Cooney Contracts and Risk Management Clinic

Students explore the intersection of law, insurance and construction while working with McGriff Insurance Services LLC, one of the world’s largest insurance brokers and a part of Truist Insurance Holdings, Inc. Student clinicians analyze insurance, construction and surety contracts; assist with risk management strategies; and help identify tailored insurance solutions for real-world clients. The clinic also includes legal research and analytical writing on current issues affecting the insurance and construction industries.

Cumberland Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic (C-VETS)

C-VETS provides free legal assistance to veterans and their families across central Alabama. Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, students evaluate cases, identify legal issues and help determine appropriate courses of action. Students work on matters such as landlord-tenant disputes, driver’s license reinstatement, insurance claims, consumer credit issues, family law matters and expungements. Through direct client interaction, students develop a wide range of lawyering skills while serving those who have served our country.

Housing and Economic Assistance Clinic

In partnership with Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham, this clinic serves low-income individuals facing housing instability, eviction, unsafe living conditions and barriers to public benefits. Students gain experience in client counseling, negotiation and advocacy while learning substantive law related to poverty and economic justice. The clinic emphasizes both direct client representation and systemic advocacy to promote access to justice in the local community.

Immigration Advocacy Clinic

The Immigration Advocacy Clinic provides free legal representation to immigrants in areas of urgent legal need, including habeas petitions for detained individuals, litigation challenging administrative delays, and asylum representation before USCIS and immigration courts. Under the supervision of a licensed attorney, students work directly with clients each semester conducting interviews, drafting motions and briefs, and assisting with representation consistent with student practice rules.

Capital Defense Clinic

The Capital Defense Clinic allows students to work directly with the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office on cases involving individuals charged with or convicted of capital murder. Under the supervision of experienced public defenders, students assist with legal research, investigation, client and witness interviews, motion practice, hearings, plea negotiations, jury selection and mitigation preparation for sentencing. Through classroom instruction and fieldwork, students gain firsthand exposure to the complexities of high stakes capital litigation.

Criminal Appeals Clinic

In the Criminal Appeals Clinic, students work alongside attorneys in the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office on criminal appeals for indigent clients. The clinic’s classroom component introduces Alabama criminal appellate law and practice, while fieldwork focuses on reviewing trial records, drafting briefs and pleadings and preparing oral arguments. Students strengthen their legal writing and appellate advocacy skills while working to ensure meaningful access to justice.

Innocence Clinic

The Cumberland Innocence Clinic investigates claims of factual innocence by incarcerated individuals in Alabama and works to secure counsel for those with credible claims. Students review case records, interview witnesses, investigate facts, draft legal claims and research postconviction relief options. Because non-capital innocence claims are often underexamined in Alabama, the clinic plays an important role in advancing justice while giving students the opportunity to engage in impactful, client-centered work.

Individuals seeking assistance should contact clinics@samford.edu.

Parole Clinic

The Cumberland Parole Clinic partners with Redemption Earned, a nonprofit founded by retired Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, to advocate for incarcerated individuals seeking parole or work release. Students represent clients of Redemption Earned and gain hands-on experience with the parole process, including record review, client screening, reentry planning, and preparing and presenting cases before the Alabama Parole Board. Students also assist with the organization’s WIN Project, addressing barriers to work-release eligibility.

Individuals seeking assistance should contact Redemption Earned directly for more information.