Location: Tucson, Arizona
Founded: 1915
Joined AALS: 1931
Dean: Marc Miller

The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law is the first law school in the nation where you can earn a degree at any stage of your education, from undergraduate through doctoral—nationally recognized for practical training their students with every possible resource to transform their passions and skills into a fulfilling career. Arizona Law has a 100-year history of graduating successful lawyers and leaders. Because of its influential and accessible faculty, supportive student community, and home to their research universities, Arizona Law is uniquely poised to prepare its students for success.

A 3D rendering of the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law’s new courtrooms, classrooms and lobby spaces.

Construction began in January 2024 on two new state-of-the-art courtrooms, classrooms, and lobby spaces as part of Arizona Law’s “A New Day in Court” initiative in support of its advocacy program.

The project, launched in 2017, also includes renaming the advocacy program to the Thomas Mauet Advocacy Program, in honor of Professor Emeritus and renowned trial expert Thomas Mauet, who retired as advocacy program director in 2016.

The practice of law has evolved tremendously since the college’s current courtroom spaces were built in 1977, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating change even more. With the “A New Day in Court” initiative, Arizona Law will create fully functional, state-of-the-art spaces that give students experience in modern courtroom settings.

The planned renovations will overhaul the college’s existing trial courtroom to integrate modern technology throughout the space including professional presentation, recording, and streaming equipment. A 12-seat jury box, witness stand, defendant’s and plaintiff’s/prosecutor’s tables, a dual-purpose jury deliberation/conference room, and a viewing gallery with seating for 50 will also be added. In addition, the college’s current appellate courtroom will be upgraded to become a flexible space that doubles as a classroom. The courtroom arrangement will include a judge’s bench with seating for five judges and a viewing gallery with seating for 36. The lobby space adjacent to the courtrooms will be renovated to provide a view of courtroom activities plus new study spaces with enhanced audiovisual capabilities.

The upgraded spaces are expected to be completed in the fall of 2024.

“This groundbreaking marks a significant milestone for our college,” said Marc Miller, dean of  Arizona Law. “As we embark on this journey, we are not just renovating physical spaces; we are investing in the future of legal education and bolstering our nationally ranked advocacy program, aligning with our mission to produce well-rounded, skilled advocates who will make meaningful contributions to the legal profession.”

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