The Juris Doctor (JD), full-time and on campus, is the foundational degree to practice law in the U.S. As an ABA-accredited top law school, ASU Law prepares students through rigorous coursework, hands-on experience and faculty mentorship.
Next start date: August 17, 2026
Total credit hours: 88
Duration: 3 years
Delivery: full-time; on-campus
ASU Law first-year JD students take required, administratively assigned courses in foundational legal subjects. The first-year curriculum includes civil procedure, contracts, torts, legal method and writing, property, constitutional law, criminal law, legal advocacy and professional responsibility. 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 in the second- and third-years of law school. Upper-level students can choose from over 250 courses and many other opportunities at ASU Law. JD students must complete 88 credit hours and write 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.
The Juris Doctor at ASU Law is a program that incorporates practical learning and experiences. Learning outcomes for the JD degree include competency in:
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. Learning from some of the nation’s foremost scholars and innovative legal instructors, ASU Law graduates are educated to become skilled and compassionate advocates and difference-makers.
– U.S. News and World Report, 2027
– U.S. News and World Report, 2027
– ABA report, 2026
#1 Legal Writing | #11 Dispute Resolution | #14 Environmental Law | #16 Health Care Law
– U.S. News and World Report, 2027
Small class sizes and accessible faculty enhance classroom discussions and encourage the sharing of diverse perspectives.
From experiential learning opportunities like the clinical program and fellowships, to student-led opportunities like student organizations and law journals – ASU Law prepares graduates to shape the future of justice from public service to private practice.
“The Indian Legal Program goes above and beyond to support us, organizing practice rounds with 20 to 40 volunteer judges throughout January and February. This past year, I competed alongside Justice Oglesby, and we were proud to place fifth for Best Overall Advocates and advance to the elite eight out of 66 teams. What made it even more special was the way the ASU Law teams supported one another; we pushed each other to improve and celebrated each other’s successes. It was truly a highlight of my law school career.”
"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.”
“Choosing ASU was the best decision of my life. Attending one of the best public law schools in the United States has always been an honor. Working in a small legal community has allowed me to get to know many mentors who helped me on my path ... Working as a judicial extern in the Superior Court and various prosecution agencies has deepened my understanding of the rule of law to serve justice. The experience I gained through my externships showed me what justice means and how it differs for each party involved in the criminal justice system.”
“I chose ASU Law because of the community, both internally and externally. I come from a small village with a population of less than 2,000 people, but I have always been more of a city person. Phoenix is a community that mimics the best of both of those worlds — a large city that has access to music, theater and sports, but has an almost small-town feel similar to where I am from. This is especially true for the specialized access to the Phoenix legal community that ASU Law has. ”
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.
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.
In the heart of downtown Phoenix, our state-of-the-art Beus Center for Law and Society serves as the home for ASU Law.
Explore ASU Law in Phoenix
Students at ASU Law have a special opportunity for experiential learning for a semester in Los Angeles, California.
Explore ASU Law in LA
ASU Law is the only law school that is based outside of Washington, D.C. that has its own Washington, D.C. location and provides a full academic and professional program, including prestigious externships and program opportunities.
Explore ASU Law in DC
Entering classes are typically around 250 students. First-year students have a small-section legal writing class and doctrinal courses with three to four sections combined. In the second and third years, students will experience a range of course sizes depending on the subject matter and type of course.
Professors have scheduled office hours outside of course times, and are always willing to meet outside of office hours as well.
The student-to-faculty ratio for JD students at ASU Law is 7:1.
First-year students are required to meet with Career Services during the first semester. In this meeting, career advisors will review job search process tips and timelines, and review resumes and cover letters. ASU Law has a portal where students can apply for positions. Career Services also coordinates On-Campus Interviews (OCIs), which bring legal professionals directly to the school. Career Services can help connect students with attorneys for informational purposes.
ASU Law has 10 clinics. The clinics vary in their class sizes and applicant pool. Students are typically able to participate in the clinic of their choice at some point during their time at ASU Law.
ASU Law has over 50 student clubs and organizations that are available. Oftentimes, organizations will host events at lunch or in the evenings, fostering participation and connection with fellow students.
The law school is centrally located in Downtown Phoenix, walking distance from major law firms, courthouses and government offices. The Downtown Phoenix campus mostly houses graduate programs, so it has a more professional vibe while also having University resources like a gym facility and a health center. Additionally, downtown is home to many working professionals. Downtown Phoenix has a lot of good food options in close proximity, as well as a professional baseball field and basketball arena.
Our students have access to a wide range of externship opportunities. In fact, over 90% of our students complete at least one externship during their time in law school. Students often extern with judges in state and federal courts, law firms of all sizes, government agencies, prosecutors’ and public defenders’ offices, public interest organizations and more.
1Ls are not permitted to work during their first year except under very limited circumstances requiring a petition through Student Services. This is to ensure that each student has enough time to dedicate to their studies. Most students will work the summer following their 1L year and may have internships during their 2L/3L years.
ASU offers several hands-on programs outside of traditional externships. We have a clinical program with 10 different clinics spanning a range of interests. Under the direct supervision of faculty and practicing attorneys, most clinics provide opportunities to take direct responsibility for clients in a law practice setting. In addition to providing legal services, each clinic has a classroom component where students explore issues of proficiency and ethics, lawyer-client relationship, alternative dispute resolution and the attorney’s role as an advocate in the justice system. ASU also has classes that incorporate hands-on experiences such as drafting contracts, participating in negotiations or representing fictitious clients.
A majority of the student organizations at ASU offer 1L representative positions. This is a great way to get involved early on and learn more about how different organizations operate. Second- and third-year students typically take on larger leadership positions such as president, treasurer and programming chair.