Arizona State University - Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University was named to honor the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court (and frequent visitor to the school) and honors her commitment to public service. ASU Law (which recently moved from Tempe to downtown Phoenix) makes it "a priority to keep tuition down while increasing the quality of education," evidenced by it having the highest bar passage rate in Arizona. 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. There is 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. Not only does the new downtown campus grant students great access to internships and big firms, it also "makes it easy for professionals to spend time at the school," and there are at least a couple of opportunities each week to spend time "with top lawyers, judges, legislators, and other amazing professionals."

ASU Law professors are "the gem of the school" and are "passionate about teaching in addition to their areas of expertise," and the faculty as a whole "is well-blended with practice diversity." Professors are "challenging and don't intend to scare students with the Socratic Method" and are "able to provide unique and helpful insight while also connecting you to their colleagues in the field." "Even during finals, professors stay available to answer any last minute questions over email." As far as the library resources, the library staff are "top-notch and always willing to help you with complicated research questions." As far as employment goes, there are "lots of good career services events such as mixers, lunches at law firms, panels on a variety of topics, and on-campus interviews," and a tremendous amount of resources dedicated to getting students internships/externships and practical experience as a lawyer. "I feel confident in my post-graduation employment prospects, and feel prepared to learn to handle any type of legal issue that can come my way," sums up a student.

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. Light Rail access will take students into central Phoenix for "additional must-see locations and dining." 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. At ASU Law, there are student groups "for every person and interest under the sun," and while the majority view is fairly liberal, "differing viewpoints are encouraged and appreciated in classes."