Colleen Clase

Colleen Clase, 38, who earned her J.D. from the Phoenix School of Law in 2011, is pursuing an LL.M., specializing in criminal law, and chose the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law because of the wide variety of criminal law electives and clinics.

“I loved my J.D. program,” Clase said. “But the wide variety of criminal law electives were not offered at the Phoenix School of Law, and I wanted a more in-depth understanding of the criminal system. I realize that I don’t need an LL.M. to practice criminal law in either the private or public sector, but the additional education and expertise can only help my legal career and abilities.”

Clase also holds a B.S. in business administration from the University of West Florida in 2000, and has worked in property management, accounting and as a business manager.

“I hope to work in the public sector, maybe with one of the prosecuting agencies in Arizona,” said Clase, who has done externships with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and Maricopa County Superior Court.

“I loved the flexibility I had in designing my own LL.M. program,” Clase said. “I was allowed to fill my schedule with courses that are related to criminal law and procedure. I also love the knowledge and experience of the professors.”