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Juris Doctor, JD

Juris Doctor (JD) degree 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.

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.

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Enrollment options

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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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.

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Why ASU Law?

ASU Law is a highly ranked and respected public law school dedicated to educating the next generation of legal professionals. In honor of its namesake, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, public service is at its core, and is committed to advancing justice in the communities it serves. ASU Law graduates are educated to become skilled and compassionate advocates and difference-makers.

The highest-ranked law school in Arizona and the No. 15 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.

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Kurt “KJ” Russell Jr., Juris Doctor

"During my time at ASU Law, one of the most profound lessons I learned was the paramount importance of relationships with classmates, mentors and sponsors. While I anticipated the academic rigor and legal knowledge gained in the classroom, what truly surprised me was the transformative impact of forging meaningful connections with my peers and mentors. In the classroom, collaborating with classmates on group projects and engaging in discussions opened my eyes to diverse perspectives and approaches to legal issues.

"I realized that these relationships with my fellow students weren't just about studying together; they were about cultivating a network of future colleagues and industry mates. As we shared ideas, debated legal theories and supported each other through the challenges of law school, I came to understand the invaluable role that these relationships would play in my future career. These classmates would be my coworkers and potential collaborators, referral sources and lifelong friends within the legal profession."

Read KJ'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

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 public 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.

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.

Employment

Juris Doctor graduates go on to join law firms, start their own firms or companies, move up in their existing careers or work in public service.

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.

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 19 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 and Arizona Cardinals.

Learn more about Phoenix