The school of law, which is the only ABA-accredited school in Alabama that has a part-time program, is located in the state's capitol. This location has afforded students easy access to the state supreme court, various aspects of government, public-interest organizations, and grassroots organizations. The school of law's mission is to glorify God by embracing academic excellence and emphasizing a strong commitment to integrity within a caring Christian environment. According to Christina Jackson, Director of Career Services, commitment to integrity is crucial for graduates wanting to become the best professionals in the legal community.
Students at the Jones School of Law are encouraged to complete 35 hours of voluntary service during the academic year through the Public Interest Program. There is a broad array of service opportunities to fit each student's unique schedule. Students who complete the service commitment are qualified for recognition, which includes a notation of service on one's transcript, a certificate, recognition at graduation, and eligibility for the Public Interest Service Award.
The school offers three clinics for students to participate in. The elder law clinic lets students represent low-income elderly citizens in the area. Students help clients with various legal needs, such as powers of attorney, wills, elder abuse issues, and end-of-life decisions. The elder law clinic also provides clients with important information about federal and state programs affecting them. In the family violence clinic, students represent clients who are seeking protection from domestic abuse. The mediation clinic teaches students how to become mediators for the courts. After taking required classes, students can observe cases at local courts. After meeting with pro se litigants, students can mediate civil cases from the small-claims docket at the courthouse.
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According to Jackson, there were 54 graduates in the class of 2006, and the class employment rate was 93%, with "54% working in law firms, 6% in business and industry, 28% in government, 2% in public interest, and 10% in judicial clerkships." The career services office offers individual career counseling sessions. The office also hosts workshops and educational seminars, provides website job postings, facilitates an on-campus recruiting/interview program, maintains a library that helps students in the job search, and develops relationships with professional organizations, alumni, and potential employers to help build an extensive network for students.
Since the school is small (274 students) the faculty-to-student ratio is low—11:1. According to Jackson, this low ratio is one of the major features that distinguish Jones Law School from other law schools in the area. It allows faculty, staff, and administration to focus on the students.
