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 inspires and prepares the next generation of leaders at the intersection of law and public policy. Undergraduate and graduate students from around the country are given the unique opportunity to live, work and learn in Washington, D.C., through this new program.

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

The 2025 D.C. Leadership Academy is on hold. Please check back for further updates.

Highest-ranked

Public law school in Washington, D.C.

#3

Legal writing program

#20

Best public law school in the United States

U.S. News & World Report, 2026

What participants will learn

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

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 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

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.

2024 D.C. Leadership Academy

ASU Law held its inaugural D.C. Leadership Academy from June 4 through July 23, 2024, to prepare the next generation of leaders for law and public policy careers. For eight weeks, undergraduate, graduate and law students attended two-hour sessions each week while networking with some of the brightest in the nation’s capital. Session topics included writing the perfect cover letter, getting hired in D.C. and leadership skills. The sessions were free and held in the evening to accommodate students’ internships, a requirement for attending the academy.

Students watching law orientation lecture

Application process and deadlines

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.

The 2025 D.C. Leadership Academy is on hold. Please check back for further updates.

Location of ASU Law in D.C.

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.

Frequently asked questions

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.

Dinner will be provided during all evening sessions.

Housing will not be provided by the D.C. Leadership Academy for non-ASU Law students.

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.

This program offers students the unique opportunity to make personal connections with leaders in law, policy, public interest and beyond. 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.

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.