“You belong here”: Welcoming new students to the ASU Law community at the fall 2026 orientation

“You belong here.”

This simple message from Interim Dean and Charles J. Merriam Distinguished Professor of Law Angela M. Banks greeted more than 300 students on a day filled with excitement, anticipation and perhaps a bit of nerves ー on their first day of law school at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.

These students, largely the incoming JD Class of 2029 along with LLM, transfer and visiting JD students, arrived by remarkably different paths. They hail from 34 states and three countries, represent 11 Tribal affiliations and pursued more than 70 different undergraduate majors. Among the class are an actor, a line cook, a Segway tour guide as well as brothers who are starting this journey together. With students ranging in age from 16 to 46, they bring a wide variety of perspectives to law school. But as Banks reminded them, these differences are part of what makes their presence at ASU Law meaningful.

“Everyone’s law school experience will be richer because each of you are here, sharing your values, your experiences and your perspectives,” Banks told them.

That potential to contribute to the deliberate community at ASU Law was apparent from long before the first day of orientation, said Amy Best, assistant dean of admissions and financial aid.

“What stands out about the Class of 2029 is the many accomplishments and achievements they will bring to the classroom and beyond,” Best stated. “We are proud to welcome them to the ASU Law community. We look forward to watching them discover new interests, learn how to think like a lawyer, and understand the responsibilities that come with practicing law and being a leader. We are excited to see how they shape the future of the legal profession.”

Finding their place

For the students beginning their law school journey this fall, their reasons for pursuing law are as unique as the perspectives they bring with them.

Jake Singer, first-year JD student, sees law as an opportunity to bring together a range of interests.

“From evaluating Supreme Court cases to analyzing recent developments in the NIL space of college athletics, I love that the law provides debate, advocacy and critical thinking to answer questions that do not have one pathway,” Singer said. “Being able to combine my interests through a legal career is super exciting to me, and ASU is the perfect place to do it.”

For Sean Rios, a career in law offered a way to serve his community. While considering a career in policing, he was encouraged to think about how lawyers can shape the law and advocate for those affected by it.

“I know the kind of purpose I want my career to have, but I’m looking forward to discovering the different ways I can live that purpose through the legal profession,” Rios said.

Another incoming JD student, Lisa Nguyen, mentioned that pursuing law came from a passion for conflict resolution and helping people, particularly children, navigate through conflict and achieve meaningful compromise and resolution.

“I believe being a good lawyer requires being a good listener, and I hope law school will challenge me to further develop that skill and become an even stronger advocate for others,” she said.

Bria Blankumsee’s interest in law became more purposeful during her undergraduate studies taking courses in psychology, criminal justice and political science. While deciding on a law school, Blankumsee said “As I explored the many options ASU offered, I created a path that would help me achieve my goals.” This path includes joining the Intellectual Property Student Association, contributing articles to the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Journal, practicing in moot court and connecting with fellow students as well as alumni.

Inheriting a legacy

All of these students are joining the ASU Law community during a milestone year. In 2026, the college celebrates 20 years since being named in honor of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, 20 years of the Master of Legal Studies program and the Tribal Nations Policy Institute, 25 years of the Lodestar Dispute Resolution Center and 10 years in the Beus Center for Law and Society in downtown Phoenix.

“These anniversaries are more than milestones,” Banks told them. “They are reminders of the legacy that you now inherit.”

Banks emphasized Justice O’Connor’s commitment to principled leadership, thoughtful dialogue, public service and the rule of law as values that students should carry into their own careers.

“Today, that legacy becomes yours to carry forward,” she said.

Many paths in legal education

The JD students were not the only ones beginning their law school journeys. Orientation continued on Friday, Aug. 14 for students entering the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL) and Master of Sports Law and Business (SLB) programs.

This fall’s incoming legal master’s class includes 303 students, among them 23 international students from 12 different countries, four military-affiliated students and students representing nine Tribes.

The Master of Sports Law and Business program welcomed 56 students, including 12 student-athletes, with 98% of the class bringing previous experience in sports.

For incoming SLB student Caemon Scott, the changing landscape of college athletics makes a foundation in law increasingly important. Scott also said ASU Law’s emphasis on real-world experience and professional connections drew him to the program.

“With the ever-changing landscape in the NCAA, pursuing a basis in law is something I believe is of importance as we continue to see legal challenges arise in the college space,” Scott said. “As an individual who learns with experience and not just textbook, utilizing real-world happenings and gaining experiences from that as well as the textbook was important for me.”

Across all degree programs and career paths that these students have in mind, ASU Law’s incoming class bring with them different perspectives and goals for their legal education. Orientation marked a shared beginning, and an invitation to find their place in the ASU Law community. From orientation on, their paths in the legal community began with a reminder that they can carry through the next couple of years 一 they belong here.