7. An Important and Essential Gem of Memphis

The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law has a long history of producing excellent lawyers who serve Memphis and the surrounding communities upon graduation and passage of the Bar Examination. However, recruiting of top students has become increasingly fierce and competitive.

Our hometown law school faces a disadvantage compared to its peer institutions like the University of Tennessee, Belmont University, and Vanderbilt University law schools. The challenge lies in scholarship funding. These peer schools now provide scholarship funding to nearly 100% of their admitted students. In today’s hyper competitive market for top students, scholarship money matters.

A Local Advantage

Despite this challenge, the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law has unique advantages that set it apart. The school was named by PreLaw Magazine as having the “Best Law School Facilities” in the nation. The law school facility is a gem of Memphis and 2nd to none.

For more than 125 years, the building that now houses the law school has stood as a centerpiece of downtown Memphis history. Originally constructed in the 1880s, it served as a U.S. Custom House, Court House, and Post Office before being placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The structure reflects the Italianate Revival style and was once considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the South.

A $42 million renovation in 2008 transformed the space into a state-of-the-art legal education facility while preserving its historic charm. The original Tennessee marble inspired the color scheme throughout the building, and the Gordon Ball Scenic Reading Room, often called the “jewel box” of the facility, stretches 200 feet with panoramic views of the Mississippi River.

Building a Stronger Legal Community

A strong and competitive law school benefits not only its students but also the Memphis community. It produces leaders, advocates, and public servants who go on to shape the civic, business, and legal landscape of the region.

Final Thoughts

The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law is more than a place of learning, it is a cornerstone of the Memphis community. Its graduates uphold the rule of law, strengthen civic life, and embody the values that define this city.

Be sure to tune in to the Bar Essentials podcast episode where David Pickler, President and Senior Partner of Pickler Law, and Dean of the Law School Jim Strickland discuss the school’s impact, the importance of scholarship support, and how this Memphis institution continues to shape the next generation of community leaders. Listen here: https://apple.co/4qel4Dc