August 21, 2025

Students shaping the future, starting today: ASU Law welcomes new students during 2025 orientation

From the moment they arrived, the newest JD, LLM, transfer and master’s students at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University were reminded that their professional journeys begin now — not at graduation. Orientation week made it clear: ASU Law prepares students before they even step foot inside a classroom for a fast-evolving legal landscape defined by innovation, justice and service.

“Your career begins today, not three years from now,” said the Honorable Michael T. Liburdi, United States District Judge, during the welcome remarks. His words set the tone for the week and carried through orientation activities, from a session on ethical AI use to the student organization fair and volunteering at St. Mary’s Food Bank, where classmates connected beyond the classroom.

ASU’s historic growth meets ASU Law’s legacy

ASU welcomed a record-setting 42,900 new students universitywide this year, and ASU Law mirrors that momentum.

The JD Class of 2028 exemplifies academic excellence, with an all-time high median GPA of 3.91, a median LSAT of 165, representation from 35 states and four countries, ages 19 to 43, nearly 16% first-generation college graduates and more than three-quarters first-generation law students. The class includes military veterans, Tribal citizens, business founders and community leaders. Master’s programs further expand this breadth, welcoming students from 17 countries and 13 Tribal nations, including professionals from business, health care, science and media.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Class of 2028 to ASU Law. In a nationally competitive law school application cycle, the class demonstrated that they are ready to contribute to the law community, explore various legal opportunities and become the lawyers and leaders of the future. We cannot wait to see where they go from here,” said Amy Best, assistant dean of admissions and financial aid. 

With their unique experiences and aspirations, these students are not just entering law school; they are stepping into a living legacy shaped by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s ideals and the College’s commitment to public service and leadership.

Stacy Leeds, Willard H. Pedrick Dean and Regents Professor of Law at ASU Law, welcomed the students with a reminder of the school’s history and future. “Today marks an important day in our law school’s history, in that you are the 10th class to begin law school downtown here in this building. You are also part of the legacy of Sandra Day O’Connor, the only modern-day Supreme Court justice who served in all three branches of government.”

She emphasized ASU Law’s ethos of service and inclusivity. “Even if it’s for a short while and you change your mind, every single one of you should do some kind of public service in your career. It will make you a better lawyer and it will make you a better person,” she said.

Leeds also highlighted the unique culture and identity of ASU Law. “We attract a special kind of student — nimble, adaptable and ready to pivot when required.” She encouraged students to embrace ASU Law’s tight-knit community and dynamic opportunities.

“We are a community that deeply cares about each other and ourselves. We are not afraid of anything, and we say yes to as many things as possible. When we can’t say yes, we figure it out together.”

Service and community

For first-year JD student and former military police officer Dallas Cady, service and connection shaped his path to law. His experiences in the criminal justice system showed him the impact legal professionals can have, inspiring him to pursue law as a way to make a greater difference.

“I was able to get a glimpse of what happens in the court system following the initial police contact and investigations. I saw law as a natural career progression following my time in the service that allowed me to remain in the criminal justice system and have a more direct impact on the eventual outcome of these cases and investigations,” he said.

When it came time to choose a law school, Cady knew he wanted a place where community mattered as much as professional growth. “My wife and I attended an admitted student day in December. For the rest of the night, and the entire flight home the next day, we continued to remark on how great everyone we interacted with was, from student ambassadors to faculty and alumni. It felt like a fantastic community to be a part of, and ultimately, those interactions led to choosing ASU.”

That sense of connection continues to shape his vision for the year ahead. “Law school is going to be challenging, especially this first year, and I think having friends who are going through the same thing will be a huge advantage in successfully navigating the transition,” Cady said.

Orientation week reinforced ASU Law’s commitment to service and collaboration. For Cady and his classmates, law school is more than learning doctrine — it’s about stepping into a supportive environment where leadership includes responsibility to others.

Innovation and collaboration

In addition to service and community, ASU Law’s focus on innovation ensures students are ready for the evolving legal profession. Orientation week highlighted this approach, preparing students to navigate complex legal technologies and fostering a culture of collaboration. In the session Thinking Like a Lawyer with AI, students explored the do’s, don’t’s and ethical considerations of using AI in legal practice.

First-year JD student Miguel Soto Pachuca described why ASU Law stood out. “What attracted me to ASU Law was the fact that they are not afraid of changes in the legal field but are the individuals who pioneer the way for change,” he said. “Currently, AI has prompted numerous unanswered questions, which cause worry for the future of legal professions, yet ASU is beginning discussions about this new endeavor instead of ignoring it. This innovative and curious spirit is what makes me excited and proud to pursue a JD at ASU.”

Innovation at ASU Law extends beyond technology. Building connections, learning from peers and contributing to the broader community are essential parts of professional growth. Pachuca emphasized that ASU Law’s tight-knit, collaborative environment was a major draw.

“In a place where competition is as common as cold calls, genuine community is revolutionary. Students here choose solidarity instead of individuality, saying, ‘Your success does not limit mine, but we all succeed as a collective.’ I am proud to be at a law school where students do not fight in isolation, but succeed as a family,” Pachuca said.

Inclusion and impact

Olivia Richard, a first-year JD student passionate about human rights and media law, emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of belonging as she begins her journey at ASU Law. She sees representation as more than having a seat at the table; it’s about ensuring diverse voices and experiences are truly represented.

“In a law school setting, I think it’s incredibly important that the community reflects the broader population. That means people from different backgrounds, different economic situations, different life experiences, different levels of access and ability,” she said.

ASU Law’s programs and community also drew her to the school. She values the chance to explore two distinct legal paths: international human rights and entertainment/media law. “Being able to build a strong foundation in writing while exploring both areas made ASU feel like the right place,” she said.

Looking ahead, Richard hopes to use her law degree to amplify the rights and voices of those with the least power. She wants to ensure that their rights, concerns and interests are not just advocated for, but actively protected.

“What ties international human rights prosecution and entertainment and intellectual property law together for me is the desire to be in spaces where people often have the least power and to make sure their rights, their concerns, and their interests are not just advocated for, but protected and upheld. I want to be the person who shows up and makes sure that happens for them,” she said.

Stepping into the profession today

As orientation week came to a close, students were reminded that their journey at ASU Law is about more than earning a degree — it is about stepping immediately into the responsibilities and opportunities of the legal profession.

 

For Cady, it means carrying forward a spirit of service and connection. For Pachuca, it means embracing innovation and curiosity in the face of change. For Richard, it means ensuring that diverse voices and experiences are not only heard but protected.

With innovation, inclusion and service woven throughout the week’s events, ASU Law’s newest class was invited to embrace what Leeds called the “ASU Law swagger,” confidence rooted not in competition, but in humility, adaptability and a commitment to advancing justice.

Leeds also emphasized the charge that comes with entering the legal profession. As they take on the challenges ahead, ASU Law’s incoming students carry with them the charge to lead with courage, integrity and purpose. 

“Starting today, you really are considered a member of the legal profession. It’s not when you pass the bar. It’s today. And so with that comes a lot of responsibility and expectations,” Leeds said.

Written by Andrea Estrada