Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law and Alabama State University (ASU) have signed a historic agreement allowing eligible ASU students to enroll in an accelerated law degree program at Jones.
Faulkner President Mitch Henry, ASU President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr., Faulkner Law Dean Charles Campbell, and ASU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Carl Pettis signed the Memorandum of Understanding on September 24, 2024.
The agreement, commonly referred to as a 3+3 Program, will enable ASU students interested in pursuing a law degree to complete their first three years at ASU for their undergraduate degree, followed by three years at Jones for their Juris Doctor. The first year at Faulkner Law will fulfill students’ undergraduate requirements. Their final two years at the law school will prepare them to sit for the state bar exam. This streamlined path allows students to earn both their bachelor’s and law degrees in just six years.
“This intentional partnership provides an opportunity to support our students’ desire to enter the legal profession,” said ASU President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr. “This partnership is the true essence of communiversity, building meaningful partnerships to contribute not only to Alabama State University, but to the larger community as well.”
Last year, according to American Bar Association (ABA) data, Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law was the fastest growing law school in the United States. The ABA released its 2023 ABA Standard 509 data for all law schools showing Faulkner Law with the largest percentage increase in J.D. enrollment — 25.6% — of any ABA-approved law school in the country.
In addition, many who have graduated from Jones currently serve as District Attorneys, public defenders, circuit court judges including two who are currently serving as Alabama Supreme Court Justices. In addition, many who have graduated from Jones currently serve as district attorneys, public defenders, circuit court judges, and two Alabama Supreme Court justices.
“I’m pleased to develop this partnership together with President Ross and his staff and we’re looking forward to the future,” said Faulkner University President Mitch Henry. “Our university and this university, I can say with confidence, are committed to access to justice for all in this state and throughout the United States… We are so pleased to provide a special service in this part of the state to help launch attorneys who will compete with the best in the world.”