On Jan. 21, Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law welcomed an impressive delegation of judicial leaders for the 2026 Cordell Hull Speakers Forum with a discussion titled “Perspectives on the Rule of Law: A View from State and International Supreme Courts.”
The annual forum, known for engaging students and the wider community in thoughtful dialogue on justice and public service, featured President Benedikt Bogason of the Supreme Court of Iceland, Chief Justice Sarah Stewart of the Supreme Court of Alabama, Presiding Justice Sarah Warren of the Supreme Court of Georgia and Justice Evan Young of the Supreme Court of Texas.
The forum provided a rare opportunity for Cumberland School of Law students and other attendees to engage directly with judicial leaders shaping contemporary legal discourse. During the discussion moderated by Cumberland School of Law Dean Blake Hudson, panelists reflected on leadership, integrity and the evolving responsibilities of courts in the United States and around the world. The justices shared personal reflections on their careers, the weight of judicial service and the values necessary to uphold justice, offering students a practical and inspiring extension of their classroom learning.
Dean Hudson emphasized the forum’s role in the law school's mission. He said, “Our students benefit enormously from hearing directly from leaders who are shaping the law at the highest levels. This forum not only broadened their understanding of the rule of law across different jurisdictions, but it also reinforced Cumberland School of Law’s core values of service, integrity and humility.”
Third-year students Josh Quattlebaum and Addy Castellanos served as the 2026 forum co-chairs. In a joint statement, they reflected on the impact of helping bring the distinguished panel to campus. They said, “Organizing this year’s Cordell Hull Speakers Forum was an honor. Hearing from justices who sit at the highest levels of their courts reminded all of us why we pursue this profession. Their insights on leadership, integrity and service resonated deeply, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help create an experience that will stay with students long after they leave Cumberland.”
The Cordell Hull Speakers Forum, founded in 1974, is named for 1891 Cumberland School of Law alumnus, Cordell Hull. Hull served as a U.S. senator for the 1931-33 term before stepping down upon being appointed as secretary of state by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in March 1933. He served in this role for 12 years, the longest in U.S. history. Hull was also a driving force behind the founding of the United Nations, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945.
Since its founding, the forum has remained a signature event for Cumberland School of Law, continuing a long established tradition of fostering meaningful dialogue among students, faculty and leaders in law and public service. Past speakers have included former Presidents Joe Biden, George Bush Sr., and Ronald Reagan; U.S. Supreme Court Justices Anthony Kennedy and Clarence Thomas; Attorney General Janet Reno; and author John Grisham.
This year’s gathering upheld the legacy of the forum, providing powerful insight into the rule of law at a moment when courts worldwide face new challenges and heightened expectations.
