room

D.C. Leadership Academy

Amplify your experience in D.C.

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University Washington, D.C. Leadership Academy is the first law school to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders at the intersection of law and public policy.

Participants will include a select group of current undergraduate and graduate students and recent graduates who are interning in the Washington, D.C., area for the summer to amplify their professional skills and build their network.

All students who complete the program will receive a certificate of completion from the D.C. Leadership Academy, signed by ASU Law Dean Stacy Leeds.

Participants will complete two-hour training sessions, one night per week, throughout the eight-week program running June 4 - July 23, 2024.

Each training session will be on a different topic designed to help students on their future career paths while they receive hands-on experience at their internships. Renowned instructors will include ASU Law professors, federal officials, attorneys from all sectors and other top experts.

Sample topics include:

How to write a top-notch policy memo
How Congress and the executive branch work
Networking and interviewing skills, resume and cover letter tips
Getting hired in D.C.
Receiving and implementing professional feedback

#2

Law school in Washington, D.C.

#4

Legal writing program

#12

Best public law school in the United States

U.S. News & World Report, 2024

What participants will learn

The two-hour courses will be held over eight weeks in the summer every Tuesday evening, with dinner provided. Several optional sessions will take place on Thursday evenings during the program duration.

D.C. Leadership Academy schedule

Month one: How to be a professional

Weekend prior (June 1): Orientation, meet with your cohort
Week 1 (June 6): Effective networking for interns in D.C. (crafting your elevator pitch)
Week 2 (June 11): Writing tips for D.C. interns
Week 3 (June 8): Etiquette dinners
Week 4 (June 25): DEI: implicit bias and interpersonal skills

Month two: Different types of work

Week 5 (July 7): Government work: Congress, the executive branch, and more
Week 6 (July 9): How to find a job in D.C. and types of jobs in D.C.
Week 7 (July 16): Attorney panel: discussing career paths and advice
Week 8 (July 23): Improving your resume and cover letter

ASU students walking on the sidewalk in front of ASU's Washington, D.C. building

Location of ASU Law

The D.C. Leadership Academy is based at ASU Law’s location in the nation’s capital, at 1800 I Street NW, in the heart of downtown.

The building is across the street from the Farragut West metro station and just a few blocks from the White House, U.S. Capitol and many federal agencies.

Eligibility

Selection is competitive for this small cohort of future lawyers and leaders, but any students in good academic standing who have received a summer internship in Washington, D.C. are strongly encouraged to apply for this impactful opportunity. Eligible participants include current undergraduate, master's and JD students, as well as recent graduates. Applications with leadership activities and a strong academic record will be taken into account.

Featured professional fields, organizations and speakers

Students will learn from a selection of distinguished speakers from:

Capitol Hill
Central Intelligence Agency
House Judiciary Committee
Department of Homeland Security
Attorneys from Big Law

Student meeting a professor at a conference.

Students watching law orientation lecture

Application process and deadlines

The D.C. Leadership Academy will run from June 4 - July 23, 2024.
Applications for anyone external to ASU Law, including undergraduates, master's and recent graduates are due by May 15, 2024.

To apply, submit:

Application
Resume
Personal statement explaining how this program will support their career path

Apply

Frequently asked questions about the D.C. Leadership Academy

Is there a cost associated with this program?

No. This program is absolutely free for participants interested in networking with the top minds in D.C. and looking to build their resume for future work in the nation’s capital.

Will meals be provided?

Dinner will be provided during all evening sessions.

Will housing be provided?

Housing will not be provided by the D.C. Leadership Academy for undergraduate students.

What is the certificate students will receive?

Every graduate of the D.C. Leadership Academy will earn a certificate signed by ASU Law’s dean upon completing all eight weeks of the program. The certificate is proof of participation and a recognition of their achievement. It’s the perfect addition to boost your resume for future jobs in law, policy, leadership or whatever your goals are.

Why should I participate in this program?

This program offers students the unique opportunity to make personal connections with leaders in their chosen field, whether it’s law, policy, public interest or something else in the D.C. area. Students will have the chance to network with these experts and receive invaluable guidance and insights to help them on their career path. The soft skills you’ll gain from participating are not often taught in the classroom, but will be integral for life and work after graduation.

Will I have to attend every week?

Participation is mandatory for all eight weeks of the program. Only several sessions (indicated in the schedule above) are optional for undergraduate students to attend. Each session will cover a different topic that students won’t want to miss.