Law Schools in Alabama
University of Alabama School of Law
The University of Alabama School of Law, located in Tuscaloosa, is the oldest law school in Alabama, having been established in 1872. It is known for its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and commitment to public service. The law school occupies a state-of-the-art facility with extensive resources for students and faculty, including modern classrooms, moot courtrooms, and an extensive law library.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
The University of Alabama School of Law is consistently ranked among the top 25 law schools in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
The school has an enrollment of approximately 375 students, ensuring a low student-to-faculty ratio and a personalized educational experience.
Degrees Offered
The University of Alabama School of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation, LL.M. in Business Transactions, and several joint degree programs, including JD/MBA and JD/Ph.D.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at the University of Alabama School of Law is around 31%, reflecting its competitive admissions process.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students is approximately 164.
Famous Alumni
- Hugo Black – Former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Jeff Sessions – Former U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Senator.
- Howell Heflin – Former U.S. Senator and Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.
- Morris Dees – Co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
- Bryan Stevenson – Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, renowned public interest lawyer.
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations
- Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
- Balch & Bingham LLP
- Maynard Cooper & Gale PC
- Southern Company
- Regions Financial Corporation
Cumberland School of Law at Samford University
Cumberland School of Law, located in Birmingham, was founded in 1847 and is one of the oldest law schools in the country. It became part of Samford University in 1961. The school is known for its strong emphasis on practical skills training, public service, and its close-knit community. Cumberland’s historic campus offers a blend of traditional and modern facilities, including technologically advanced classrooms and a comprehensive law library.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Cumberland School of Law is typically ranked within the top 150 law schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students
Cumberland has an enrollment of about 400 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of around 13:1.
Degrees Offered
The school offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, joint degree programs such as JD/MBA and JD/MPH, and an LL.M. program focused on health law.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for Cumberland School of Law is approximately 52%.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students is around 152.
Famous Alumni
- Robert Benham – Former Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court.
- Don Siegelman – Former Governor of Alabama.
- Jim Folsom Jr. – Former Lieutenant Governor of Alabama.
- Richard Shelby – U.S. Senator.
- Albert Brewer – Former Governor of Alabama.
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations
- Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC
- Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
- Starnes Davis Florie LLP
- Vulcan Materials Company
- Protective Life Corporation
Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
Located in Montgomery, Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law was established in 1928 and became part of Faulkner University in 1983. The law school is named after Thomas Goode Jones, a former Alabama governor and federal judge. It is known for its commitment to Christian values, public service, and legal ethics. The school’s campus includes modern classrooms, a moot courtroom, and an extensive law library.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law typically appears in the lower tiers of the U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Number of Students
The school enrolls approximately 200 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of about 12:1.
Degrees Offered
Thomas Goode Jones School of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, several dual degree programs such as JD/MBA and JD/M.Div., and certificate programs in advocacy and alternative dispute resolution.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Thomas Goode Jones School of Law is around 63%.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students is approximately 148.
Famous Alumni
- J. Michael Joiner – Judge on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals.
- Marc Keahey – Former Alabama State Senator.
- Lynn Bright – President and CEO of Bright Enterprises.
- Paul Bussman – Former Alabama State Senator.
- Van Davis – Special Prosecutor in high-profile cases in Alabama.
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations
- Beasley Allen Law Firm
- Carr Allison
- Rushton, Stakely, Johnston & Garrett, P.A.
- Alabama Department of Human Resources
- Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office
Miles Law School
Miles Law School, located in Birmingham, was established in 1974. It is a private, unaccredited law school affiliated with Miles College, a historically black college. Miles Law School offers a flexible evening program designed for working adults. While it is not accredited by the American Bar Association, it is recognized by the Alabama State Bar, allowing its graduates to sit for the Alabama bar exam.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Miles Law School does not typically appear in U.S. News & World Report rankings due to its unaccredited status.
Number of Students
The school enrolls about 75 students, maintaining a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 10:1.
Degrees Offered
Miles Law School offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Its graduates are primarily eligible to practice law in Alabama.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Miles Law School is relatively high at around 70%.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students is around 140.
Famous Alumni
- Roderick White – Judge on the Jefferson County Circuit Court.
- Johnny Hardwick – Judge on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.
- Elisabeth French – Presiding Judge of the Jefferson County Circuit Court.
- Anita Kelly – Judge on the Montgomery County Circuit Court.
- Tommy Bryan – Associate Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations
- Legal Services Alabama
- Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office
- Alabama Legal Aid Society
- Birmingham City Attorney’s Office
- Alabama Department of Justice
Birmingham School of Law
The Birmingham School of Law, located in Birmingham, was founded in 1915. It offers a flexible legal education program, primarily catering to working adults with evening and weekend classes. The school is not accredited by the American Bar Association but is recognized by the Alabama State Bar, enabling its graduates to sit for the Alabama bar exam.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Birmingham School of Law does not appear in U.S. News & World Report rankings due to its unaccredited status.
Number of Students
The school enrolls approximately 200 students, maintaining a low student-to-faculty ratio.
Degrees Offered
The Birmingham School of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Its graduates are eligible to practice law in Alabama.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate is relatively high, reflecting its mission to provide legal education opportunities to a diverse student body.
Average LSAT Score
The average LSAT score for incoming students is around 145.
Famous Alumni
- Mike Bolin – Associate Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.
- Mary Windom – Judge on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals.
- J. Scott Vowell – Presiding Judge of the Jefferson County Circuit Court.
- Tamara Harris Johnson – Former Birmingham City Attorney.
- Bob Vance – Judge on the Jefferson County Circuit Court.
Top Hiring Companies/Organizations
- Alabama Department of Justice
- Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office
- Balch & Bingham LLP
- Legal Services Alabama
- Birmingham City Attorney’s Office
