Street view of cars driving in front of ASU Barrett & O’Connor Washington Center

ASU Law in Washington, D.C.

#2 law school in D.C.

Ranked just below Georgetown – U.S. News & World Report, 2025

Study, work and live in the nation's capital

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. In Washington, D.C., ASU Law students are able to take a full load of courses on a variety of topics – all taught by top practitioners in their field and by tenured ASU law professors.

Why Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. is not only the nation's capital but also home to premiere law firms. ASU Law students have the opportunity to study with senior lawyers from the State Department, DOJ, US Senate, EPA as well as top law firms. With an-on site Career Services office – students are placed in prestigious externships where they are able to earn academic credits, network, and gain incomparable professional experience.

ASU Law Washington, D.C. gives students the opportunity to experience life in the capitol for a semester to up to a year and a half. Students are able to attend large conferences that are held annually from the ABA, American Society of International Law, International Anti Corruption Conference and more.

Students are able to attend events at other universities, embassies, international organizations and public interest groups.

Location of ASU Law

The D.C. Leadership Academy is based at ASU Law’s location in the nation’s capital, at 1800 I Street NW, in the heart of downtown.

The building is across the street from the Farragut West metro station and just a few blocks from the White House, U.S. Capitol and many federal agencies.

Your Washington, D.C. opportunities

While in Washington, D.C. you can apply for one our programs. The ASU Law D.C. programs connect you to the breadth of externship and networking opportunities only available in the nation's capital.

ASU Law in Washington, D.C. provides a wide variety of courses and opportunities that cater to everyone's interest. Courses range from environmental law to healthcare law to tax law.

If you are looking to specialize in a specific area, you can enroll in one of our four D.C. specific programs: Government Service Program, Antitrust Law Program, the International Rule of Law and Security Program and the Indian Legal Program. You can find more details about each program below.

Justyn Zeider standing in front of the United State Capital building in Washington, D.C./

Justyn Zeider, Juris Doctor class of 2024

"I've had the opportunity to study at ASU Law in D.C. since Fall 2022, and it has defined my law school experience in the best way. For one, it helped me to find my passion: environmental law. I externed at the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of the Treasury. All of these were fantastic experiences and guided me to my decision to enter the environmental regulatory space. Additionally, the coursework in D.C. is engaging, intimate classes taught by impressive professors. My favorite D.C.-based classes include Legal Advocacy and the Law, International Business Transactions, Advanced Antitrust and International Environmental Law. I will return to Phoenix for the Spring 2024 semester to graduate."

Special D.C. programs

D.C. Leadership Academy

The ASU Law Washington D.C. Leadership Academy is the first of its kind to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders at the intersection of law and public policy. Participants include a undergraduate, graduate and ASU Law students who interned in the Washington, D.C., area during the summer to amplify their professional skills and build their network.

Learn more

ASU Events

Living in Washington, D.C.

Explore the city

Moving to Washington, D.C. offers access to historic landmarks like the U.S. Capitol, monuments, and free Smithsonian museums. The city’s food scene is diverse, and the nightlife is lively with bars, live music, and events Students also enjoy unique opportunities to engage with politics and government.

Frequently asked questions about the ASU Law in Washington, D.C.

Who may participate in ASU Law’s Washington, D.C. programs? What is required to participate?

There are no minimum criteria to participate other than registering (non-binding) and attending an in-person orientation at the beginning of each semester. All interested JD students have the option to study in Washington. LLM and MLS students may also participate but must apply and receive approval before registering for D.C. programs from Graduate Programs.

How many courses are offered/required?

We aim to offer five or more courses each semester, and that number may grow as the programs grow. We offer a number of special courses each semester. The best way to find current courses is to look at the current semester’s course information, sort by “Room,” and scroll down to where the D.C. courses are listed. Some of the previous courses listed include: Prosecuting International Crimes, International Human Rights, Foreign Relations Law, Executive Branch Decision Making, Legislative Advocacy and the Law, and many more.

How do I apply to attend ASU Law in Washington, D.C.?

For more information about applying to ASU Law Washington, D.C. programs, please email asulawindc@asu.edu.

How do I apply for and externship in Washington, D.C.?

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law D.C. Program offers a unique opportunity for second- and third-year law students who seek legal experience in Washington D.C.

Students generally apply directly to employers for Washington, D.C. externship positions. If we have an existing relationship with an employer, we can help forward your application materials to the employer, in addition to your direct application. Most employers will indicate what application materials they want to receive in their externship announcement. If not, or if you are applying to an organization that has not advertised a position, send a cover letter and resume. For help searching for and applying to D.C. externships, please contact Robin Grieff, Director of Career Services in D.C.

Learn more about D.C. externships

United States Capitol at night covered in snow. The building is lit up with bright white lights in a blue dark dusk sky.