Samford University Cumberland School of Law has received a $1 million gift in support of the school’s nationally recognized advocacy training program. The generous gift from Dee Miles, JD ’89, and his wife, Sandra, will help ensure the program remains a pillar of excellence in advocacy education for years to come. 

 

Founded on the principle of preparing practice-ready lawyers, Cumberland School of Law’s cornerstone in advocacy education made a lifetime of impact for Miles. A principal at the Beasley Allen Law Firm based in Montgomery, Alabama, he credits Cumberland for preparing him for a successful career as a trial lawyer.

 

“The trial program at Cumberland is second to none,” he said. “My first trial was two weeks after starting private practice, and the jury returned a favorable verdict. When the federal presiding judge learned it was my first trial, he said he’d never have guessed. I gave Cumberland full credit for the training that prepared me for trial work.”

 

Miles’ experience in law school not only had a tremendous impact on him but it also inspired other members of his family to pursue a Cumberland education.

 

“Cumberland completely changed my life in a positive way,” he said. “The caring faculty nurtured my growth and sent me on a path of a lifetime of fulfillment as a trial lawyer, helping those who needed it most.”

 

Miles’ daughter, Lauren Miles Kelley, JD ’15, and son-in-law, Dylan Martin, JD ’21, also attended Cumberland and now practice in the same firm.

 

The long-term commitment from the Miles family goes beyond a monetary donation. Through their gift, they hope any law student who desires to be a trial lawyer will take full advantage of Cumberland’s advocacy program to fulfill their dreams.

 

“The courtroom equalizes the parties, and it’s the only fair forum for a victim to find justice,” Miles said. “Those victims need trial lawyers to be their voice. We are proud of Cumberland’s rich history of producing some of this country’s finest trial lawyers. We want that reputation to continue and that ‘brand’ to thrive in the legal marketplace well into the future.”

 

Blake Hudson, dean of Cumberland School of Law, said, “We are grateful for the Miles family and their support of Cumberland School of Law. Their generosity showcases their commitment to advocacy training, and their gift will provide a pathway for future lawyers to continue advocating on behalf of those in need.”        

 

Nationally, Cumberland School of Law ranks 6th for Trial Advocacy by U.S. News & World Report (2024), 3rd in the Gavel Rankings (fall 2024), and 4th in the Trial Competition Performance Rankings (2023-24). Additionally, the American Bar Association ranked Cumberland 8th in the nation among the top law school competition teams in arbitration, negotiation, client counseling, mediation and appellate advocacy for 2023-24.