University of Arizona Law Class of 2024 Achieves Strong Employment Outcomes Across the Nation

Today
Students preparing for interview

For the fourth year in a row, recent graduates of the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law have achieved high levels of post-graduate employment. The Class of 2024 reported a 90% overall employment rate ten months after graduation. 

Notably, 86.67% of the Class of 2024 secured full-time, long-term, JD-required or JD-advantage roles, another indicator of consistent strength in the job market.

“This year’s outcomes are exciting not only because of the overall numbers, but because they reflect the unique makeup of the Class of 2024,” said Leah Won, Assistant Dean forCareer Development. “Every class has different goals, values, and geographic preferences, and our approach is to meet each student where they are and help them achieve their individual vision of success.”

Shifts in Geographic Reach, Growth in Clerkships and Expanding Public Interest Opportunities

Underscoring the point that each Arizona Law graduating class is unique, the Class of 2024 reports about 36% of the employed graduates launched their careers beyond state lines, whereas last year, 23% of graduates reported positions outside of Arizona.

“This change demonstrates the breadth of opportunities our students pursue and Arizona Law’s national reach,” Won said. “It shows that our graduates are competitive and successful in out-of-market job searches across the country.”

Judicial clerkships remain a standout area for Arizona Law graduates. The Class of 2024 saw a significant increase in clerkship employment, with 21.66% of graduates reporting positions in state and federal courts, more than double the national average of 9.2%. Six of those roles are with federal judges, and two graduates secured positions with justices on the Arizona Supreme Court.

Won credits these outcomes to both student interest and the law school’s robust clerkship preparation programs.

“Our graduates’ interest in judicial clerkships remains strong, and our advising team, the Arizona Law faculty and administrative staff, and the Arizona Law Judicial Clerkships Committee, all play a huge role in helping students succeed,” she said. “Our team is also incredibly strong when it comes to interview prep. We hear again and again from students who say mock interviews helped them stand out in competitive hiring processes.”

Meanwhile, the Career Development Office (CDO) is also seeing growth in public interest placements, particularly among students still in law school. The number of 1L students in the Class of 2027 pursuing public interest summer positions has more than doubled from last year, increasing from 6.7% to over 14% of those reporting. This increase reflects both student enthusiasm for public service and expanded support and opportunities made available by the law school.

Personalized Advising and an Experienced Team

Won emphasized that the CDO continues to lean into personalized advising, meeting students early and often to prepare for evolving employer timelines and opportunities.

“Our philosophy hasn’t changed: we work one-on-one with every graduate. What’s evolved is how early we start and the strength of the team we’ve built to support our students,” said Won.

Two new advisors joined the CDO this year, expanding the team’s capacity and reach. Kristy Clairmont, a proud Arizona Law alum with experience in family law and JD-advantage roles, brings deep knowledge of the local legal market and alternative career pathways. Carletta Sanders-Chavers, a seasoned JD/MBA advisor and published author, brings strong national connections and expertise advising students interested in out-of-state employment and business law careers.

Looking Ahead

The CDO is expanding opportunities for students and employers alike. This summer, Arizona Law will offer two ways to connect with rising second- and third-year students, as well as soon-to-be graduates.

In addition to the long-standing Summer Scottsdale Interview Program, the College is launching a new Early Summer Virtual Interview Program. Set to take place on June 4, the virtual format is designed to give employers greater flexibility in meeting students early in the hiring season. The registration deadline for the early virtual program is May 16, while employers interested in the Scottsdale interviews on August 7, have until July 3 to sign up.

Both programs will feature students seeking summer, externship, and post-graduate opportunities, and reflect the College’s commitment to adapting to the evolving hiring landscape. More information about each program is available online.

Class of 2024 Illustrative Employers:

  • Alston & Bird
  • Arizona Court of Appeals, Divisions 1 & 2
  • Arizona Supreme Court
  • Bexar County Prosecutor's Office (San Antonio, TX)
  • Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project (FIRRP)
  • Green | Evans-Schroeder, PLLC
  • Honeywell International
  • Keller Preece PLLC
  • Kirkland & Ellis LLP
  • Legal Aid of North Carolina
  • Pima County Public Defender
  • Sanders + Parks, P.C.
  • Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson & Perry, LLP
  • University of Colorado Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois