ASU Law celebrates record-high graduate employment and national recognition in 2025 rankings

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 the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, released in April 2025, ASU Law is the top 20 public law school in the U.S. — marking the 16th consecutive year the college earned this distinction.

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’s Legal Method and Writing program has consistently ranked in the top 10 for 16 consecutive years. As a cornerstone of ASU Law’s Juris Doctor curriculum, the program ensures that students develop the writing and analytical skills essential for success in legal practice. With two foundational first-year courses and a wide range of upper-level electives, the program prepares students for externships, clerkships and legal careers. 

“ASU Law’s legal writing program has a rigorous first-year legal writing curriculum and a wide-ranging menu of popular writing electives, including Writing for Law Clerks and Contract Drafting and Negotiation,” said Tamara Herrera, associate dean of academic affairs and distinguished endowed professorship in legal method. “Our faculty are national experts in legal writing having collectively published 368 essays, 20 books and 73 law review articles, further demonstrating the program’s impact.”

Record-breaking employment outcomes

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. 

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.

The law school’s continued excellence is a testament to its commitment to producing skilled, successful legal professionals who are well-prepared to contribute to the legal field immediately upon graduation.

A commitment to excellence and innovation

“ASU Law continues to set the standard for excellence, thanks to our dedicated students, faculty and staff,” said Stacy Leeds, Willard H. Pedrick Dean and Regents and Foundation Professor of Law. “As one of the nation’s top public law schools and Arizona’s premier law school, we take pride in our outstanding employment outcomes and various national rankings. Our commitment to innovation, hands-on learning and community impact ensures that our graduates are prepared for the legal profession and poised to lead and drive meaningful change.”

With five degree programs, nationally ranked specialty areas and a proven track record of graduate success, ASU Law continues to build a legacy of excellence, impact and opportunity, preparing the next generation of legal professionals to shape the future of the profession.

Written by Crystal Jimenez