Real Clients, Real Impact
At Cumberland School of Law, students go beyond the classroom by working on real cases under the guidance of faculty and legal professionals. From criminal appeals and parole hearings to veterans’ benefits and health care-related legal needs, Cumberland clinics give students practical experience while expanding access to justice across Alabama.
Cumberland School of Law Hosts Symposium Focused on the Future of Land Use Law
The Land Use and Natural Resources Law Center (LUNR) at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law welcomed legal professionals, scholars and law students to its symposium on Oct. 3. The theme, “Resilient Futures: The Next Era in Land Use Law,” provided opportunity for attendees to explore the evolving intersection of environmental stewardship, land use planning and sustainable development.
Cumberland School of Law Faculty Scholarship Citations, July 1-Sept. 30, 2025
The scholarship of Samford University Cumberland School of Law faculty members is frequently cited in numerous legal disciplines. The following is a list of faculty authored works cited from July 1-Sept. 30, 2025, and sourced by Westlaw Precision, Lexis+ AI, and HeinOnline.
Cumberland School of Law Professor Chinelo Diké-Minor Cited in Landmark Ninth Circuit Decision
The research of associate professor of law Chinelo Diké-Minor has been cited in a published opinion by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. In the case, the court referenced her research on anti-kickback laws, underscoring the relevance of her scholarship to contemporary legal challenges in health care fraud enforcement.
Purposeful Advocacy: Maya Shah Serves as Cumberland School of Law’s 2025-26 Public Interest Fellow
Third-year law student Maya Shah walks the halls of Cumberland School of Law, she carries more than textbooks and case briefs—she carries a deep, personal commitment to justice and compassion. As the 2025–26 public interest fellow, Shah is channeling her experiences and values into a career that uplifts others, especially those navigating life’s most difficult challenges.
From Law School to the Courthouse: Cumberland School of Law Graduates Earn Prestigious Judicial Clerkships
For a select group of Cumberland School of Law students, the first stop in a legal career will not be a law firm or a
business or a district attorney’s office but a judge’s chambers in a courthouse. Recent graduates have once again
secured highly competitive judicial clerkships, continuing Cumberland’s tradition of placing graduates in these
formative positions.
Cumberland School of Law Trial Team Finishes as National Finalist in Prestigious Battle of the Experts Mock Trial Competition
Samford University Cumberland School of Law’s national trial team traveled to Philadelphia for the prestigious Battle of the Experts mock trial competition and finished as the national finalist.
Cumberland School of Law Announces its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
Each year, Cumberland School of Law recognizes accomplished alumni through the Distinguished Alumni Awards. The honorees will be recognized at the law school's alumni reception on October 24.
Roberts Represents Cumberland School of Law on National Panel Exploring Environmental Tax Policy Shifts
On Sept. 8, Tracey Roberts, professor of law at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, represented the school’s Land Use & Natural Resources Law Center as a featured speaker in the American Tax Policy Institute’s national webinar, “Rewriting the Rules: Environmental Tax Policy in a Shifting Legal Landscape.”
Cumberland School of Law Rises in American Bar Association Ranking, Placing #6 in the Nation for Alternative Dispute Resolution and Moot Court
The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Law Student Division has published its Top Competition Champions for 2024-25. Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law is ranked 6th in the nation for its excellence in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and moot court competitions, rising two spots from the previous year’s ranking.
Cumberland School of Law Assistant Professor Alicia Gilbert Selected for Two Prestigious National Health Law Conferences
Alicia Gilbert, an assistant professor in Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, has been selected to present her scholarship at two prestigious, invitation-only conferences focused on health law and antitrust issues.
Cumberland School of Law Professor’s Research on Military Force Authorization Featured in National Coverage of 9/11 Anniversary
Carlissa Carson, assistant professor at Cumberland School of Law, has been featured in The Washington Times coverage marking the 24th anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Children’s of Alabama Internship and Legal Immersion Summer Program Confirm Career Path for Samford Student Ella Ingram
For Ella Ingram, a senior public health major at Samford University, this summer brought two transformative experiences that worked together to shape her future: an internship at Children’s of Alabama and participation in a legal immersion program on campus. Both opportunities gave her a clearer vision for a career that blends health care, law and advocacy.
Cumberland School of Law Students Expand Global Perspectives Through Summer Programs in Scotland, Iceland and England
Students at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law stepped beyond the classroom and into the heart of international legal systems through immersive study abroad programs this summer in Scotland, Iceland and England.
President Taylor touts 'courage' at Samford's 184th opening convocation
Samford University's fifth-year president encouraged students and faculty to face the year with courage, trust in God’s support and filter external voices that peddle fear.
Scholars of Merit Announced for Summer 2025 Term
The following Cumberland School of Law students qualified as Scholars of Merit for the summer 2025 term.
Cumberland School of Law Announces New Leadership for Nationally Recognized Advocacy Program
Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law is marking a new chapter in the story of its nationally recognized advocacy program. This academic year, leadership of the program will transition from Visiting Director of Advocacy Sara Williams, JD ’06, to newly appointed interim co-directors Judge Jim Roberts, JD ’94, and Associate Professor Matt Woodham, JD ’15.
Cumberland School of Law Welcomes Largest First-Year Class in Over a Decade
Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law proudly welcomed 171 first-year students this week, the largest incoming class in more than 10 years. Members of the class of 2028 represent 16 states, 57 undergraduate institutions and more than 53 academic majors.
