Employment Rate Climbs for University of Arizona Law Class of 2022

June 21, 2023
College of Law

Following a record-breaking employment rate for the class of 2021, the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law class of 2022 demonstrated continued growth achieving the highest employment rate in school history.  

Graduates who had employment ten months after graduation, in long-term, full-time jobs that required bar passage or gave strong preference to those holding a Juris Doctor degree was 88.3%, outpacing the national average of 84.6%.  

“We are happy that our numbers stayed consistent with our school record last year and are continuing in an upward trend,” says Assistant Dean of the Career Development Office (CDO) Heather Spielmaker. 

Judicial clerkship outcomes remained high, with 20.7% of graduates entering this field, compared to 9.1% percent nationally. University of Arizona Law graduates also embraced the call to public interest positions at a rate of 13.8%, which was significantly higher than the national average of 8.4%. 

“The class of 2022’s employment rate is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, as well as the exceptional education and support they receive at our law school,” says Spielmaker, who began leading the CDO’s efforts to increase and improve employment outcomes in July 2022.  

This year, the CDO team worked to develop additional relationships with regional and national employers resulting in a 30% increase in employer participation during the On-Campus Interview programs. Their efforts also led to a 50% increase in student participation. This year a total of 720 student applications were received, compared to 476 student applications last year.  

CDO also leads University of Arizona Law’s Preparing to Practice course, which is mandatory for first-year law students. The program has a strong focus on professional development and helps students understand the hiring process. Spielmaker says the course is also a great opportunity for students to build relationships with CDO from the beginning of their law school careers.  

With support from the CDO, the class of 2023’s at graduation employment at 75%.   

“Starting the relationship with CDO early is the number one, best way to ensure a smooth transition from student to employed attorney,” says Spielmaker. “CDO is committed to continuing to provide our students with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in their careers, and we look forward to seeing their continued success in the future." 

Class of 2022 Illustrative Employers 

  • Navajo County Attorney’s Office 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals – 10th Circuit 
  • Kirkland & Ellis 
  • Colorado Public Defender 
  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 
  • Arizona Supreme Court 
  • Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner 
  • Lubin & Enoch 
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers 
  • Vietnam Veterans of America 
  • Holland & Hart 
  • Arizona Attorney General’s Office