The Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law began in 1962 as a college within Memphis State University. The law school began in response to widespread interest in developing a full-time legal education program to serve Memphis and the Mid-South. The School of Law was created to replace two local private law schools, The University of Memphis Law School and the Southern Law School, which offered a part-time education. The School of Law at The University of Memphis was named in honor of the University's President, Cecil C. Humphreys, an educator of great distinction and recognition in the state of Tennessee. Since its inception, the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law has graduated over 4,500 students who have assumed positions of responsibility and prominence as lawyers, judges and public officials in all fifty states.

In 1965, shortly after its formation, the law school was accredited by the American Bar Association, the official accrediting agency for American law schools, and the law school has maintained its accreditation. The law school is also accredited by the Association of American Law Schools. In 1994, the University changed its name to The University of Memphis pursuant to state legislation.

The faculty at The University of Memphis School of Law have distinguished themselves by their commitment to teaching and to legal research and scholarship. Thirteen members of the faculty have earned graduate law degrees (LL.M) and five faculty members have served as graduate law clerks for federal appellate and trial judges. Several faculty members have been elected to the American Law Institute and others serve as consultants to judicial commissions and active participants in state and national bar associations.

Today the School of Law has approximately 460 students and a full-time faculty of twenty-three. The quality of instruction at the School of Law is enhanced by approximately twenty adjunct professors.