Perhaps one of the most common questions would-be attorneys have is where they should attend law school to get the most out of every moment in the quest toward their Juris Doctorate. In Birmingham alone, there are several options. However, only one law school—Birmingham School of Law—offers evening classes and even day-long Saturday sessions designed to facilitate work-life balance for those students with families, careers, and other responsibilities. While reputable throughout the State of Alabama, Birmingham School of Law is a non-American Bar Association accredited law school. For some, this distinction might give potential students pause about attending. However, we caught up with BSL grad Ray Foushee of Birmingham-based Virtus Law Group to better understand the professional and personal advantages of attending Birmingham School of Law.
- Did you have any concerns about attending a non-ABA school? What were your concerns, if any? Did you see any benefits?
I personally didn’t have any concerns. I never planned on leaving Alabama in the first place. However, I would say that there are ways to practice in other states, so Birmingham School of Law being non-ABA doesn’t have to be a deterrent. The benefit of BSL was definitely that all of the faculty are well-versed in practicing law as they are all attorneys in and around the Birmingham area.
- How do you think your law school experience was different from that of someone attending an ABA school?
I felt like it was different in the best possible way. Right away, when I started at BSL, I got to be around people from all walks of life. On my very first day of law school as a 23 year old, I was sitting next to a 70-year-old student! At BSL, you’re around so many people with families or those who are pursuing their J.D. as a second career. It becomes really clear right away that the law students there are attending these classes because they want to be there. It’s a real passion, and feeling that excitement and energy from the people around you makes it something really special to be a part of.
- Did you work while in school? If so, how did this impact your law school experience?
At the start of my second year, I began a clerkship with Jeremy Schatz. I was able to clerk with him throughout law school after that, and it was truly an invaluable experience. With a lot of other law schools, you are unable to work full time because your classes are during the daytime. At BSL, though, with the classes not starting until 6pm, you’re able to put in a full day of work and then attend your classes at night. This made it possible for me to have some practical experience throughout law school while making money to support myself. Additionally, experiencing long days like that and having to shift gears from work mode to learning mode really do prepare you for what life is like as a practicing attorney.
My time clerking while in law school really opened up the door for a career I absolutely love doing. In October of 2020, Jeremy Schatz and I started up our own federal labor, employment, and personal injury firm.
- How would you describe the faculty at the law school and how would you characterize student/faculty interactions?
Every professor at Birmingham School of Law is a practicing attorney. They are working 8- and 9-hour days and then taking time out of their life to share their knowledge and teach you how to practice law. At many law schools, you’ll just get the academic side, but at BSL, the focus is always on both academics and what’s it’s like to actually practice law. It was incredible to have these seasoned professionals providing us with tidbits every step of the way that would prepare us for what life is like beyond the classroom.
- What were your career goals when you entered law school? Did they prove idealistic or reasonable/attainable?
I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do when I started at BSL. I ended up loving my first job clerking, and that experience guided me to where I am now.
- You now have your own law practice. What’s that like?
Federal labor/employment is a really unique practice area. Especially in the midst of the pandemic—people were losing their jobs right and left and coming to us at the worst time in their lives. I love being able to guide our clients through what their options are and to provide them with a sense of justice. It’s meaningful to just be able to be there for people and to help them out of a rough situation.
- What would you tell someone who is on the fence about going to Birmingham School of Law?
For me, the main selling point of BSL is its people: Dean Garrett, Assistance Dean Charles, and the entire faculty of practicing attorneys. They are going to do whatever it takes you help you pass the Bar Exam. Your time at BSL will prepare you for what it’s like to truly practice the law—and the relationships forged there are ones you’ll carry with you throughout your career.
A native of Pelham, Alabama, Ray Foushee attended UAB for undergrad and Birmingham School of Law for his Juris Doctorate. After graduating Magna Cum Laude and in the top ten of his class at BSL, Mr. Foushee began his practice at Birmingham-based Virtus Law Group where his practice areas include federal labor and employment law, personal injury claims, and worker’s compensation claims. He is currently a member of the Birmingham Bar Association and the American Association for Justice and holds Bar Admittances with the Alabama Supreme Court and the United States District Court of the Northern District of Alabama.