Samford Law School Ranks Top 9 in Trial Advocacy

Cumberland School of Law maintains excellence in key legal skill for 7 consecutive years

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:59am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a gavel repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing Samford Law's focus on trial advocacy skills.Samford Law's consistent excellence in trial advocacy reflects its commitment to producing skilled courtroom litigators, even as the school's overall ranking lags behind.Melbourne Village Today

Samford University's Cumberland School of Law has once again been ranked among the top 10 law schools in the nation for Trial Advocacy, according to the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings. This marks the seventh consecutive year the program has achieved this prestigious recognition, showcasing its consistent excellence in preparing students for the rigors of courtroom advocacy.

Why it matters

This ranking is a testament to Cumberland's deeply ingrained philosophy of 'learning by doing' and its ability to consistently produce graduates ready to excel in the adversarial nature of legal practice. The recognition from peers and professionals nationwide lends significant weight to Cumberland's strengths in this crucial area of legal education.

The details

Cumberland has maintained a top 10 ranking for Trial Advocacy for seven straight years, suggesting a robust, well-oiled program that effectively imparts both theoretical knowledge and practical, real-world insights to its students. The dean, Blake Hudson, and the head of the national trial teams, Judge Jim Roberts, both emphasize the school's focus on experiential learning as a key factor in this sustained success.

  • Cumberland School of Law has been ranked in the top 10 for Trial Advocacy for 7 consecutive years.

The players

Blake Hudson

The dean of Cumberland School of Law.

Jim Roberts

The head of the national trial teams at Cumberland School of Law.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

The takeaway

This ranking highlights that excellence in a specific legal skill, like trial advocacy, does not always translate to a top-tier overall law school ranking. However, for students seeking to hone their courtroom skills, Cumberland's consistent performance in this area suggests it offers exceptional value and a clear path to becoming formidable litigators.