Arizona State University College of Law

Arizona State University College of Law. It is the law school of Arizona State University and is located in downtown Phoenix. Founded in the 1960s, it has grown into a nationally recognized institution known for its innovative programs and strong emphasis on public service. The college is consistently ranked among the top public law schools in the United States.

History

The institution was established in 1965 as the Arizona State University College of Law, with its first classes held in Tempe on the main campus of Arizona State University. Its founding dean was John J. Flynn, a prominent legal scholar. In 1969, the college received full accreditation from the American Bar Association. A significant milestone occurred in 2016 when the college relocated to the Beus Center for Law and Society, a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Phoenix's legal and government district. This move cemented its integration with the local bench and bar and institutions like the Arizona Supreme Court.

Academics and programs

The college offers the Juris Doctor degree, along with several dual-degree programs such as the JD/MBA and JD/MPA. It features a robust curriculum with particular strengths in law and technology, sports law, and Indian law. Specialized centers drive its academic mission, including the Center for Law, Science and Innovation and the Indian Legal Program. Students can gain practical experience through clinics like the Post-Conviction Clinic and externships with entities such as the Arizona Attorney General's office and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Campus and facilities

The college's primary home is the Beus Center for Law and Society, an award-winning building in downtown Phoenix. The facility houses the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law Library, numerous courtrooms for moot court competitions, and the Arizona Center for Law and Society. Its design facilitates interaction with the neighboring Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the legal community, including the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. The building also features the Great Hall, which hosts major events and lectures.

Rankings and reputation

Consistently ranked among the top 30 law schools nationally by U.S. News & World Report, it is often placed as a top 10 public law school. Its specialty programs are highly regarded, with its legal writing program frequently ranked in the top five. The college is recognized for its diversity and innovation in legal education by organizations like PreLaw Magazine. Its graduates enjoy strong bar examination passage rates and employment outcomes, with many securing positions at leading firms like Snell & Wilmer and clerkships with judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Notable faculty and alumni

The faculty includes renowned scholars such as former dean Douglas Sylvester and Robert Miller, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Distinguished visiting professors have included United States Supreme Court Justices like Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Its alumni hold prominent positions across various sectors, including former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, former Major League Baseball executive Jimmie Lee Solomon, and current United States Senator Mark Kelly. Other notable graduates include Kyrsten Sinema, a former United States Senator, and legal commentator Paul Lisnek.

Category:Arizona State University Category:Law schools in Arizona Category:Educational institutions established in 1965