Arizona State University’s downtown Phoenix campus got a big boost earlier this year when the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law opened, attracting the attention of students and professionals alike. This past week, the first law school class graduated from the school and received their diplomas, a milestone for ASU and the law community.

The modern, state-of-the-art building serves as an innovative learning space for future lawyers and justice seekers, and the first ever commencement ceremony was held at the Armstrong Great Hall on Wednesday, December 14.

Dean Douglas Slyvester, Federal Judge John Tuchi and student convocation speaker Bijan Behzadi spoke at the ceremony, congratulating graduates on their achievements and wishing them the best for the future. It was a rewarding day for the several dozen graduates and their families that enjoyed the traditional ceremony and celebration.

Ranked 25th in the nation, the ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is steadily climbing the ranks, earning accolades for it’s experienced faculty, externship placements and high bar exam scores. Next year’s class of graduates is expected to be bigger, and once again held in the heart of downtown Phoenix at the new facility.