Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law: Ranking, Admissions, and Opportunities

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University (ASU Law) stands as a leading institution for legal education. Located in downtown Phoenix, with additional locations in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and online, ASU Law believes prestige and access can coexist to educate students and serve communities. ASU Law is reimagining legal education through innovation, inclusive excellence, and a commitment to advancing justice. ASU Law creates the next generation of lawyers and industry leaders, honoring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's legacy. This article delves into the rankings, admissions process, and diverse opportunities offered by ASU Law, providing prospective students with a comprehensive overview.

Overview of ASU Law

ASU Law consistently earns high marks in national rankings. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks ASU Law among the top law schools in the United States. It is also the 7th highest-ranked public law school and the highest-ranked law school overall in the state of Arizona. The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University continues to cement its reputation as one of the nation’s leading law schools, achieving exceptional employment outcomes for the Class of 2024 and earning top national rankings. In addition to its overall ranking, ASU Law’s specialty programs received national recognition, with seven programs ranked in the top 35 in their respective fields. These include legal writing (No. 3), dispute resolution (No. 9), health care law (No. 13), environmental law (No. 16), constitutional law (No. 31), criminal law (No.32) and tax law (No.35).

ASU Law emphasizes innovation and accessibility. The school is adept at providing modern paths of learning. The Barrett and O'Connor Center provides courses centered on Washington, D.C., including the Capital Scholars program, the McCain Institute's Next Generation Leaders program, and many others.

Degree Programs at ASU Law

ASU Law offers a variety of degree programs to cater to different academic and career goals:

Juris Doctor (JD): The JD degree incorporates academic and practical learning to prepare students for legal practice.
Master of Laws (LLM): The LLM is designed for those expanding legal knowledge or specializing in a field. Features flexible scheduling with fall and spring starts, full-time and part-time options, and on campus or online classes. LLM enrollment requires prior completion of a JD or foreign law degree. ASU Law's LLM Master of Laws degree can be customized to fit your needs. It allows you to explore the many law areas you can specialize in, or pick just one and become an authority in that field.
Master of Legal Studies (MLS): A legal master’s degree enhances careers with flexible part-time or full-time pathways, available online and on campus. Choose from 20+ areas of study to learn legal skills for careers in corporate compliance, health care, criminal justice, Indian gaming, intellectual property and many more.
Master of Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL): A master of human resources degree equips HR professionals with understanding of employment law and regulations. Available online or on campus, the program aligns with Society for Human Resource Management guidelines and prepares graduates for the SHRM-CP exam.
Master of Sports Law and Business (MSLB): The Allan "Bud" Selig Sports Law and Business program is the only graduate program in the nation that blends sports, law and business studies, led by world-class faculty including MLB Commissioner Emeritus Selig.

Whether becoming a lawyer, advancing your legal career or expanding knowledge in another field, ASU Law allows you to customize your education to your career goals.

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Admissions Process

ASU Law reduces barriers to legal education and expands access to justice in the communities that need it most by offering flexible admissions options, including test-free and no-cost applications for qualifying candidates in JD and master's programs. With only two law institutions in Arizona, the admissions process, as you can imagine, is highly competitive. But with some guidance and a solid strategy, you’re a shoo-in to practice Arizona law.

Key Factors in Admissions

GPA and LSAT Scores: ASU Law ranks #32 in GPA composite (3.82), an average of its 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile GPAs (3.58 · 3.91 · 3.98). ASU Law ranks #51 in LSAT composite (163.3), an average of its 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile LSAT scores (158 · 165 · 167). Over the past several years, Arizona State University's incoming classes have continually set the bar higher for median LSAT scores and GPAs. The scores for the 2018 tests were impressive, with a median LSAT of 163 and GPA of 3.76. For the class of 2023, the average LSAT score of ASU law school students was 160, and the average undergraduate GPA was 3.51. This GPA is the average score of 361 pre-admitted and currently enrolled freshmen. Enter an LSAT score to see your chances of getting into top schools.
Personal Statement: You will also need a personal statement. Find out how to write a personal statement for college here.
Letters of Recommendation: Law schools require letters of recommendation from 2 or 3 people who can vouch for your work ethic, character, and passions. These letters should come from professors, employers, or others who know you well. Choose your recommenders wisely. Select people who can write strong, detailed letters about your academic abilities, work ethic, and personal qualities. Ideally, choose professors who know you well enough to speak to your intellectual capabilities and potential as a law student.
Resume: Law school applications will also require you to submit your resume. To be considered a high candidate, your resume should include your academic background, extracurricular activities, work experience, any leadership roles, volunteer work, and any honors or achievements.Check out these resume tips for college students!

Tips for Admission

Start Early and Research Schools: Start researching law schools as soon as possible because understanding what different law schools offer will help you make a decision. This means considering factors like location, reputation, and legal specialization. Some law schools have stronger reputations in some studies than others, so research is critical.
Maintain a High GPA: Because getting into law school is so competitive, the higher the GPA, the better. It’s one of the most important aspects of your application and probably one of the most determining factors of admissions. A competitive GPA will set you apart in the admissions process, especially for top-tier schools.
Prepare for the LSAT or GRE: The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the more commonly required standardized test for law school admission; however, a few schools take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) into consideration. These tests measure reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and critical thinking levels. You should start studying early and use prep courses, practice tests, and online resources to prepare. Consistent, focused study can help you improve your score.
Get Relevant Experience: Though it’s not required for law school, getting some legal experience can also make you a standout. Consider internships, jobs, or volunteer opportunities in the legal field or other areas that build skills transferable to law school.
Gather All Documents Required:
Prepare Your Resume:

Once you've completed your application, you'll be ready to submit it. Keep track of application deadlines so you don’t miss your opportunity to attend a top law school in Arizona.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

All incoming JD students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, with most receiving financial aid. Additional aid options and dedicated student services staff help students navigate funding. ASU Law reduces barriers to legal education and expands access to justice in the communities that need it most by offering flexible admissions options, including test-free and no-cost applications for qualifying candidates in JD and master's programs. Law school can be expensive. Access more scholarship opportunities on Bold.org and browse our scholarships today!

Campus and Location

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University is located in the bustling center of Phoenix, Arizona. The school was previously located in Arizona State University's Armstrong Hall, and moved to ASU's Downtown Phoenix Campus in 2012. The new campus was co-sponsored by the city of Phoenix, which provided land and an additional $12 million in funding. The campus features futuristic architecture with many glass panels lining its walkways and bridges. The main building's namesake is Leo Beus, founder of Gilbert McGroder PLLC, a boutique law firm that concentrates on high stakes litigation, real estate, and zoning law. Students say the "beautiful" new Beus Center for Law and Society (BCLS), and the new home of ASU Law, in Phoenix is great and feels like it's in the "center of the action." "It feels like going to school in a spaceship, because it's so high-tech," says one law student. The location allows for walking access to many big firms ("so it's possible to leave class and walk a couple blocks to a mixer at a law firm"), and the nearby courthouses make it so students can pop in and observe a trial in their free time.

Clinical Programs and Practical Experience

ASU Law offers law students 13 clinics where they can gain hands-on experience in real-world legal scenarios. These clinics include:

Immigration Law & Policy Clinic
Lodestar Mediation Clinic
Civil Justice Clinic
Post-Conviction Clinic
Indian Legal Clinic
Public Defender Clinic
Lisa Foundation Patent Law Clinic
Prosecution Clinic
Technology Ventures Services Group

Externships, internships, and clerkships are encouraged, and "the path to those opportunities is filled with various advisors and professors to answer questions and guide you on your way"; around 90 percent of students engage in voluntary public service. Arizona has "a tight-knit legal community that allows you get numerous opportunities and connections," and the school's alumni network spreads far and wide.

Career Services and Employment Outcomes

ASU Law has a "strong focus on career services" and the administration "is frank and eager for student feedback." "If a student has any interest in practicing law in the Southwest United States, they would be crazy to not consider ASU," says one law student.

Employment Statistics

ASU Law’s commitment to student success is reflected in its 95% employment rate for the Class of 2024, with graduates securing full-time, long-term positions that require or prefer bar admission or enrolling in further graduate studies within 10 months of graduation. This achievement is the best employment data in ASU Law’s history and underscores the quality and breadth of career opportunities available to ASU Law graduates. ASU graduates enjoy diverse opportunities for employment. They enter various fields of practice in the United States and abroad to find meaning in their jobs, a six-figure salary, or a rare mix between the two.

American Bar Association Employment Summary for 2024 JD Graduates:

16% (46 graduates) secured federal, state or tribal clerkships, the highest percentage and number in school history
21% (60 graduates) have jobs at big law firms with 100+ attorneys
40% (117 graduates) are working in public service roles, including government, public interest, education and clerkship positions
68% of graduates accepted positions in Arizona, reinforcing ASU Law’s role in shaping the state’s legal landscape and economy

ASU Law is also once again recognized as the No. 1 law school in Arizona for bar passage success, further solidifying its standing as the state’s premier institution for legal education. ASU Law ranks #60 in terms of bar passage rate among first-time test takers (87.5%), and it outperforms by +12.5% the state of Arizona's overall bar passage rate of 75.0%.

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The school reaches out to law firms, corporations, and their contacts in the government to match the unique specializations of their graduates. They also host an assortment of events to jumpstart their students' careers, like corporate career fairs, on-campus interviews, and speed networking activities. Interest from local companies is booming, and smaller firms have become a constant participant in their career events. They're looking for great candidates to help in their small to medium-sized businesses, just as ASU's students are looking for a great starting point to their legal careers.

Specialization

The right specialization (i.e., environmental law, tax law, healthcare law, etc.) or area of study for you depends on your legal interests, academic leanings, and career goals. Whether you want to become a partner at a law firm or have your own private practice, your concentration in law needs to match the kinds of cases you want to work on in the future.

Social Life and Community

The class is "big enough that even though it is competitive, it doesn't FEEL competitive," and "friends are easy to come by." There "aren't strong cliques or barriers," and even though people hang out in groups, "friend groups are always changing and merging and malleable." There is an "arguably TOO great" social life to be found here, though students who don't live near campus have may have a more difficult time attending events.

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