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 4th in the nation for Best Quality of Life by the Princeton Review.
- Second, the learning opportunities. Through the Academic Support Program, Career Development Office, and the Lawyering and Legal Reasoning (LLR) course, 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 School of Law 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 that enhance the classroom experience.
Mission
The mission of Cumberland School of Law is to educate a diverse community of students with knowledge and practical skills, equipping them to become highly competent, ethical lawyers committed to professionalism and public service.
History
Established in 1847, Cumberland School of Law is one of the oldest law schools in the country. Originally located in Lebanon, Tennessee, the school was founded by Judge Abraham Caruthers, an innovator in legal education. In a time when legal study was conducted by apprenticeship or through lectures, the law school pioneered an instructional method based on intensive trial practice.
