More than 100 high school students from across the Birmingham metro area visited Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law on Nov. 4 for Pre-Law Day, an immersive program designed to introduce students to the legal profession and the role of law in society.
The day-long event offered participants a firsthand look at legal education through interactive workshops, attorney panels, a mock trial simulation and conversations with current law students.
The program began with remarks from Cumberland School of Law leadership, who welcomed students and shared the vision behind the initiative: helping young people explore pathways to careers in law while developing a deeper understanding of civic responsibility and leadership.
Students participated in a session titled "Law in Everyday Life," where they explored basic legal principles and reflected on how laws shape communities and daily life. During the "Voices from the Courtroom" panel, attorneys representing a variety of practice areas discussed their careers, provided insight into the legal profession and answered questions from attendees.
One of the highlights of the day was the mock trial simulation, which placed students in a courtroom setting and demonstrated the skills attorneys use to analyze facts, advocate for clients and work collaboratively. The session concluded with a discussion about advocacy, teamwork and professional ethics.
"The future of the legal profession depends on cultivating the next generation of advocates, problem-solvers and leaders," said Dean Blake Hudson. “We were proud to welcome these students to Cumberland and encourage them to explore the possibilities that lie ahead."
During a working lunch, guest speakers emphasized the importance of civic engagement, community leadership and public service. Students also heard from current Cumberland School of Law students about their educational journeys and learned about the steps involved in preparing for law school during a panel discussion on admissions pathways.
The day concluded with a discussion of Cumberland's student organizations, service opportunities and the ways legal education can be used to create positive change within communities. Students then had the opportunity to tour the law school and continue conversations with faculty, staff and student leaders.
"Pre-Law Day is about helping students see that a career in law is within reach," said Bianca Evans, director of community outreach for Cumberland School of Law. "By bringing students to campus and connecting them with attorneys, law students and legal educators, we're helping them better understand the opportunities available through legal education. We hope participants leave inspired to continue exploring how they can use leadership, service and the law to make a difference in their communities."
Pre-Law Day is part of Cumberland School of Law's ongoing commitment to building pathways into the legal profession. Those efforts will continue in May 2027 with the third annual Cumberland Connection Law School Immersion Program, a weeklong summer experience designed to help undergraduate students explore legal education, engage with faculty and practitioners, and gain firsthand insight into the law school experience. Interested college sophomores, juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply for the program by Feb. 15.
