Birmingham School of Law

In 1915, Judge Hugh A. Locke had a vision for a non-traditional law school that would serve men and women who wanted to pursue a legal education but had neither the time nor money a full-time law school required. His vision became a reality, and today Birmingham School of Law still serves students who otherwise could not pursue a career in law. The long and storied history of Birmingham School of Law is a testament to Judge Locke’s dream and to those who continue to contribute to its success. The Birmingham School of Law originally held classes at Birmingham-Southern College. After a few years, the school moved to the Birmingham YMCA in conjunction with the overall program of the YMCA and its educational department. The partnership with the YMCA continued until 1929 when the stock market crashed, and the Great Depression began. Locke assumed all the risks of salaries and expenses and moved the school to the Jefferson County Courthouse under a lease agreement with the County. The school began operating as a totally independent school. Meeting at the courthouse was ideal, and the students enjoyed the environment of the school.