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.

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:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	149 - 152 - 157	151 - 154 - 157
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	3.2 - 3.49 - 3.71	3.24 - 3.54 - 3.76
Acceptance rate	67.6%	60.7%
Applications received	614	638
Acceptances	415	387
Matriculants	33	45

At the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, 638 individuals applied during the 2022 application cycle. Of those applicants, 387 were offered admission to pursue their law degree. Of those offered admission, 159 students accepted and began their studies at the university. This statistic shows that 41.09% of people allowed to pursue their degree at the Cumberland School of Law attended.

The median LSAT score for 1Ls in the Class of 2022 was 154, with the 25th percentile at 151 and the 75th percentile at 157. In terms of GPA, the median was 3.54, with a 25th percentile of 3.24 and a 75th percentile of 3.76. These figures show that the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University is highly competitive, attracting applicants with strong academic backgrounds.

The data also shows that most admitted students had higher than median LSAT and GPA scores, indicating a clear preference for more qualified candidates. However, those with a lower score can still gain admission. The data also shows that there is still a chance for those with lower scores to be accepted into the program, so long as they demonstrate other notable qualities and have a solid application overall.

Overall, 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

Tuition

Cumberland School of Law, located at Samford University, is a renowned educational institution that offers an excellent Juris Doctor degree program. The JD program is intended to provide students with a comprehensive legal education to prepare them for successful futures in law. The 2022-2023 academic year tuition for the JD program is set at a charge amount of $43,662 annually. Students enrolled in the program can be sure they receive a quality education from a top-notch institution and faculty members who pride themselves on providing an exceptional legal education. With Cumberland School of Law, students can be sure that they are advancing their knowledge and skills to meet the legal profession's demands.

Cost of Attendance

The Cumberland School of Law at Samford University provides students with a comprehensive budget for their legal studies. This budget is categorized: books and supplies, loan fees, miscellaneous expenses, room and board, transportation, and tuition. Books and supplies are estimated to cost students $2,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year. Additional required fees amount to $656, while loan fees will add up to $689 for the same period. Miscellaneous expenses come in at $3,193, and room and board are estimated at nearly $14,000. Transportation costs are expected to total approximately $1,750 each year. Tuition is estimated at a hefty sum of $43,662 for the 2022-2023 academic year. The total cost of attendance at Cumberland School of Law is estimated to be around $65,900 for the upcoming academic year. Students should consider these costs when preparing their budgets to attend this esteemed school. Samford University's commitment to providing an excellent legal education, regardless of financial obstacles, is second to none. The school offers many scholarships and loan options for those who qualify. With careful planning and the right resources, attending Cumberland School of Law could be an affordable and wise decision for future lawyers.

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

The Cumberland School of Law, part of Samford University, has a long and distinguished history of producing well-prepared legal professionals. Whether they pursue work in the private or public sector, the school graduates have been highly successful and often earn above-average salaries upon graduating from the program.

Statistically speaking, JD graduates from Samford University make an average of $65,000 in their first year when they take a job in the private sector and $55,000 if they go into the public sector. Additionally, 65.6% of law graduates from Samford University go directly to work for law firms, while 4.9% clerk for a judge, and 3.3% of graduates go into public interest.

The Cumberland School of Law also provides its students with the skills and knowledge they need to pass the bar on their first try, a feat that 79.1% of Samford University graduates succeed in doing. With such a high percentage of successful bar exams taken by graduates from Samford, the Cumberland School of Law is truly a top choice for legal studies.

The school's rich history and its high standards of academic excellence make it an excellent choice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in law. With top-tier graduates, a renowned faculty, and an impressive network of alums, the Cumberland School of Law will provide students with the tools they need to succeed in their legal careers.

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
2022 US News Ranking	139
LSAT Median Score	154
GPA Median Score	3.54
Bar Passage Rate	79% (2022)
Employment Rate	31% (2022)
Cost	$43,662 annually
Average Debt	$114,534
Application Deadline	May 1, 2023

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Reference

https://www.samford.edu/cumberlandlaw/history
Rank #139
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