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Juris Doctor, JD

How does the Juris Doctor (JD) degree work at ASU Law?

The Juris Doctor (JD) degree at ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law is a three-year full-time program that incorporates practical learning and experiences.

ASU Law first-year JD students take courses in civil procedure, contracts, torts, legal method and writing, property, constitutional law, criminal law, legal advocacy, and professional responsibility. Courses in the first-year curriculum are required and are administratively assigned. Generally, the required course load for the first year is 15 assigned credits in the fall and spring semesters. Several focused programs can enhance JD students' experiences.

You can pursue a JD concurrently with other degrees from ASU like a Master in Business Administration (MBA), Master in Social Work (MSW), Master of Sports Law and Business (MSLB), or a PhD in Justice Studies. Mayo Clinic School of Medicine students also have an opportunity to pursue a dual JD/MD degree.

Quick facts

Next start date: August 2024

Total credit hours: 88

Students who receive scholarships: 100%

Year full-time program: 3

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Enrollment options

JD with Advanced Standing JD Transfer Applicant JD Visiting Applicant

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JD Emphasis Areas

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How can a Juris Doctor degree help you?

The Juris Doctor (JD) degree at ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law is a three-year full-time program that incorporates practical learning and experiences. Learning outcomes for the JD degree include competency in the following:

Knowledge and understanding of substantive and procedural law;
Legal analysis and reasoning, legal research, problem-solving, and written and oral communication in the legal context;
Exercise of proper professional and ethical responsibilities to clients and the legal system; and
Other professional skills needed for competent and ethical participation as a member of the legal profession.

Two JD Students laughing together at ASU Law fall orientation.

Why ASU Law?

ASU Law is a highly-ranked and highly respected public law school dedicated to educating the next generation of legal professionals. In honor of its namesake Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, ASU Law graduates are prepared to shape the legal field, both in and out of the courtroom.

The highest-ranked law school in Arizona and the No. 12 public law school in the U.S., ASU Law is proven to train skilled lawyers and leaders. The school abides by the ASU charter and is measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes. That philosophy is baked into everything ASU Law does.

Learn more about ASU Law

Juris Doctor program details

JD students must complete 88 credit hours and a written substantial paper in order to meet graduation requirements.

For those who have been wanting to go to law school but could not eliminate all of the other obligations in their lives to allow for full-time enrollment, we also offer a Flexible Schedule.

Attendance is on a full-time basis - first-year JD students are not permitted to work, and second- and third-year students may not work more than 20 hours per week. If you cannot attend law school full-time, please review the information about the Flexible Schedule option.

Learn more and apply

JD student sitting in Law Library chair with hands on desk talking to another JD student.

Kristin Leaptrott, Juris Doctor

"I was surprised by how much lawyering is about people — your client, your opposing counsel, judges, juries — and you really have to know how to read people, learn their motivations and tailor whatever you're doing to appeal to them. It's not all about the law.

"I initially applied to ASU because I wanted to live in Phoenix, but I decided to attend after visiting the campus. Everyone was so nice and welcoming, and I felt immediately at home. Three years later, I can happily say that I definitely made the right choice."

Read Kristin's story

Juris Doctor Certificates

Juris Doctor (JD) students have a unique opportunity to pursue the following certificates:

Law, Science and Technology Certificate Indian Law Certificate Health Law and Policy Certificate Law and Sustainability Certificate Trial Advocacy Certificate

Juris Doctor degree emphases

Why should you select an emphasis?

As a student of ASU Law, you have the opportunity to customize your degree to your area of interest. Take advantage of popular emphases listed below to fit your interests and career goals. Learn to master legal principles in a variety of fields and be well-prepared to thrive within an evolving legal landscape across a variety of industries.

Business Law Criminal Law Health Law Federal Indian Law International Law Intellectual Property Law International Rule of Law and Security Patent Practice Science and Technology Law Sports Law and Business

Student life

ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law offers a rich and vibrant student life. Students are involved in range of activities such as service and pro bono work, student organizations, academic law journals, externship programs, and moot court competitions.

Students also participate in professional conferences and events organized by the law school or student groups in order to broaden their perspective, gain practical experience, and network.

The Student Portal is a one-stop shop to find student resources, fellowship applications, clinic applications, academic information, and more.

A group of students participating in one of our clinical programs at ASU Law.

Professor Angela Banks sitting in black regalia at the Fall 2022 Convocation ceremony.

World-class faculty

A law school is only as strong as its faculty. At the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, students learn from some of the nation’s foremost scholars and innovative legal instructors. They have played an integral role in ASU Law establishing itself as one of the highest ranked public law schools in the nation, a leading center of scholarly exchange with a tradition of exceptional bar-passage and quality job-placement rates.

Employers - after ASU Law

Juris Doctor graduates go on to join law firms, start their own companies, move up in their existing careers or find a passion for the law. In every case, knowledge of the legal field enhances their professional life and shapes their way of thinking.

Career Services at ASU Law can help students identify goals, find employment opportunities and help students pursue their passions. The career services team offers hands-on interview preparation, resume reviews and the guidance job seekers need as they enter the workforce. That resource is available to students the moment they start their ASU Law journey and lasts long after graduation.

Recent law firm placements include Ballar Spahr, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Polsinelli, Squire Patton Boggs, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Fennemore, Kirkland & Ellis, White & Case, Kutak Rock LLP, Jones Day, Morrison & Foerster LLP, Perkins Coie LLP, Quarles & Brady LLP, and Snell & Wilmer LLP. Our past student have also gone on to work at many Federal Counts including the U.S. District Court in Arizona, the U.S. Court of Appeals, and many more.

Learn more about Career Services ASU Law employment

Living in Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix is the main location for ASU Law. Students who study in Phoenix at the Beus Center for Law and Society gain access to a quality education in a state-of-the-art facility. Located just steps from government agencies and large law firms, the Phoenix location offers everything that a fast-growing metropolis can.

5th

largest city in the U.S. according to U.S. Census Bureau

300

days of sunshine a year

75°

is the average temperature in Phoenix

200

miles of hiking trails to explore

#1

state for job growth, according to Forbes

The largest state capital in the nation, Phoenix offers a unique confluence of city, county, state and federal courts, along with numerous prominent law firms and nonprofit organizations – many within walking distance or a short light-rail ride from ASU Law’s campus.

An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Arizona offers many places to explore that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you love to hike, hit the water, relax, challenge yourself, learn something new, explore history in person, Arizona has it all.

Phoenix is one of only 13 metro areas in the U.S. that has professional teams in all four major sports — MLB, NBA, NFL and the NHL — with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals and Arizona Coyotes.

Learn more about what Phoenix has to offer