About Samford University's Cumberland School of Law

Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law is located in Birmingham, Alabama, on Samford's beautiful 247-acre campus and is one of the oldest law schools in the nation—established in 1847. At formation, when legal study was conducted by apprenticeship or through lectures, the law school pioneered an instructional method based on intensive trial practice. It continues to focus on teaching practical lawyering skills. Samford is the largest privately supported and fully accredited institution of higher learning in Alabama. Cumberland School of Law has been a member of the Association of American Law Schools since 1952 and has been accredited by the ABA since 1949. In the past 175 years, the law school has produced more than 13,000 accomplished alumni, including two US Supreme Court justices, several governors, a US Secretary of State (Cordell Hull, known as the Father of the United Nations), and numerous federal, state, and local judges.

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JD Program

Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law is nationally recognized for trial advocacy and quality instruction. Our curriculum trains students to practice in all areas of law, including corporate law, trial advocacy, health law, environmental law and public interest law.

There are three components to the law school that combine to create its successful academic environment:

First, the collegial, scholarly interaction between its faculty, staff and students. The school is ranked 6th in the nation for Best Quality of Life by the Princeton Review.
Second, the learning opportunities. Through the Academic and Bar Success Program, Career Development Office, and the Legal Research and Writing courses, first-year students have workshops and courses that teach methods and strategies for studying, for managing time, for maintaining mental health and well-being, for networking and professionalism, for critical thinking and reasoning, for formulating objective legal advice, and for developing persuasive arguments.
Third, the location. Cumberland is situated on Samford University’s campus near downtown Birmingham, Alabama, one of the legal hubs of the Southeast. The proximity to this dynamic market offers students an environment rich with opportunities for externships and extracurricular activities.

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Pre-1L Summer Program

Entering first-year students have the opportunity to take two summer courses that provide an introduction to many of the first-year subjects and the legal process. Students earn a total of five law school credit hours before they begin in the fall.

The Pre-1L Summer Program is beneficial in establishing early friendships, study habits and relationships with professors. Students also benefit from the experience of creating course outlines and completing two law school final exams. Students who participate in the summer program give high praise to their “readiness quotient” when tackling a full course load in the fall

“The pre-1L courses at Cumberland School of Law give incoming students an opportunity to build a strong foundation toward earning their JD. They learn about the U.S. legal system and about reading and analyzing regulations, statues and case law. Plus, with an introduction to a variety of first-year legal topics, they engage study skills and self-regulation skills like time management and well-being. Perhaps most significantly, and in line with the law school’s mission, the students begin to cultivate community with their peers.” - Lynn Hogewood, pre-1L instructor and assistant dean of Academic and Bar Success

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Joint Degrees

Keeping legal education relevant requires offering more than one traditional law degree. To broaden perspectives or to help prepare for careers in special fields, Cumberland School of Law students have the option to pursue eight different joint degrees that complement the traditional Juris Doctor.

Juris Doctor/Master of Accountancy*
Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in Theological Studies
Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration*
Juris Doctor/Master of Divinity
Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration*
Juris Doctor/Master of Public Health*
Juris Doctor/Master of Science in Environmental Management*
Juris Doctor/Master of Laws*+

Students apply in the spring of their first year and most programs can be completed in the same three years as the traditional Juris Doctor. Students must have a 2.5 GPA at the end of their first year to begin all programs except for the Master of Laws which requires a 3.0.

*Can be completed in three years in conjunction with a Juris Doctor | +Concentrations offered: financial services regulatory compliance, health law and compliance, higher education law and compliance, and legal operations

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Excellence in Advocacy

Cumberland School of Law’s advocacy program develops each advocate’s style while teaching the art and science of advocacy. We train advocates to use their distinct and diverse voices to effectively represent their clients and serve their communities.

Our comprehensive advocacy training equips students with the skills needed for every legal career and enables them to become life-changing advocates. Our program encompasses the trial and appellate levels of the court system as well as alternative dispute resolution with arbitration, mediation and negotiation training. Opportunities to participate on a national competition team for each area are available.

Students explore advocacy by participating in trial, moot court, negotiation and arbitration competitions. Additionally, Cumberland School of Law is one of the few law schools where students run first-year intramural advocacy competitions.

Our outstanding curriculum begins with Evidence in the first year and extends to the capstone class of Advanced Skills in Trial Advocacy. If certain requirements are completed by the third year, the state of Alabama allows students to obtain third-year certification and try their own cases with a supervising attorney. Additional courses are offered for every aspect of advocacy: mediation, negotiation, drafting, complex litigation and client counseling. Students receive hands-on practical instruction so that our graduates are practice-ready.

Cumberland School of Law is currently ranked 6th in the nation for Trial Advocacy Training.

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Experiential Learning Through Service

A core pillar of Cumberland School of Law’s mission is service and outreach. Students and faculty are dedicated to serving the communities around them through clinical work, externships, and public interest and pro bono work. Students engage in service beginning with first-year orientation, establishing a firm foundation for serving others throughout law school and in their careers.

Clinics: At Cumberland School of Law, students put into practice the knowledge and skills they’ve learned in LLR and their doctrinal classes. In addition to classroom instruction in each area, students will conduct an average of 12 hours per week of out-of-class casework for four to five credits, depending on the clinic and semester it is offered. Cumberland’s clinics also engage core pillars of its mission: public service, professionalism and community.

Capital Defense Clinic: Assist the Jefferson County Public Defender in representing defendants who face capital charges
Cooney Contracts Clinic: Learn the legal implications of construction, insurance and surety contracts
Criminal Appeals Clinic: Assist the Jefferson County Public Defender in criminal appeals by drafting briefs and other pleadings
Innocence Clinic: Investigate and secure counsel in cases of actual innocence resulting from Alabama convictions
Parole Clinic: Work with Redemption Earned to help worthy, incarcerated individuals obtain parole and qualify for work-release
Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic: Serve veterans who need legal assistance for consumer debt, landlordtenant, expungement, uncontested family matters and wills

Externships: Birmingham, Alabama, has a thriving legal community with more than 5,000 practicing attorneys and is home to both federal and state courts, as well as numerous government agencies and nonprofits. Externships allow students to work with experienced lawyers and apply what they have learned. These opportunities provide a firsthand view of a particular area of practice. Students can enhance their advocacy skills through real-world practice in prosecutors’ offices, legal services programs, judges’ chambers and private law firms. Networking for future career options is also a vital aspect of these experiences.

Public Interest and Pro Bono Program: The missions of Samford University, Cumberland School of Law, the Alabama State Bar and the American Bar Association are united in prioritizing service to others. The Public Interest and Pro Bono Program at Cumberland allows students to immediately begin helping others from the first week of orientation on Serve Day. Throughout the school year, students have the opportunity to participate in interactive legal clinics serving real clients on topics ranging from estate planning and expungement to evictions and family law matters. Birmingham, Alabama, is also home to several public interest organizations such as the Birmingham Volunteer Lawyers, the Southern Environmental Law Center and Legal Services of Alabama for students to get practical experience by volunteering during the summer or school year.

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International Perspective

Cumberland School of Law offers opportunities for students to study abroad and for non-U.S. students to study on Samford University’s campus. Students gain an international perspective by studying and living in a legal system and culture different from their own. These programs also enhance the international exposure of host students by bringing students from other nations to campus.

Study Abroad in Cambridge, England and Edinburgh, Scotland: Cumberland School of Law administers two five-credit study abroad programs, one at Sidney Sussex College in Cambridge, England, and the other at the University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland.

International LLM in Norwich, England: Under a cooperative arrangement between Cumberland School of Law and Norwich Law School at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England, British law students spend a year at Cumberland School of Law after their second year of legal studies. In return, two Cumberland School of Law graduates are awarded full-tuition scholarships for studies toward an LLM at Norwich Law School, and numerous partial tuition scholarships are also awarded. Cumberland graduates can choose from six different LLM programs through this partnership.

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Student Life

Student Activities

Cumberland School of Law has approximately 35 active student organizations every year, some geared to extend scholarship and academic opportunities, while others are designed for networking. In addition to their primary purpose, these groups capture the essence of our community and truly make Cumberland School of Law a special place to get your legal education.

In addition to getting involved in one or more student organizations, you can get to know your classmates in a social setting by attending many events hosted by the Student Bar Association.

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Student Journals

Cumberland School of Law has two student-edited journals, the Cumberland Law Review and the American Journal of Trial Advocacy.

The Cumberland Law Review, founded in 1970, is designed to provide the legal community with comprehensive legal analysis of national and regional topics authored by legal scholars, judges, attorneys and students.

Founded in 1977, the American Journal of Trial Advocacy is the oldest law review publication in the nation dedicated to the art of trial advocacy. In the journal, prominent attorneys, judges and professors serve the needs and interests of the courtroom advocate with analysis of the demands and issues of litigation.

Journal membership provides students with a unique opportunity to refine their research, editing and writing skills. The ability to self-edit and to edit the work of others is essential in the practice of law; few other experiences in law school provide the number of opportunities to hone that skill.

Our two student-edited journals are cited on Westlaw and LexisNexis.

Life in Birmingham

Birmingham was founded in 1871 and later earned its nickname, the Magic City, due to its rapid growth and prosperity as an anchor for the steel industry. Now, the Birmingham metro area has a population of more than 1 million people and boasts incredible opportunities for careers, service, community and entertainment.

As a legal hub in the state of Alabama, Birmingham boasts a robust market for hands-on experience such as internships, externships and clinical opportunities. With more than 5,000 practicing attorneys, Birmingham serves as the headquarters for a number of major law firms, including eight out of Alabama’s top 10 private law firms. Midsized and smaller firms, as well as solo practices, round out Birmingham’s lively legal landscape, providing a multitude of convenient job opportunities for Cumberland School of Law students and graduates.

Birmingham pairs a vibrant foodie culture with an outstanding music and performing arts scene. Not to mention, it is the home of many hot spots recognized by the James Beard Foundation such as Automatic Seafood, Hot and Hot Fish Club, Golden Age Wine and Johnny’s Restaurant. You can broaden your horizons by attending numerous art, food, film and music festivals; stretch your legs hiking or biking through one of the many parks or trail systems; satisfy your inner sports fan by attending a professional baseball, basketball, football or soccer game; or take advantage of Birmingham’s proximity to the ocean and mountains.

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Career Placement and Bar Passage

Career Ready: Through our in-house Career Development Office, Cumberland School of Law students discover the real-world aspects of the practice of law. They receive training on how to conduct efficient job searches and learn how to match their skills, interests and experiences to the needs of the legal market. Cumberland School of Law has a 92% employment rate (class of 2023, 10 months after graduation who are not pursuing a graduate degree).

Called to the Bar: Our innovative course, Called to the Bar, is designed to give first-year students a competitive edge when it comes to reaching their career goals. Called to the Bar allows students to think and plan for their legal career early, and, unlike most law schools, is incorporated into their class schedule. Students develop their résumé and cover letters, meet employers and engage in interactive workshops such as mock interviews, professional etiquette seminars and social media training. Students gain an understanding of the breadth of legal careers available and are paired with an upperclassman mentor to help them navigate challenges of the legal job market.

Ongoing Development and Support: Second- and third-year students have ongoing access to professional development opportunities including regular career fairs, speed-networking events, on-campus interviews and other programs that focus on important topics such as salary negotiation. Students have access to one-on-one coaching and counseling sessions as they develop their professional career path. All students and alumni have access to Cumberland’s legal job database.

Academic Support and Bar Success: Cumberland School of Law’s Academic and Bar Success Program assists in our students’ academic success, professionalism and life balance through workshops and events, resources, individual sessions and mentoring groups. The services are for all Cumberland School of Law students in their legal studies through graduation and taking the Bar Exam and into a full career. Three areas of focus of the program are academic information and resources for current students, Bar Exam information and resources for graduates, and wellness information and resources for the entire Cumberland School of Law community. Cumberland School of Law has a 93.8% ABA ultimate bar passage rate (class of 2021, graduates who sat for a bar exam within two years of their date of graduation).

The Cumberland Network: Students have access to Cumberland School of Law’s robust network of alumni representing a variety of employers, nationally and internationally, who are always willing to aid them in their job searches and professional development. Many students secure employment in private practice firms, nonprofits and corporations, including Fortune 500 companies. Others opt to continue their education at some of the nation’s top Master of Laws (LLM) programs. Additionally, some students accept international opportunities. Recent graduates have worked in Geneva, Switzerland, and in The Hague, Netherlands.

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Tuition and Aid

Financial Aid: Federal financial aid, in the form of student loans, is administered through the federal government. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for need-based federal financial aid that is administered by Samford University’s Student Financial Services

Scholarships for Entering First-Year, Full-time Students: We know law school can be expensive, so we evaluate every admitted student for scholarship. First-year students are eligible for merit-based scholarships. The scholarship committee makes selections based on the information provided in the law school application, including but not limited to cumulative undergraduate GPA and LSAT score. Upon admission, students who are selected to receive scholarship assistance are notified by email and U.S. mail. Flextime students are not eligible for scholarships during their first two semesters of study.

Fall 2024 Scholarships:
- 99% of first-year students received merit-based scholarships
- Average merit-based award was $18,175

Scholarships for Current Students: Second- and third-year students may be eligible to receive additional endowed, need-based, merit, or leadership scholarships, made possible through the generosity of the law school’s alumni and friends. We also offer scholarships in categories such as academic, achievement, leadership, international, minority and geographic. Students will be made aware of scholarship opportunities throughout the year as they become available.

Outside Scholarship Opportunities: Outside scholarship opportunities may be available to entering students through several organizations.

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Admission Decisions: Beyond the Numbers

Entering First-Year Students: Along with an applicant’s LSAT score and undergraduate GPA, the admission committee considers additional factors to measure an applicant’s potential to succeed in law school and the legal profession. Such factors include the difficulty of the undergraduate major pursued; upward trends in academic performance; the amount of time spent involved in extracurricular activities, athletics and/or employment while in undergraduate school; or any graduate studies completed. In addition, those applicants who because of their background bring to the school unique and enlightening perspectives will be recognized by the admission committee.

Transfer Students: Transfer students are accepted for the fall semester. Once a transfer student is admitted, the associate dean for academic affairs will confirm the number of law school credit hours that will transfer to Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. In most instances, all credit hours for regular first-year law courses earned at an ABA-approved law school with a grade of C or better will transfer, up to a maximum of 40 credit hours.

Visiting Students: Visiting students are accepted for summer, fall, and spring semesters. These applicants must submit a paper application.

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