Best Law Programs in Tempe

Best Law Programs in Tempe (2026 Guide)

Choosing the best law program in Tempe requires more than checking national rankings. You need clear data on accreditation, bar passage rates, specializations, cost, job placement, and real student outcomes. This guide delivers a comprehensive, data-driven breakdown of every viable law option in Tempe and nearby, with side-by-side comparisons and insider insights to help you make a confident decision.

Key Takeaways

• Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is the leading and only ABA-accredited law school located in Tempe.
• ASU Law consistently ranks among the top public law schools nationally and leads Arizona in bar passage and employment outcomes.
• Students can pursue JD, LLM, MLS, and certificate programs with strong specializations in business, technology, and sustainability law.
• Tempe offers affordable living compared to major legal markets, while maintaining strong job placement in Phoenix and beyond.
• No fully ABA-accredited evening JD program is based in Tempe, but ASU provides flexible pathways and related graduate options.

Overview of Law Programs in Tempe

Tempe’s law education landscape is centered around Arizona State University. While the greater Phoenix metro has additional legal education options, ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is the only fully ABA-approved institution physically located in Tempe.

That matters. ABA accreditation is essential if you plan to sit for the bar in most states, practice nationally, or work in federal courts.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Law Programs in Tempe

SchoolLocationABA AccreditedPrimary DegreesBar Passage (Recent)Employment RateNational Rank RangeASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of LawTempe, AZYesJD, LLM, MLSConsistently above AZ averageHigh 80%+ in law-related jobsTop 30–35 nationally

While other Arizona law schools operate in Phoenix or Tucson, students specifically seeking a Tempe-based experience will focus primarily on ASU.

Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law

Why It Leads in Tempe

ASU Law is nationally respected for innovation, practical training, and career outcomes. It is consistently ranked among the top public law schools in the United States and often leads Arizona in:

• Bar passage rates
• Judicial clerkship placements
• Big Law employment in the Southwest
• Public interest placement

The law school is named after Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, reinforcing its strong constitutional and public service focus.

Programs Offered

Juris Doctor (JD)
The flagship three-year degree prepares students for bar eligibility nationwide.

Master of Laws (LLM)
Designed for international lawyers or those seeking specialization, including U.S. law fundamentals.

Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
Ideal for professionals in compliance, HR, business, or government who do not intend to practice law.

Certificates and Concentrations

• Business and Corporate Law
• Indian Law and Federal Indian Law
• Intellectual Property and Technology Law
• Sustainability Law
• Criminal Law and Procedure

Curriculum and Experiential Learning

ASU Law emphasizes practical training through:

• Live-client legal clinics
• Externships with Phoenix-area courts and firms
• Moot court and trial advocacy programs
• Corporate partnerships and innovation labs

Students benefit from proximity to major employers in Phoenix, state government agencies, and federal courts.

Admissions Requirements

Competitive applicants typically present:

• Strong LSAT or GRE scores
• Undergraduate GPA above national law school averages
• Demonstrated leadership or service
• Compelling personal statement

ASU maintains a holistic admissions approach, evaluating work experience and community contribution alongside academic metrics.

Bar Passage and Career Outcomes

Bar passage rate is one of the most critical metrics when evaluating law schools. ASU Law consistently performs above the Arizona statewide average on the first-time bar exam.

Employment outcomes are equally strong. A significant percentage of graduates secure full-time, long-term, law-required positions within ten months of graduation.

Common Employment Destinations

• Large and mid-size Phoenix firms
• National firms in California, Texas, and Washington
• Federal and state clerkships
• In-house corporate legal departments
• Government agencies and nonprofit organizations

Students interested in corporate law benefit from Arizona’s growing technology and startup ecosystem.

Tuition, Scholarships, and Cost of Living

Tuition

Tuition varies by in-state and out-of-state residency. ASU provides significant merit scholarships, and many students receive partial to substantial awards.

Prospective students should evaluate:

• Total tuition over three years
• Scholarship retention conditions
• Expected debt at graduation
• Post-graduate salary averages

Cost of Living in Tempe

Compared to legal hubs like Los Angeles or New York City, Tempe offers more affordable housing and transportation. Students typically budget for:

• Rent near campus
• Utilities and groceries
• Books and academic expenses
• Health insurance

Sharing housing and utilizing university resources can significantly lower annual costs.

Campus Life and Student Experience

Law students in Tempe benefit from a vibrant university environment combined with access to downtown Phoenix’s legal scene.

What Makes Student Life Strong

• Active student organizations
• Law journals and review publications
• Networking events with judges and alumni
• Close-knit academic cohort

Students frequently describe the culture as collaborative rather than cutthroat, which is a decisive factor for many applicants.

Is ASU the Cheapest Law School in Tempe?

Since ASU is the only ABA-accredited option in Tempe, it is both the primary and most affordable accredited choice locally. However, tuition costs depend heavily on residency and scholarships.

Applicants focused intensely on minimizing cost should consider:

• In-state tuition qualification
• Merit-based aid negotiation
• External private scholarships
• Part-time employment during study

Evening or Part-Time Law Programs in Tempe

Tempe does not currently offer a traditional ABA-accredited standalone evening JD program. Students seeking part-time flexibility should explore:

• Flexible course scheduling options at ASU
• Online MLS programs
• Programs in greater Phoenix with alternative formats

Always verify ABA status before enrolling if bar eligibility is your goal.

How to Choose the Right Law Program in Tempe

Before committing, evaluate these five factors:

1. Accreditation

Ensure the program is ABA-approved if you intend to practice law.

2. Bar Passage Rate

Consistent first-time pass rates above the state average signal strong academic preparation.

3. Employment Outcomes

Review detailed employment disclosures for law-required jobs, clerkships, and salary trends.

4. Specialization Strength

Match your career goals with available concentrations such as business, IP, or public law.

5. Financial Return on Investment

Compare projected student loan debt against median law salaries in Arizona and your intended market.

For students serious about building a legal career in Arizona or the broader Southwestern United States, Tempe offers a focused and nationally respected pathway through ASU’s law program.

Frequently Asked Questions about Law Programs in Tempe

What law schools are located in Tempe?

Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is the only ABA-accredited law school physically located in Tempe. Other Arizona law schools are in Phoenix or Tucson, not in Tempe.

Is ASU Law ABA-accredited and can you sit for the bar after graduating?

Yes. ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association. Its JD program is designed to make you eligible to sit for the bar exam in Arizona and in most other U.S. states.

What degrees and specialties can you study at ASU Law in Tempe?

You can pursue a JD, LLM, or Master of Legal Studies (MLS). Popular focus areas include business and corporate law, Indian law, intellectual property and technology law, sustainability law, and criminal law and procedure.

Does Tempe offer an evening or part-time JD program?

Tempe does not have a separate ABA-accredited evening or part-time JD program. ASU Law offers some flexible scheduling options and online MLS programs, but the JD is primarily a full-time program based in Tempe.

How do ASU Law bar passage and job outcomes compare in Arizona?

ASU Law’s first-time bar passage rate is usually above the Arizona state average. Most graduates secure full-time, long-term, law-related jobs within about 10 months, often with Phoenix firms, government, or corporate employers.

Is ASU Law an affordable choice if you want to study in Tempe?

Since ASU is the only ABA-approved law school in Tempe, it is the main accredited option there. Your actual cost depends on in-state or out-of-state tuition, scholarships, and living expenses, which are often lower than in larger coastal cities.