Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law - Beus Center for Law and Society Snell & Wilmer Plaza

JD Certificates

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


Law, Science and Technology Certificate

The Center for Law, Science and Innovation (LSI) offers a Law, Science and Technology (LST) Certificate. This certificate demonstrates proficiency in the unique issues that arise at the intersection of law and technology. Understanding this intersection and the implications are critical for any modern practitioner, and may give students an edge with employers and clients.

Students can choose to earn a general LST certificate, or focus in one or more of the following:

  • Intellectual Property
  • Life Sciences
  • Data, Privacy and Security

With over 50 courses to choose from, and under the guidance of more than 30 Faculty Fellows, students complete a substantive curriculum of at least 7 courses (16 credits) and write a substantial paper related to LST issues. This coursework is supplemented by participation in LSI opportunities such as Jurimetrics: the Journal of Law, Science and Technology, research cluster groups, and related clinical work. Every student in the LST certificate program benefits from having a faculty mentor assigned to them.

For more information, contact Eric Hitchcock, Center for Law, Science and Innovation Director at e.hitchcock@asu.edu

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Indian Law Certificate

The Indian Law Certificate Program is designed for JD students with an interest in Indian law. Students are required to take at least 21 hours of classes that are relevant to the practice of Indian law, write a substantial paper on an Indian law topic, and complete practical work experience in the award-winning Indian Legal Clinic. The Indian Law Certificate shows a higher level of understanding in the subject matter. Graduates stand out to employers, especially if seeking a job representing state, federal or tribal governments, or representing companies that do business with tribes. This upper-division law program can be completed within the final two years of the JD program.

For more information, contact Kate M. Rosier, Indian Legal Program Executive Director, at 480-965-6204.


Health Law and Policy Certificate

The Health Law and Policy Certificate serves as a pivotal component of the health law careers for our JD students at ASU Law. The certificate is geared toward students seeking to practice health or public health law in diverse employment settings. It is designed to immerse students in multiple areas of health law and policy, broadening their knowledge and skills in preparation for applied practice. As the health law market in Arizona and the U.S. continues to expand, new positions are emerging for these candidates, who will be well-trained and versed in multifarious topics. ASU’s Health Law and Policy Certificate is administered through its Center for Public Health Law and Policy.

For more information, contact Professor James G. Hodge, Jr. at James.Hodge.1@asu.edu.


Law and Sustainability Certificate

The Law and Sustainability Certificate is geared toward JD students interested in environmental and sustainability law and policy, to propel ASU law students into environmental sustainability-related legal careers. The requirements for the certificate are tailored to ensure that recipients receive a significant breadth and depth of training in such burgeoning legal fields as water law, energy law, environmental law, and land use law. Students who complete the certificate will have demonstrated specialized knowledge and competence in these areas. The Law and Sustainability Certificate is administered through ASU Law’s Program on Law and Sustainability.

For more information, contact Faculty Director Troy Rule, at Troy.Rule@asu.edu.


Trial Advocacy Certificate

The Trial Advocacy Certificate, which is available only to students currently enrolled in the Juris Doctor (JD) degree program, will provide students interested in pursuing a career in criminal prosecution, criminal defense or civil litigation with a prescribed course of study to help prepare them for practice. In addition, it will serve as a credential representing to future employers and clients that a JD student has a demonstrated interest in trial advocacy and a solid foundation in the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field. To earn the certificate, a student must take classes in courtroom practice and procedure as well as alternative dispute resolution, participate in experiential learning either through simulation-based instruction in litigation and courtroom advocacy or by representing clients in a clinical setting, and gain additional practical experience through pro bono service, participation in a moot court competition or enrollment in a Rule 38 externship.

For further information about the Trial Advocacy Certificate, please email asutrialadvocacy@gmail.com

Trial Advocacy Application

David Medina - class of 2015

"Law school covers countless topics, and I definitely benefited from using the certificate program to help focus my legal education. I was also looking for ways to differentiate myself as a student and budding professional. I also wanted to take the classes that counted towards the certificate I was interested in earning. I was interested in law, science, and technology, and the curriculum required by that certificate matched my interests quite nicely. There are many reasons to do a certificate, and I would strongly encourage incoming law students to consider it."

David Medina
Law, Science and Technology Certificate
Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law