The LENS - April 2026

ASU Law continues to build momentum with our latest rankings, including the distinction of being named No. 1 in Legal Writing (U.S. News & World Report, 2027), which reflects the dedication of our faculty to developing one of the profession's most critical skills. We are pleased to retain top rankings in Dispute Resolution No. 11, Health Care Law No. 16 and Environmental Law No. 14. As we celebrate this achievement, we are also looking ahead to graduation on May 11, when we will honor our graduates and the Class of 2026. It's an exciting moment for our community, and we are proud to see our students step forward, ready to make their mark on the legal profession.

Stacy Leeds
Willard H. Pedrick Dean and Regents Professor
Arizona State University
Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law


ASU Law lands top 20 public law school for the 17th year, secures No. 1 in legal writing



ASU law program looks to equip lawyers in legal deserts, applications opened April 1


ASU Law Legal Writing program: #1 best program in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report, 2027)
ASU Law is leading the way, ranked No. 1 in the nation for Legal Writing by the U.S. News & World Report, ahead of Georgetown, University of Michigan and Texas A&M. 🏆✍️
This top ranking reflects what sets us apart: a forward-thinking approach to legal education that keeps students, skills and the evolving legal landscape at the center. From day one, our students build the practical writing, advocacy and problem-solving skills they need to stand out and succeed.


Upcoming Events
May
14-15
Tenth Annual SRP Sustainability Conference of American Legal Educators
May 14 - 15
Beus Center for Law and Society
May
21 - 22
Governance of Emerging Technologies and Science (GETS) Conference
May 21 - 22
Beus Center for Law and Society
June
4 - 19
40-Hour Family Mediation Training
June 4, 5, 18 and 19 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | On Zoom
June 11 and 12 | 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Beus Center for Law and Society

Faculty In The News
- AZ Central: Phoenix cop accused of provoking teen protesters invokes free speech (James Weinstein)
- Chandler Arizonan: Amid Medicaid reforms, hospital help available (James Hodge)
- AZ Central: Phoenix high school moves Erika Kirk event off campus after backlash (Gregg Leslie)
- AZ Central: A high school group invited Erika Kirk to campus. Parents aren't happy (Gregg Leslie)
- KJZZ: Nearly 5,000 migrants were charged with military trespassing at border. Most cases got dropped (Angela Banks)
- Oregon State Bar Bulletin: April 2026 Volume 86 | Tribal Roots Run Deep (Bob Miller)
- KJZZ: An 1884 case about tribal members was cited to end birthright citizenship (Bob Miller)
- Jotwell: Drilling Down on Anti-DEI Case Results (Michael Selmi)
- The National Jurist: Best law school buildings (ASU Law)
- KJZZ: Free speech advocate concerned with Trump's threats to prosecute leaked info about downed airmen (Gregg Leslie)
- AZ Central: New grad program rankings are out. These Arizona schools made the cut (ASU Law)
- The State Press: A Sun Devil's guide to navigating Scholarship Universe (Amy Best)
- ASU News: 2 ASU graduate programs rank No. 1 in the nation (Legal Writing)
- ASU News: Super sports agent Leigh Steinberg talks to ASU Law students about success in the business (SLB)
- ASU News: From presidents to provosts, ASU faculty and leaders land prestigious positions around the country (Stacy Leeds)
- TV Poland World: From Lviv to the Hague: Can cultural destruction be prosecuted? | Andrea Matačić Cayley (Andrea Matačić Cayley)
- The AI Innovator: Can an AI Agent Run an Entire Law Firm? (Sean Harrington)
- 3TV/ CBS 5: Judge disciplines Phoenix lawyer for fake AI citations in filings (Sean Harrington)

ASU Law Talks
ASU Law Talks is a recurring series of posts written by expert law faculty and staff with deep knowledge in legal education, empowering you to make informed decisions about your legal education journey.

- Leveraging AI-Assisted Contract Drafting for Social Good by Susan Chesler
- Public Health Limits of Medical Freedom by James G. Hodge, Summer Ghaith and Amirala Pasha
- Accommodating Justice: The Fragmented Path to Legal Licensure for Students with Disabilities by Antonia Miceli
- Authorizing Bespoke Therapies by Daniel Chen, Elissa Philip Gentry and Tim Yu
- Schrödinger's Crosswalk by Gregory H. Shill, Cara Hamann, Amy Koopmann, Laura Rockwell, Ryan Dusil and Michael Hamel
- Contract Law and Civil Justice in Local Courts by Cathy Hwang and Justin Weinstein-Tull
Stay informed by exploring our scholars' contributions and subscribing to ASU Law's SSRN eJournal for updates on the newest research.

Suits for Students Fund
The Suits for Students Fund helps law students overcome a costly but essential barrier: professional attire. A business suit can cost several hundred dollars, putting it out of reach for some students. Yet formal attire remains critical for job interviews during law school, where first impressions can shape career opportunities. Without access to a suit, students may face a significant disadvantage in a highly competitive field. Contributions to the fund ensure that students at ASU Law can present themselves with confidence and professionalism when it matters most.





