September 23, 2025

ASU Law students step into practice through experiential learning

The courtroom was quiet as Jacob Martinez rose to question a witness during his externship with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office — an opportunity most law students only dream of. Across town, Abdi Lopez met with an entrepreneur working with the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Clinic (ESBC), helping turn a vision into a thriving business. For both, these moments came not from a classroom, but through ASU Law’s experiential learning opportunities.

 

Clinics and externship opportunities give students hands-on experience that turns classroom theory into real-world practice. Representing clients, advising entrepreneurs or working alongside judges and attorneys, they gain the skills, judgment and confidence to succeed as lawyers.

For Lopez, a second-year law student and ESBC student attorney, the clinic experience has been transformative. Drawing on her background as the daughter of immigrant farmworkers, she approaches her work with a deep commitment to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. She was drawn to the ESBC for its welcoming environment and mission to support innovators.

One moment stands out to Lopez as she recalls assuring her first client that everything they shared was protected by attorney–client privilege. “As the daughter of farmworkers who grew up feeling powerless against injustice, that moment was transformative — proof that I had broken through generational barriers and could now use the law to empower others,” she said.

“The clinic gave me the chance to create something tangible for clients — to take their ideas and help turn them into thriving businesses,” Lopez said, adding that seeing her clients grow and succeed has been one of the most rewarding parts of her law school journey.

Martinez, a third-year law student, has gained hands-on experience through multiple externships, including with Judge Gass at the Court of Appeals, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and currently the Mesa Prosecutor’s Office. He chose each to gain skills that classroom learning couldn’t provide. 

“Whether it was becoming a better writer or getting courtroom experience, each experience has given me opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise,” he said.

A memorable moment came at the Attorney General’s Office, where he helped prep a trial, argue motions in limine and question witnesses. “It was such an incredible real-world experience that you can only get by taking part in the externships that are made available to us,” he said. Working alongside judges and attorneys also boosted his confidence. “While it’s still nerve-wracking, these experiences make me feel more confident every time I stand up to speak in court.”

Martinez also found purpose in the public service side of his work. At the Attorney General’s Office, he contributed to efforts addressing the fentanyl crisis. “Even playing a minor role in trying to curb the spread was such a meaningful experience that I will value forever,” he said.

Behind every experiential learning opportunity is support from ASU Law’s staff. Vanessa Pineda, director of public interest, helps students connect their ambitions with real-world legal experiences that teach, challenge and inspire.

“Externships and public interest opportunities are crucial because they allow students to see the impacts of the law on real clients,” Pineda said. “Many times, 1Ls feel removed from the practice of law because they’re reading cases from the 1800s. An externship lets you learn skills in real time with real clients under the supervision of an attorney.”

Pineda highlighted the placements students find most rewarding. “The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the Maricopa County Public Defenders’ offices are the best externship placements for students interested in litigation. There is no training like the one you will receive at these offices,” she said. “As a student lawyer, you prepare cases and witnesses, argue before judges in Superior Court and learn how to communicate with your clients about what is happening in their cases.”

For alumna Colleen Rundall, JD ’25, ASU Law’s clinics left a lasting impact beyond graduation. During her 3L year, she participated in the Post-Conviction Clinic, drawn by her interest in criminal defense and justice reform. One case stood out: working on Johnathan Doody’s federal habeas corpus case and a motion for post-conviction DNA testing, she had the rare opportunity to argue in court, a responsibility her clinic supervisors entrusted to her.

“The clinic placed a lot of trust in us as students to work on incredibly consequential matters,” she said.

Rundall also emphasized lessons that continue to influence her practice. “You can’t always win, but knowing clients have a team advocating for them makes all the difference. Managing client expectations and aligning their hopes with realistic legal strategies is something you can only learn by doing,” she said.

“My advice to current students is to choose a clinic that aligns with your values and ensure you have the time and emotional energy to commit fully. These are real people’s lives on the line, and the experience is absolutely worth it,” she said.

For students at ASU Law, clinics and externship opportunities offer more than skill-building; they provide a chance to step into the role of a lawyer, make an impact and shape their future careers.

Looking back, Martinez encourages other students to embrace these opportunities. “You only have so much time in law school. Take advantage of your time here and try to get as much experience as you can. Even in areas that you may think you’re absolutely not interested in,” he said.

“This is the only time you’ll be able to try out tons of different things without any repercussions — don’t waste that.”

Written by Andrea Estrada