Trent Testa, JD '21, has joined the faculty of Samford University's Cumberland School of Law as assistant professor of advocacy and assistant director of advocacy programs, bringing accomplished trial experience and a proven record of advocacy coaching success back to his alma mater.
Testa joins the Cumberland faculty after serving as a trial attorney with the Jefferson County and Tuscaloosa County Public Defender's Offices, where he represented indigent clients charged with offenses ranging from misdemeanors to capital murder. His recent jury trial victories have resulted in acquittals for clients charged with murder and attempted murder.
A graduate of the National Criminal Defense College's Deryl Dantzler Trial Practice Institute, Testa was honored with the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association's 2024 Merit Award for Excellence in a Criminal Case.
"A meaningful part of the Cumberland School of Law community is when graduates return to invest in the next generation of lawyers," said Dean Blake Hudson. "Trent has built an impressive record as a trial attorney while remaining deeply engaged with Cumberland's advocacy program. His return to campus as a faculty member and leader within our advocacy program is a testament to both his talents and his commitment to the institution that helped launch his career."
While building his legal practice, Testa remained closely connected to Cumberland's nationally recognized advocacy program. He began coaching the law school's National Trial Team in 2022 and joined the faculty as an adjunct instructor for Basic Skills in Trial Advocacy in 2026.
Under his coaching leadership, Cumberland teams have achieved notable national success, including back-to-back National Trial Competition regional championships in 2025 and 2026, a fifth-place national finish at the National Trial Competition in 2025, and a sixth-place national finish in 2026. His teams have also earned national finalist appearances at the Battle of the Experts and National Civil Trial Competition, along with multiple professionalism awards at national competitions.
"I've had the privilege of experiencing Cumberland's advocacy program as a student, coach and adjunct instructor," Testa said. "The program played a tremendous role in shaping my career, and I'm honored to return in this capacity. I look forward to working with our students as they develop the skills, confidence and professionalism necessary to become exceptional advocates."
Testa's accomplishments as a coach build upon a distinguished record as a Cumberland student. As a member of the National Trial Team, he helped lead Cumberland to a National Trial Competition regional championship and a fifth-place national finish at the National Civil Trial Competition. He also served as research editor of the Cumberland Law Review and graduated cum laude in 2021.
In addition to his advocacy achievements, Testa has contributed scholarship to the Cumberland Law Review, including “State of the Unions: Where They Are, Where They Have Been, & Where They Are Going,” published in 2021, and “Daker v. Jackson,” published in 2019.
As assistant professor of advocacy and assistant director of advocacy programs, Testa will help advance Cumberland's longstanding tradition of excellence in advocacy education while preparing future lawyers for success in the courtroom and beyond.
