UA Schools of Law, Social Work Listed Among Best

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. ‚ The University of Alabama’s Schools of Law and Social Work are ranked among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s newest ranking of the “Best Graduate Schools.”

UA’s School of Law, ranked 46th this year, was listed among the top 50 law schools for the first time in 1999. The UA School of Social Work is ranked 54th in the nation in the new rankings ‚ a first for the school.

“Over the last seven years, The University of Alabama School of Law has climbed steadily from the third tier in these rankings to the second tier and, for the last two years, has been in the top 50. It is truly gratifying to receive this national recognition for the high level of education we provide,” said Ken Randall, dean of the UA School of Law.

“This recognition is a significant tribute to our faculty, staff and students, as we continue to pursue our goal of keeping top Alabama students in state for their legal education. Our aim is to graduate the next generation of leading lawyers, judges and statespeople for Alabama,” Randall said.

The U.S. News rankings report that 96 percent of UA School of Law graduates pass the Alabama Bar Exam, as compared with a statewide passage rate of 78 percent. UA law graduates hold positions with law firms, businesses, government and other organizations throughout Alabama, the Southeast and the nation.

Dr. Lucinda Roff, dean of the UA School of Social Work, also noted that the national ranking reflects well on UA’s faculty and students.

“We are very pleased that the School has earned this recognition. It speaks so well of our faculty who have worked tirelessly to educate social work professionals not only for Alabama but also for the nation,” she said.

The University of Alabama School of Social Work has been educating social work professionals for more than 30 years. Established in 1965, it is the state’s only comprehensive social work program of its type offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. The school’s programs benefit citizens in all of Alabama’s 67 counties, thanks to its strong partnership with Alabama’s public social agencies.