Top Law Schools in Alabama: 2025 Rankings, Programs & Admissions Guide
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Thinking about law school in Alabama? You’re in good company! Whether you’re aiming for a top-tier public law school or a flexible evening program that fits your work schedule, Alabama has something for everyone. In fact, the state is home to five distinct law schools, each offering a unique approach to legal education.
From the nationally ranked University of Alabama School of Law (#27 in U.S. News & World Report) with a stellar 93% bar passage rate, to the affordable and accessible Birmingham School of Law, Alabama’s law schools combine academic rigor, hands-on experience, and a strong sense of community. In this blog, we will talk about top law schools in Alabama that can help you launch your legal career — without needing to leave the South. Let’s dive in!
Top 5 Law Schools in Alabama
University of Alabama School of Law
Located in Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama School of Law is the only public law school in Alabama and ranks among the nation’s best — currently #27 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 law school rankings. It boasts a bar passage rate of 93% for first-time takers (July 2022) and welcomes an elite class with a median LSAT score of 167 and median GPA of 3.95. With approximately 410 J.D. students, the school offers a rigorous yet supportive academic environment. Below are the key details of University of Alabama School of Law:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
| National Ranking | #27 (U.S. News & World Report, 2024) |
| Enrollment | ~410 J.D. students |
| Admissions | Median LSAT: 167, Median GPA: 3.95 (Class of 2026) |
| Tuition | In-state: ~$24,000/year; Out-of-state: ~$45,000/year |
| Bar Passage Rate | 93% (first-time takers, July 2022) |
| Programs Offered | J.D., LL.M. (Taxation, Business Transactions, International), Dual Degrees |
| Special Programs | Public Interest Institute, Elder Law Clinic, Criminal Defense Clinic |
| Notable Alumni | Hugo Black (U.S. Supreme Court Justice), Bryan Stevenson, Howell Heflin |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 6.3:1 (offers personalized attention and mentorship) |
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Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law
Founded in 1847, Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham is one of the oldest law schools in the U.S. Known nationally for its elite trial advocacy program, the school emphasizes hands-on legal training and real-world courtroom skills. With a moderate acceptance rate of 55.7%, it attracts students looking for a personalized legal education that balances tradition with innovation. The school had a bar passage rate of 78.36% in 2023 and offers flexible dual-degree programs alongside a strong J.D. curriculum. Below are the key details of Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Birmingham, Alabama |
| Founded | 1847 |
| Programs Offered | Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Comparative Law (M.C.L.), Dual Degrees |
| Admissions | Acceptance Rate: 55.7% |
| Bar Passage Rate | 78.36% (first-time takers, 2023) |
| Tuition | ~$45,236 per year |
| Known For | Nationally ranked Trial Advocacy program |
| Alumni Network | 7,000+ graduates across the legal and public service sectors |
Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
Located in Montgomery, Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law blends rigorous legal training with a Christian values-based approach. The school has an acceptance rate of 58.3% and a median LSAT score of 150, making it an accessible option for students with a passion for service and social impact. With tuition at $39,900/year and a bar passage rate of 66.67% (2023), it’s an attractive choice for those seeking a private legal education with supportive faculty and small class sizes. Below are the key details Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Montgomery, Alabama |
| Founded | 1928 (acquired by Faulkner University in 1983) |
| Programs Offered | Juris Doctor (J.D.), LL.M. in Dispute Resolution, J.D./LL.M. Joint Program |
| Admissions | Acceptance Rate: 58.3%, Median LSAT: 150 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 66.67% (first-time takers, 2023) |
| Tuition Fees | ~$39,900 per year |
| Special Focus | Christian worldview in legal education |
| Alumni Reach | 2,000+ practicing attorneys in the Southeast |
Birmingham School of Law
Founded in 1915, the Birmingham School of Law is a state-accredited, part-time law school designed primarily for working professionals. Its evening-only J.D. program offers affordability and flexibility, with tuition at just $8,340 per year. The school does not require the LSAT, but students must have a minimum GPA of 2.75. While the bar passage rate hovers around 47%, the school remains a viable pathway for students balancing careers and legal aspirations. Below are the key details of Birmingham School of Law:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Birmingham, Alabama |
| Founded | 1915 |
| Programs Offered | Undergraduate (LLB) and postgraduate (LLM) law courses, with specializations like International Commercial Law, Criminal Law, and Global Energy and Environmental Law. |
| Admissions | AAA at A-Level or equivalent qualifications. For the LLB for Graduates program, a 2:1 or equivalent in a non-law degree is required. |
| Bar Passage Rate | ~47% |
| Tuition | £24,470 to £26,770 per year, depending on the course band. |
| Accreditation | State-accredited, not ABA-accredited |
Miles Law School
Established in 1974 in Fairfield, Miles Law School offers a four-year, part-time J.D. program with a focus on community advocacy and social justice. The school is not ABA-accredited and has struggled with bar passage rates in recent years, making it a more challenging route to bar licensure. However, it remains one of the most affordable legal education options in the state for students committed to change at the grassroots level. Below are the key details of Miles Law School:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Fairfield, Alabama |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Programs Offered | Part-time Juris Doctor (J.D.) Program |
| Admissions | Minimum GPA: 2.5; No LSAT requirement |
| Bar Passage Rate | Notably low in recent years, some data has stated 20% pass rate for first-time test takers in July 2019. |
| Special Focus | Community service and grassroots legal advocacy |
| Accreditation | State-accredited (Not ABA-accredited) |
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Conclusion
Choosing the right law school is about more than rankings — it’s about fit, affordability, and future opportunities. Alabama offers a diverse set of law schools tailored to different student needs. Want prestige and resources? The University of Alabama School of Law might be your perfect match. Looking for trial advocacy excellence in a private setting? Check out Cumberland School of Law. Prefer small class sizes with a Christian foundation? Faulkner’s Jones School of Law has you covered. Need a flexible, part-time option while working? Birmingham School of Law and Miles Law School may be just what you’re looking for. So go ahead, explore your options, weigh your priorities, and take the first step toward becoming the legal professional you’re meant to be.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many law schools are in Alabama?
Alabama is home to five law schools:
- University of Alabama School of Law: Located in Tuscaloosa, it's the state's only public law school and is ABA-accredited.
- Samford University's Cumberland School of Law: Based in Birmingham, this ABA-accredited school is renowned for its trial advocacy program.
- Faulkner University's Thomas Goode Jones School of Law: Situated in Montgomery, this ABA-accredited school integrates Christian principles into its curriculum.
- Birmingham School of Law: A state-accredited, part-time law school in Birmingham, primarily catering to working professionals.
- Miles Law School: Located in Fairfield, this state-accredited school offers a part-time J.D. program with a focus on community advocacy.
What are the admission requirements for Alabama law schools?
Admission criteria vary by institution:
- University of Alabama School of Law: Highly competitive, with a median LSAT score of 167 and a median GPA of 3.95 for the Class of 2026.
- Samford University's Cumberland School of Law: Moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 55.7%.
- Faulkner University's Thomas Goode Jones School of Law: Acceptance rate of 58.3%, with a median LSAT score of 150.
- Birmingham School of Law: Does not require the LSAT; applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Miles Law School: Requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5; no LSAT requirement.
How much does it cost to attend law school in Alabama?
Tuition varies across schools:
- University of Alabama School of Law: Approximately $24,000/year for in-state students and $45,000/year for out-of-state students.
- Samford University's Cumberland School of Law: Around $45,236 per year.
- Faulkner University's Thomas Goode Jones School of Law: Approximately $39,900 per year.
- Birmingham School of Law: About $8,340 per year.
- Miles Law School: Tuition information is not specified.
What are the bar passage rates for Alabama law schools?
Bar passage rates indicate the percentage of graduates who pass the bar exam on their first attempt:
- University of Alabama School of Law: 93% (first-time takers, July 2022).
- Samford University's Cumberland School of Law: 78.36% (first-time takers, 2023).
- Faulkner University's Thomas Goode Jones School of Law: 66.67% (first-time takers, 2023).
- Birmingham School of Law: Approximately 47%.
- Miles Law School: Notably low in recent years, with some data indicating a 20% pass rate for first-time test takers in July 2019.
Are all law schools in Alabama accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA)?
No, not all:
ABA-accredited:
- University of Alabama School of Law
- Samford University's Cumberland School of Law
- Faulkner University's Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
State-accredited (not ABA-accredited):
- Birmingham School of Law
- Miles Law School
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