Third-Year Law Student Samantha Barrera Recipient of University of Arizona’s Centennial Achievement Award

University of Arizona Law congratulates third-year law student Samantha Barrera on being awarded the University of Arizona’s Centennial Achievement Award for her perseverance and leadership in the pursuit of academic success. 

Barrera is one of nine University of Arizona students to receive this recognition, one of the highest honors a student can achieve at the University. This year's recipients include two undergraduates and seven graduate students. 

“It is an absolute privilege to be recognized through the Centennial Award,” says Barrera. 

She is a mother of two, first-generation college student, and first-generation immigrant from Great Britain pursuing her JD and Certificate in Criminal Law and Policy. As a domestic violence survivor who was supported by the Tucson community and justice system, she is committed to protecting vulnerable Arizonans.   

“When I joined Arizona Law in 2022, I never imagined my life changing so profoundly. Through my studies, I have found community, fostered passion, and challenged my perceived limits. The professors, jurists, practitioners, and peers that I have been fortunate to learn from have encouraged me to think critically, challenge my inherent biases, and question the world around me,” says Barrera. “As a first-generation college student and first-generation immigrant whose path to law school was nontraditional, I will forever be grateful to Arizona Law for believing in me.” 

Barrera serves as managing editor of Arizona Law Review, Journal Fellow for the Journal of Appellate Practice and Process, Senior Writing Fellow, Program in Criminal Law and Policy Fellow, First Circuit program member, member of Innovation for Justice, a former Supreme Court Teachings Fellow and serves as a research assistant for several professors.  

She has been awarded the 2023 Outstanding Performance in Legal Writing Award, Arizona Law Review Best 2L Copywork Award, named a David A. Paige Foundation Scholar and winner of the 2023 Richard Grand Closing Argument Competition.  

Her Note on applying the principled approach to the Second Amendment will be published in the summer 2025 issue of Arizona Law Review.   

Barrera serves as a board member for the Marana Unified School District’s security committee and is a volunteer at Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse.  

“Through my JD, I have the opportunity to chart a new path, and I will use it to protect and serve. It is the highest honor to contribute to the justice system of this great Nation, and that would never have been possible without Arizona Law,” says Barrera.