Scholars of Merit Announced for Spring 2025 Term
The following Cumberland School of Law students qualified as Scholars of Merit for the spring 2025 term.
Carson Article "Conflicting Canons of Construction: The Aftermath in Veterans' Law" Published
Assistant Professor Carlissa Carson, a distinguished veterans' law scholar and U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, has had a new article published by the Brooklyn Law Review. Her article “Conflicting Canons of Construction: The Aftermath in Veterans’ Law” is a must-read for anyone interested in administrative law, veterans' rights, and the evolving landscape of statutory interpretation.
Albin, Woodham Article Examines Supreme Court Ruling in Trump v. United States
Associate Professors Ramona Albin and Matt Woodham's new article in the St. John's Law Review, “Gilded Executive Privilege: The Unstated Evidentiary Rule in Trump v. United States," examines an underexplored aspect of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling—its sweeping evidentiary decision limiting the admissibility of official acts evidence in the prosecution of a former president’s private conduct.
West Named Academic All-American Trial Advocate by the National Association of Legal Advocacy Educators
John West, a recent graduate of Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, has been named an Academic All-American Trial Advocate by the National Association of Legal Advocacy Educators, which recognizes law students who demonstrate academic achievement and competition success, and who embody the highest standards of professionalism, skill and service in legal advocacy. West is one of just 20 law students nationwide to be named an inaugural recipient of the award.
Cumberland School of Law Reports 95% Employment Rate for Class of 2024
Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law reported a 94.7% employment rate, reflecting the employment status of 2024 graduates who were eligible for and actively seeking employment within 10 months of graduation.
Cumberland School of Law and Oakwood University Celebrate Ongoing Partnership
Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and Oakwood University recently celebrated their ongoing academic partnership during a special media day held on Oakwood’s campus. Originally established in 2021, this accelerated law degree program offers Oakwood students an innovative pathway to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor in just six years, rather than the traditional seven.
82-Year-Old Leans on God, Curtis Mayfield to Complete Master's Degree
The three-time great-grandmother and self-labeled go-getter received her Master of Studies in Law from Samford.
Judge Karon O. Bowdre Addresses Cumberland School of Law Graduates, Emphasizes a Lawyer’s Call to Justice
Karon O. Bowdre ’77, JD ’80, retired U.S. district judge and chair of Samford University’s Board of Trustees, addressed the 2025 Cumberland School of Law graduates during the May 3 commencement ceremony. Cumberland’s class of 2025 includes 142 Juris Doctor recipients, 13 Master of Laws graduates and six Master of Studies in Law recipients.
Cumberland School of Law Announces 2024-25 Faculty Awards for Excellence in Scholarship and Teaching
Each year, Samford University Cumberland School of Law announces faculty award recipients. On Thursday, May 1, the Lightfoot, Franklin & White Faculty Scholarship Award and the Harvey S. Jackson Excellence in Teaching Award were distributed to well-deserving law faculty.
Shooting Two: Britton Johnson shares joint degree journey
Britton Johnson, who is pursuing a JD and Master of Arts in Theological Studies, shares his story.
Cumberland School of Law Recognizes 2024-25 Student Award Recipients
Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law recognizes its students through its annual Spring Awards Ceremony. The awards are given by generous donors, alumni and other organizations and we’re grateful for their support of legal education. In addition, Cumberland School of Law announces its Spirit of Service awardees.
Cumberland School of Law Moot Court Team Finishes in Top 8 of the National Appellate Advocacy Competition, Wins Two Individual Awards
Three students from Samford University Cumberland School of Law participated in the American Bar Association’s National Appellate Advocacy competition in Chicago in April where they finished in the top eight teams in the nation and brought home two Best Advocate awards.
Cumberland School of Law Ranks No. 4 in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report, Remains National Powerhouse for Trial Preparation
As part of U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best Law Schools rankings released April 8, Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law ranked fourth in the nation for Trial Advocacy, reflecting an increase of two spots from the previous year and affirming the school’s storied history of being a powerhouse for preparing trial ready lawyers.
Cumberland School of Law Advocacy Teams Win Four Consecutive Regional Competitions, To Compete in National Tournaments
In February and March, Samford University Cumberland School of Law’s national trial, mediation and moot court teams traveled from coast to coast to compete in regional advocacy competitions. Over four consecutive weeks, Cumberland teams won all four regional events of the most prestigious law school competitions in the country and will participate in the national tournaments.
Global Advocacy Experts to Headline Cumberland School of Law’s Second Annual International CLE Conference
Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law will host its second annual international continuing legal education (CLE) conference, The Art of Advocacy, Edinburgh, Scotland, June 29-July 1, 2025. With sessions led by U.S. and U.K. presenters, participants will earn 12 CLE credit hours* while immersing themselves in a unique cultural experience.
National Trial Team Wins Fifth Consecutive Regional Championship of American Association of Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition
In March, Samford University Cumberland School of Law’s National Trial Team traveled to Chicago, where they won the Midwest Region of the American Association of Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition and will advance to nationals in Atlanta in April. The win marks the fifth straight year that Cumberland has won the regional competition.
Cumberland School of Law National Mediation Team Wins American Bar Association Regional Mediation Competition
Samford University Cumberland School of Law’s National Mediation Team won the American Bar Association’s Representation in Mediation Regional Competition, March 1-2, and will advance to the national tournament in Chicago.
Cumberland School of Law National Trial Team Wins Regional Championship of National Trial Competition
In February, Samford University Cumberland School of Law’s National Trial Team won Region 8 of the National Trial Competition. With the win, the Cumberland team will advance to nationals in Houston, Texas, in April. This win secured the 13th win in the last 17 years for Cumberland.
