November 05, 2024

From ASU Law to legislative leadership: An alumna’s journey as a key rules attorney at the Arizona House of Representatives

It’s a dream turned reality for Jennifer Holder, a 2015 JD graduate of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. Holder knew she wanted to work in government since she first learned about American government and history in her junior high social studies class.

“Not only was I completely fascinated by the story of our democracy’s founding, but as a daughter of immigrants, I realized even then the impact our system of government has on real lives,” Holder said. “I felt a calling to serve that government, and that calling has only grown clearer since attending law school and starting my career in public service.”

It wasn’t until she completed the Legislative Legal Internship Program with the House Rules Attorney’s Office during her second year at ASU Law that she fell in love with the Legislature and legislative lawyering. The program helped her discover her niche in legislative and policy arenas.

“Doing that internship pretty much affected my career trajectory,” expressed Holder.

While she now strides alongside lawmakers in the Arizona House of Representatives, the road to get there was rigorous, as is the case for many law students.

She took courses in legislation, administrative law and Arizona constitutional law while maximizing her externship credits with state agencies.

Holder also credits her time in the Work-Life Law and Policy Clinic for helping her learn how to communicate with policymakers and deliver results. Through the clinic, she was able to work on cases before the Arizona Department of Economic Security, which helped her understand how state agencies function and how the state’s unemployment insurance laws are applied in practice.

As a rules attorney, a non-partisan position that serves the entire body, Holder has a long list of duties that help advance democracy for Arizonans. They vary from advising on parliamentary procedure to advising members of the House of Representatives and the Speaker of the House with public records requests, campaign laws, statutory drafting and other legislative procedural requirements under the state’s constitution. 

Holder is proud to work in a role where she can make a difference alongside other ASU Law alumni at the Arizona House of Representatives.

ASU Law continues to advance professionals, like Holder, in public interest and service through its advancing democracy area of expertise, which supports fostering and strengthening democratic principles, institutions and practices within local, national and global societies. Through innovative research, strategic partnerships and practical application, we offer comprehensive programs that allow students to actively participate in issues that address topics such as access to justice, constitutional governance and immigration.

ASU Law is dedicated to serving the community as advocates and preparing our students for public service - all in keeping with the legacy of our namesake, the late Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Justice O'Connor served in all three branches of government and was passionate about preserving the rule of law across the globe.

Learn more about the opportunities to champion justice and democratic principles available at ASU Law through the advancing democracy area of expertise pathways.

 

Written by Crystal Jimenez