Faulkner University - Thomas Goode Jones School of Law

Faulkner University’s Jones School of Law in Montgomery, Alabama is “a Church of Christ–affiliated school” with “a non-intimidating environment.” According to students here, it’s “the best-kept secret in Alabama.” The “bar-passage rate is very high;” in fact, students report that Faulkner has had “the highest bar-passage rate in the state of Alabama.” “The trial advocacy program is top-notch.” “The faculty and administration actually care about you as a person” and “make sure you have practical knowledge for the real world.” Many appreciate that professors “treat them like a friend and not a subordinate.” Some feel that Jones “could benefit from a broader curriculum.” While the “small” campus can mean fewer opportunities, many students find that “the resources of the law school are growing everyday.”
The many “very knowledgeable” and “distinguished” professors here “truly are a hidden gem.” Their ranks include “some of the most experienced legal minds anywhere.” They also “possess a great deal of real-world experience” and “give practical lessons about real-life lawyering.” The faculty is pretty big on the “Socratic Method.” A student explains that his torts professor “writes everyone’s name on a playing card. Before class he draws three cards, and the three people have a roundtable discussion presenting the cases that were assigned. It is by far the most memorable first-year experience.” “Small class sizes” “allow for greater participation” and “You are able to get to know your professors better.” The intimacy “strongly encourages differing viewpoints and class discussion” as well. Professors here “truly care about your success and take an interest in your life outside of the classroom.” “The amount of time each professor is willing to dedicate to each student never fails to impress me,” agrees another student. “They genuinely want each student to succeed.”
The “professional looking” facilities (featuring “marble and mahogany throughout”) are “outstanding.” There is also “Internet access throughout the school.” “Every classroom is equipped with plenty of electrical outlets,” notes one student. Most students would also like to see the library “open later hours.”
The well-liked administration here is “always available and extremely helpful.” It’s worth noting that the Jones School of Law is one of only three fully ABA accredited law schools in Alabama. A significant milestone for the school, it basically means that students can take any bar exam in any state when they graduate just like graduates of all ABA-approved law schools.

“There is a definite sense of community” since “everyone knows everyone,” but students insist that “that’s a plus.” At the same time, “there is a competitive environment, but that’s what the real world is like.” “We are all in this struggle together, and we help each other to survive,” explains a 3L. “This includes saving someone who is drowning in class when briefing a case or forming study groups for exams.” Faulkner University is definitively “Christian oriented,” and overall, it’s “a very conservative campus.” The law school is “extremely conservative” as well, but people who aren’t on the political right feel welcome here. “Even though I am very liberal and a bit outside the norm, the faculty and staff do not attempt to curtail my individuality,” comments a 3L. “I do not hesitate to be vocal in my opinions and viewpoints (both in and out of class) and have never had any repercussions.”
Students say that their peers “come from all strata of society and bring varying perspectives based upon their personal, professional and educational experiences.” “There are people that are directly out of college as well as people that have been out of undergrad for fifteen to twenty years,” explains one student.
Outside of class, there are “seminars, speakers,” and “even school parties,” but students feel “there should be a few more social opportunities, especially on the weekends.” Many students are active in church. “I play basketball with friends,” says an athletic 2L. “We also play flag football and get together for poker and other events to take our minds off school.”