February 03, 2025

ASU Law advances health and wellbeing through innovative legal education

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University promotes health and wellbeing by focusing on public health law, health policy, health equity, bioethics and mental health within the legal profession and across industries. 

Ranked among the top 25 health law programs nationally by the U.S. News and World Report, ASU Law is No.13 in the 2025 rankings.

“We take health and wellbeing issues in Arizona and nationally very seriously,” said ASU Law Peter Kiewit Foundation Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Public Health Law and Policy James Hodge. “ASU Law is a leading destination for public health care technology and other areas at the forefront of national health policy issues.”

ASU Law offers an interdisciplinary approach to the evolving field of health law, addressing legal issues in health care with a comprehensive perspective. Graduates are equipped to advocate for justice in health law and bridge the gap between law and life science for a healthier future.

There are a variety of academic options for those interested in health and wellbeing, including a JD with a health law and policy certificate, a LLM degree focused on genomics and biotechnology and a master of legal studies degree with emphasis areas available in health law, science and technology law, health care administration and corporate and health care compliance. 

Alumni from ASU Law are highly regarded in the health law community. Notable graduates include Katelyn Hilde (JD ‘20), who works for the Food and Drug Administration, and Patrick V. Bailey, director of Health Care Policy at the Goldwater Institute.

The school’s commitment to wellbeing extends beyond health law to areas like health technology and Indigenous health.

Two centers lead research, scholarship and advocacy on pressing legal and policy issues.

Center for Public Health Law and Policy

This center connects students with experts in law, ethics, policy and public health to address key challenges. It conducts research, creates educational tools and collaborates with public health and medical leaders to use law as a means of improving public health.

Center for Law, Science and Innovation

Focusing on the intersection of science, technology and law, this center provides innovative education and practical experience. It explores legal and policy challenges in areas like robotics, genetics and nanotechnology through courses, research and events. 

On Jan. 10 the center teamed up with the U.S. District Court of Arizona to explore the intersection of addiction, justice and technology at the ninth biannual Law and Neuroscience Conference. The event featured a diverse lineup of distinguished speakers and attendees to discuss topics ranging from current scientific views on addiction to new treatment approaches.

With its strong focus on health law, public policy and innovation, ASU Law continues to shape the future of legal practice in health care and beyond. 

For information on the health and wellbeing area of expertise, visit law.asu.edu/health-and-wellbeing.

Written by Crystal Jimenez