A novelist’s next chapter: Jamie Lee Tucker joins ASU Law’s first online, part-time JD cohort

Jamie Lee Tucker has built her career around words as a novelist writing both adult and young adult fiction. Now, she’s taking that same fascination with language and attention to detail into a new arena: the law.

Based in Cartersville, Georgia, Tucker is part of ASU Law’s first-ever online, part-time JD cohort, which was designed to expand access to legal education for students whose lives and responsibilities don’t fit a traditional, full-time, on-campus model. For Tucker, who balances motherhood and professional writing, that flexibility isn’t just convenient — it’s the reason law school is possible.

“Not only does Arizona State University prepare their students for success, but they also consider how each student will impact the legal field and thus their communities,” Tucker said. “The program aligns with my own desire to do meaningful work, specifically in my hometown. This is what I’ve desired to do for a very long time, but didn’t think was previously possible with my schedule and responsibilities.”

As she prepares for what she hopes will be a future practicing in her hometown, Tucker is focused on issues that shape rural life every day, from land use and development pressure to protecting agricultural and environmental resources.

“It was apparent to me from the beginning that ASU was my top choice for not only an online JD program, but a JD program in general. I was looking for a university that doesn’t simply facilitate a degree, but that cares about the student’s future and success. I knew that ASU’s curriculum would be rigorous and demand extremely hard work, which I believe is vital to an online JD program,” Tucker said.

Note: Answers may have been lightly edited for length and/or clarity.

Question: How did your personal or professional journey bring you to ASU Law?

Answer: I earned my bachelor’s degree in English Literature and have been working as a novelist for the past few years. I’m naturally fascinated by language and the power of words, so the language of law and the precision involved are very intriguing to me. I have also grown up serving as a board member and volunteer educator at a local nature preserve, where I’ve seen firsthand the importance of preserving natural resources as well as generational land. I grew to understand that stewardship of the environment goes hand in hand with stewardship of the law. In searching for the next move in my career, law was the natural choice, and ASU Law fit all of my needs.

Q: In what ways has the online and part-time JD removed barriers that might have otherwise prevented you from pursuing a law degree?

A: I’m both a mother and a working professional, so the strict physical and time constraints associated with an on-campus program would never work for my schedule and responsibilities. ASU’s online JD program has a synchronous component that is very doable, and outside of that, adhering to deadlines, we create our own schedules. For someone who has a multitude of other duties outside of school, this flexibility is key.

Q: What communities or causes feel most central to your life right now?

A: The communities that feel most central to my life right now are rural and agricultural communities, especially those that may be experiencing displacement, pressure of development or environmental issues that could threaten their livelihood.

Q: What issues or communities do you hope to impact through your legal education?

A: Land use is paramount to the quality of life in a community, but especially in rural areas. My hope is that my legal education allows me to serve my community by helping them handle development, property transfer and other decisions that impact their families, livelihoods or stewardship of their land.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years — and how does this program get you there?

A: I see myself practicing as an attorney in my hometown, serving the rural community, potentially with a focus on real estate and land use. I would love to do something adjacent to agriculture. Not only does ASU’s program allow the flexibility I need to obtain a JD, but it puts emphasis on the kind of career of service I want to have. I have all the confidence that I will graduate with the particular tools I need to create that career because of ASU’s commitment.

Q: What does being part of the first-ever cohort mean to you?

A: It means a great deal to have the university’s confidence, firstly. I certainly feel honored and am even further driven to work as hard as I can to make the most out of this opportunity, not only for my own personal future success, but for the success of the program. There are so many barriers to earning a JD, and this program helps to make it accessible to those who otherwise may not have been possible for. I hope the success of our cohort shows the true value in this program.

Q: What are you most excited about in this program?

A: I’m most excited about learning. I’m excited to expand my knowledge and skills to grow into my future as a lawyer, and to build a life for myself and my family that wouldn’t otherwise have been possible without this program.