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Cumberland School of Law, Samford University
Cumberland School of Law strongly emphasizes practical training and experiential learning. Students have access to various opportunities to gain hands-on experience, including clinics, externships, and simulations. The law school has several legal clinics, including the Cumberland Law Legal Clinic, which provides pro bono legal services to low-income clients, and the Entrepreneurship Clinic, which assists entrepreneurs and small business owners with legal issues. In addition, students can participate in externships with judges law firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations. Cumberland School of Law also offers a range of simulations and other experiential learning programs, such as moot court competitions and mock trials, that allow students to practice their legal skills in a realistic setting. These opportunities help students to develop practical skills and gain valuable experience that will serve them well in their legal careers.
Contents
History
Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, has a rich history of over 175 years. Founded by Judge Abraham Caruthers in 1847, Cumberland's mission has always been to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to practice law. During its long history, Cumberland has endured fire, the Civil War, and a move from its original location in Lebanon, Tennessee, to Birmingham, Alabama, in the 1960s. Despite these challenges, Cumberland has built an enduring legacy based on a culture of shared learning, support for each other as legal community members, and dedication to service.
This history is something that Cumberland is proud to pass on to its students. With a rich array of courses, internships, and extracurricular activities, the Cumberland experience is more than just education – it's about becoming part of a community dedicated to making a positive impact in the legal profession and beyond. As graduates of this esteemed institution, Cumberland alums have become leading lawyers, judges, and advocates for justice. By upholding the same values that Cumberland has held since its founding, today's students can take part in continuing this legacy for another 175 years and beyond.
Admissions
The Cumberland School of Law at Samford University is an excellent choice for anyone pursuing a law degree. The school provides everything one needs to excel in legal studies with competitive salaries, successful bar results, and a network of distinguished alums. If you want to pursue a career in law, look no further than the Cumberland School of Law! If you're unsure about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 142 - 155 - 157 | 152 - 155 - 159 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.37 - 3.61 - 3.79 | 3.44 - 3.63 - 3.8 |
| Acceptance rate | 62.2% | 58.8% |
| Applications received | 697 | 673 |
| Acceptances | 388 | 396 |
| Matriculants | 147 | 154 |
For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle at Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, the statistics reflect a slightly more competitive landscape compared to the previous year. The 25th to 75th percentile LSAT scores ranged from 152 to 159, showing a slight increase from the prior year’s range of 142 to 157. Similarly, the 25th to 75th percentile GPA range rose to 3.44 – 3.80, compared to 3.37 – 3.79 in 2023–2024. The acceptance rate decreased from 62.2% to 58.8%, signaling a more selective process. Despite receiving slightly fewer applications (673 compared to 697 the previous year), the school admitted a slightly higher number of students (396 compared to 388). Ultimately, the number of matriculants grew from 147 to 154, suggesting stronger enrollment interest among accepted applicants.
The data on admission to the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University shows that it is highly competitive and attracts students with strong credentials. It also demonstrates that there is still a chance for those with lower LSAT and GPA scores to gain admission as long as they display other notable qualities which make them stand out in the application process.
Application
The application process is relatively straightforward if you want to attend Cumberland School of Law, Samford University. You can find the application form at samford.edu/cumberlandlaw/apply and must complete it completely and accurately. Including any criminal or academic misconduct is essential, even if it has been expunged or removed. Fortunately, there is no application fee associated with the process. Be sure to check back after submitting your application to ensure that Cumberland School of Law has received all materials.
LSAT
Cumberland School of Law, Samford University requires prospective students to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) to be considered for admission. The LSAT is administered eight times yearly during August, September, October, November, January, February, April, and June. The June LSAT represents the final administration accepted for regular admission consideration.
Cumberland School of Law can receive all LSAT scores but emphasizes one's highest score when conducting a review. It is important to note that Cumberland reserves the right to request additional information before making an admission decision.
Letters of Recommendation
Cumberland School of Law at Samford University requires applicants to submit two letters of recommendation. For individuals who wish to pursue their law degree immediately after completing their undergraduate studies, it is advised that these letters come from different sources. This could include a combination of academic, professional, and personal references for an applicant's file to be complete. The letters must come from people who can evaluate your skills, accomplishments, and personal qualities that will contribute to a successful law career. These references must speak highly of you regarding your academic abilities and ethical and professional behavior. By providing reliable letters of recommendation, applicants can have the edge over other candidates in the admissions process. Be sure to give your references ample time to provide you with a strong letter of recommendation and provide them with any context or information they may need. Providing two letters of recommendation demonstrating your qualifications is key to Cumberland School of Law admission.
For additional advice on obtaining letters of recommendation, click here.
Transcripts
To apply to the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, candidates must submit transcripts from all higher education institutions they have attended. These documents should not be sent directly to the school; they must be collected by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and transmitted electronically when you submit your application. This ensures the admissions committee can access the transcripts and verify your academic performance. The LSAC also offers a Credential Assembly Service (CAS) that can be used in filing applications to multiple law schools.
Personal Statement
• Share why you are pursuing law school and, specifically, Cumberland.
• Do not regurgitate your résumé andtranscripts. Write about something original.
• Be honest, but not too honest or controversial.
• Follow provided guidelines and proofread well. You typically want to stay between 2-3 pages, double-spaced.
• Use your statement to fill in blanks we don’t see on the application. Give us a chance to get to know you.
Resume
When creating a resume, it is essential to select a traditional and professional template that showcases your abilities without relying on distracting features like pictures or colored paper. Working with a career development professional can be invaluable when crafting your resume. They can guide how to use the page space efficiently while including all necessary information. It is recommended to keep your resume between 1-2 pages; any longer, you risk diluting the information or overwhelming employers with unnecessary details.
Samford University's Cumberland School of Law is an excellent resource for those who need help creating a professional and impressive resume. The school provides online resources and workshops that can assist students in constructing a resume that accurately reflects their experiences, skills, and educational background. Additionally, staff members are on hand to provide personalized guidance in creating a resume that stands out among other applicants. With the help of Cumberland School of Law, you can have a top-notch resume that speaks to your unique qualifications and displays them effectively.
Addenda
The Cumberland School of Law at Samford University allows applicants to provide additional information that may not fit in the standard application. This addendum section can provide insight into any academic or criminal misconduct, unexpected changes in LSAT scores or grades, and courses dropped or failed during undergraduate study.
The admissions committee recognizes that there are often extenuating circumstances surrounding events in an applicant's past, and the addendum allows applicants to explain such scenarios in their own words. This is a chance to provide context for any issues that might cause concern about your candidacy for law school. For more information about writing addenda, click here.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Attending law school is a major financial commitment. At Cumberland, almost all students receive some form of aid: over 90% of entering JD students receive merit-based scholarships. Loans are also available (Federal Direct and PLUS, etc.), with details depending on need and eligibility. The school estimates all expenses through a “Cost of Attendance” (COA) budget that includes both direct costs (tuition and fees) and indirect costs (housing, meals, books, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses).
Cost of Attendance
For full-time JD students in their 1st and 2nd year, the estimated cost of attendance (COA) for Fall and Spring is about $77,780, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, and other expenses.
For 3rd year students, the cost is slightly higher at about $78,980, mainly because of additional licensing or exam fees.
Tuition and fees themselves are approximately $47,334 for JD students.
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Direct Costs | |
| Tuition | 47,334 |
| Fees | ~1,000 |
| Indirect Costs | |
| Housing | 14,688 |
| Food / Meals | 7,362 |
| Books & Supplies | 2,400 |
| Transportation | 2,100 |
| Miscellaneous / Personal Expenses | 3,896 |
| Total Estimated COA (1st/2nd Year) | 77,780 |
Financial Aid
At Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, they understand the importance of investing in legal education and how the rising cost of tuition can create difficulties in pursuing such an education. For this reason, they strive to provide an affordable legal education of the highest quality. Their financial aid office works with students to provide resources to finance their legal degrees. They also offer various scholarship and loan options, such as grants, scholarships, loans for higher education expenses, Federal Work-Study Programs, and private student loans.
Scholarships
One of the best ways for prospective students to finance their legal education is through merit scholarships from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. These awards are based on evaluating the student's LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA, ranging from a few thousand dollars to full tuition coverage.
These grants are available to all students, regardless of their financial need. Cumberland School of Law is also home to a number of specialized scholarships for students with unique backgrounds and achievements, such as the John Carver Scholarship for public interest attorneys, the Beasley Family Scholarship for student leaders from rural Alabama counties, and the Murfee-Carrington Scholarships in honor of two distinguished alumni.
Cumberland School of Law also offers several loan programs and grants designed to help offset the cost of legal studies. Eligible students may qualify for federal Pell Grants or other need-based awards, such as the Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP). The school also participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program, allowing students to borrow money and have it repaid following graduation.
Academics & Curriculum
Cumberland School of Law, located at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, is an excellent choice for anyone considering a career in law. The school offers a rigorous curriculum to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the legal field.
During their first semester at Cumberland, 1L students must take two credits of Civil Procedure, four credits of Torts, three credits each of Contracts and Criminal Law, and two-to-three credits of Lawyering and Legal Reasoning. In the spring semester, they must take two more credits of Contracts and three each of Civil Procedure and Lawyering/Legal Reasoning. They must also take three credits of Evidence and four credits of Property.
During their 2L year, students must take five credits of Constitutional Law, two in the fall and three in the spring. To graduate, they must complete a writing requirement (through publication or classwork), a legal skills requirement, and courses in Business Organizations, Wills/Trusts/Estates, Professional Responsibility Payment Systems, or Secured Transactions.
Cumberland offers seven joint degree programs in cooperation with other divisions of Samford University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. These are J.D./Master of Accountancy, J.D./Master of Divinity, J.D./Master of Public Administration, J.D./Master of Public Health, J.D./Master of Business Administration, J.D./Master of Theological Studies and a J.D./Master of Science in Environmental Management.
In addition, Cumberland offers students the opportunity to specialize their studies in five areas: public interest, health law, environmental law, trial advocacy, or corporate law. The school also offers online courses, allowing students to access course material remotely. These features make Cumberland School of Law an ideal choice for aspiring lawyers.
Cumberland School of Law is the perfect place to start for those looking to gain a competitive edge and explore opportunities outside the traditional law practice. The school's rigorous curriculum, specialized areas of study, and joint degree programs offer students the opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge that will help them pursue their dream careers in the legal field. With these advantages, Cumberland School of Law is an excellent place for prospective law students to begin their journey.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
Cumberland School of Law graduates generally do well in both bar passage and employment. For the class of 2024, the school reports a first-time bar exam pass rate of about 78.36%, which is roughly in line with, or slightly better than, averages for many U.S. law schools. Over a longer horizon, Cumberland’s “ultimate bar pass rate” — meaning those who take the bar within two years after graduation — is much higher; for example, the class of 2020 attained a 97.2% ultimate bar passage rate.
On the employment front, Cumberland’s Class of 2024 achieved a very strong outcome: about 94.7% of graduating students who were seeking work obtained employment within 10 months of graduation. Of those employed, approximately 95% landed positions that either require bar admission or are classified as “JD Advantage” roles (jobs where having a law degree gives an advantage even if they do not strictly require passing the bar). There were also notable placements in judicial clerkships: four at the federal level and five at the state level including state supreme court clerks.
These results suggest that Cumberland prepares its graduates well for the legal profession: many pass the bar in initial or subsequent attempts, and almost all who want legal or law‐adjacent work find it within a short period after graduation.
Quality of Life
Samford University, located in the suburban town of Homewood just east of the I-65 and south of Birmingham, provides an affordable living experience. The low cost of living and local housing options make it a desirable location for students. Apartments within 10 minutes of the school are affordable, starting at under $500. For those who prefer to walk or bike, there are similarly priced options within a mile of the school. Birmingham, Alabama, is the largest city in the state and is conveniently located at the intersection of four major highways, I-65, I-59, I-20, and I-22. While it's not the country's most significant or cosmopolitan city, it is considered by many to be the cultural center of Alabama. The region is vulnerable to tornadoes and hurricanes, but winters are typically mild. Birmingham offers an inexpensive and generally pleasant environment that can draw students from across the country. Samford University and its Cumberland School of Law is an ideal choice for those who want a quality education and a reasonable living cost.
The Cumberland School of Law at Samford University provides students with a comprehensive curriculum covering all law areas. The school offers courses in civil procedure, constitutional law, contracts, property law, criminal justice, and more. Students are also given numerous opportunities to gain practical experience in legal fields such as litigation, transactional law, and policy-making. In addition, the Cumberland School of Law has top-tier faculty committed to excellence and helping students succeed. The school's commitment to providing a superior education makes it an attractive option for those seeking a quality legal education at an affordable cost.
Samford University and its Cumberland School of Law is an ideal choice for those looking for a quality education at an affordable price in a vibrant city with many cultural attractions. With outstanding faculty, a comprehensive curriculum, and numerous practical opportunities, students can feel confident that their legal education will be top-notch. The low cost of living, local housing options, and mild weather make it an ideal location for students. Birmingham offers a unique environment for those seeking an education in law that is affordable and enriched by its vibrant culture.
Synopsis
Cumberland School of Law at Samford University is an excellent choice for those seeking a legal education in Birmingham. The school has a long history, and its location offers conveniently close access to courts, government offices, and other legal venues. However, prospective students should be aware of the discrepancy between the high cost of tuition at Cumberland and the generally lower living costs in Birmingham. This discrepancy could make it difficult for graduates to find jobs that will enable them to pay back their loans and still have enough money to live comfortably. Unfortunately, Cumberland needs to provide data about the typical starting salary of its graduates, making it difficult for potential students to determine whether they will realistically be able to pay off their debts once they graduate. Nevertheless, Cumberland could be an ideal choice for those who can devise a plan to manage their loans. It allows students to study law in a highly suitable and convenient location while maintaining relatively affordable tuition costs. For these reasons, it should remain an option for those hoping to pursue a legal education in Birmingham.
Contact Information
Samford University
800 Lakeshore Drive,
Birmingham, AL 35229
Phone: 205-726-2011
Nancy Battles
Assistant Director of Admission Operations
Email: nbattles@samford.edu
Phone: 205-726-2936
Phone: (205) 726-2400
E-mail: lawadm@samford.edu
https://www.samford.edu/cumberlandlaw/admission
Summary
| Established | 1847 |
| Location | Birmingham, AL |
| Dean | Blake Hudson |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 107th |
| LSAT Median Score | 154 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.54 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 78.4% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | 57.7% (2025) |
| Cost | $46,326 |
| Average Debt | $58,952 |
| Application Deadline | May 1, 2025 |
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Reference
https://www.samford.edu/cumberlandlaw/history
Rank #107
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