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Full-time on campus

Juris Doctor (JD)

Customize your legal journey with an ASU Law JD, full-time and on campus

#45 best law school in the U.S.

– U.S. News & World Report, 2026

The Juris Doctor (JD) degree, full-time and on campus, at ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law is a three-year program that incorporates academic and practical learning to prepare students to practice law or work in a related field.

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

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

First-year JD students are not permitted to work. Second- and third-year students may not work more than 20 hours per week. For those who have wanted to go to law school but could not eliminate obligations in their lives to allow for full-time enrollment, please contact the JD Admissions office to inquire about available options, including the JD, part-time and online.

Learning outcomes

The Juris Doctor at ASU Law is a program that incorporates practical learning and experiences. Learning outcomes for the JD degree include competency in:

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
Other professional skills needed for competent and ethical participation as a member of the legal profession

Quick facts

Next start date: August 18, 2025

Total credit hours: 88

Students who receive scholarships: 100%

Full-time program duration: 3 years

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Why ASU Law?

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU 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. 45 best 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.

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

Students learn from some of the nation’s foremost scholars and innovative legal instructors. 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.

Learn more about ASU Law

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

Students completing their JD full-time and on campus have a unique opportunity to pursue the following certificates and areas of interest to customize their degree.

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

JD Graduate students sitting in regalia at the Spring 2023 Convocation ceremony

Areas of Expertise at ASU Law

Driven by institutional expertise, ASU Law’s Areas of Expertise are specialized pathways allowing students from each of our degree programs to explore specialty areas led by world-class faculty, combining academic rigor with practical experience. Each area highlights a unique blend of coursework, hands-on experiential opportunities and career prospects, guiding students to tailor their legal education toward their passions and professional goals.

Employment 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.

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ASU Law employment stats

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 also a major sports hub, with championship sports teams in the MLB, NBA, NFL, USL and WNBA, along with world-renowned sporting events in golf and racing.

Learn more about Phoenix

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