Published on March 19, 2018 by Morgan Black  
Doug Jones

Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law will hold its inaugural Advocacy Benefit on Friday, April 6. New United States Senator and 1979 Cumberland alumnus Doug Jones will serve as the keynote speaker for the event to be held at Haven in downtown Birmingham.

Cumberland School of Law is nationally known for its excellence in advocacy education. The proceeds from this benefit will allow for opportunities to continue this tradition of excellent advocacy education in the 21st century.

“Advocacy is at the core of all law practice,” said Dean Henry C. Strickland III. “Throughout its history, Cumberland has excelled at preparing lawyers to be great advocates. As the digital age continues to alter the way we live and interact, the importance of outstanding advocacy remains unchanged. The communication media and the tools advocates use change, but the essential role of the lawyer advocate remains as critical as ever. To continue preparing great advocates for the 21st century and remain a leader in advocacy education, Cumberland must grow and expand its advocacy program. That growth will require innovation, resources, and hard work.”

Award-winning news anchor and journalist Pam Huff from Birmingham’s ABC affiliate will serve as the emcee. Huff’s husband, U.S. attorney William Simpson, is a 1980 Cumberland graduate. Dinner will be provided by James Beard Award semifinalist chef Rob McDaniel of SpringHouse Restaurant in Alexander City.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.