Before the start of the fall semester, incoming students at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law have the opportunity to begin developing the skills, confidence and connections that can help them succeed in law school through the school's First-Year Summer Program. This summer, nearly 40 entering law students participated in the foundational program.
Designed to ease the transition into legal education, the program introduces students to foundational legal concepts, research and writing, critical thinking and legal analysis before they begin their first official semester. Through courses such as Foundations in Law and Public Law Process, participants develop an understanding of the American legal system while gaining exposure to the subjects and skills that define the first-year law school experience.
"The First-Year Summer Program is designed to help students begin law school with confidence," said Lynn Hogewood, assistant dean for academic and bar success. "By introducing foundational legal concepts, research and writing skills, and effective study strategies before their first semester begins, students are better prepared for the rigor of law school and can focus on building strong habits and meaningful connections with their classmates."
Students learn case analysis and briefing, legal research, legal writing and citation while exploring topics such as civil procedure, contracts, evidence, property and torts. They also gain exposure to statutory interpretation, administrative law and the legislative and executive branches of government, helping them begin to think and reason like lawyers before fall classes begin.
For incoming student Abigail Bryson, the program provided an opportunity to ease back into academics after a six-year break from school.
"After taking six years off between undergrad and law school, the summer program was the obvious right choice for me," Bryson said. "Not only did it help me reacclimate into the world of academia, but also gave specific insight into what the first year of law school will be like in a digestible format."
Bryson said the program introduced students to valuable skills such as case briefing, research and writing, outlining and exam preparation.
"I get to walk into the fall semester with these familiar and vital tools already in hand," she said.
Many participants said the academic preparation helped them feel more comfortable and confident entering their first semester.
"The summer program is a unique and invaluable opportunity," said Bennett Turner. "Coming into law school can be a daunting experience, so having early exposure can give the student the ability to settle in before the rush of fall."
Turner said the smaller class sizes allowed students to engage more deeply with faculty and course material.
"I was able to ask questions and engage with topics like torts, civil procedure and property in a class size half of what a typical first-year section would look like," he said.
While academic preparation is a central focus, students consistently highlighted another benefit: the relationships formed before the start of the school year.
Bryson described members of the cohort as "summer camp friends," noting that many students formed study groups and friendships that have now continued into the fall semester.
Another participant, Tito Canales-Alvarado, said those relationships were among the reasons alumnus J.R. Thomas, JD '15, recommended the program.
"He emphasized the bonds that you would make with the summer cohort," Canales-Alvarado said. "I can concur that to be true."
He also added that learning alongside future classmates while receiving guidance from faculty helped ease concerns about starting law school.
"The professors also did an outstanding job providing strategies and ways to be successful in the first year," Canales-Alvarado said. "This familiarity has helped calm nerves entering the fall."
As Cumberland School of Law prepares to welcome a new class each year, the First-Year Summer Program continues to provide participants with an introduction to the academic rigor, practical skills and supportive community that characterize the Cumberland experience.
For students who participated this summer, the recommendation is clear.
"I would tell anyone thinking about attending the First-Year Summer Program to say yes to this amazing opportunity," Bryson said.
