ASU Law’s D.C. Leadership Academy returns for a second year to empower students in the nation’s capital

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University’s D.C. Leadership Academy is offering students the chance to gain invaluable skills and experience in the heart of U.S. law and policy.

Now in its second year, the academy provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills that are not typically taught in the classroom. Participants will connect with professionals and fellow students in Washington, D.C., to learn important lessons in a supportive environment and gain hands-on experience in the nation’s capital.

“Last summer, students heard from top professionals from all areas of the D.C. legal market —

including private law firms, lobbying firms, the federal government, nonprofits and policy think tanks,” said Robin Grieff, director of ASU Law Career Services in Washington, D.C. “These professionals shared candid advice on their paths to success and the challenges they faced. Students in the 2024 cohort told us that the academy was a transformative experience that helped them feel more equipped and empowered to navigate job markets.”

The 2025 D.C. Leadership Academy will run from June 3 to July 29. The nine-week program hopes to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders at the intersection of law and public policy. It will consist of two-hour sessions once per week and bring together undergraduate, graduate and law students from around the world. 

This year, the program will introduce a new strengths assessment. Students will complete the evaluation before the academy begins, and results will be discussed during orientation to kick off the summer.

Additionally, the academy will offer more interactive, workshop-style sessions. One of these will allow students to practice networking skills with D.C. professionals and peers, while also receiving real-world feedback on draft networking and professional emails.

Students who participate in the academy will be designated ASU Law ambassadors and will have unique opportunities to connect individually with their cohort and D.C. professionals. These roles may include introducing speakers, moderating and presenting portions of sessions, engaging in mentor-mentee pairings and organizing a happy hour for the cohort.

Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open and students are encouraged to take advantage of this unique chance to grow personally and professionally in Washington, D.C

Written by Crystal Jimenez