Class of 2025: JD Grad Samantha Barrera on Becoming the Advocate She Encourage Her Children to Be

Name: Samantha Barrera 
Degree: JD and Certificate in Criminal Law and Policy  
Hometown: Congresbury, Great Britain  
Undergrad: Northern Arizona University (2022)  

What inspired you to pursue a law degree? 

I pursued a law degree because I realized that I was doing a disservice to my children by advocating for them to pursue their dreams but not pursuing my own. Having reflected on my lived experiences, my passion for justice and desire to give back to my community became manifest. In turn, I was inspired to pursue law school.  

Why did you choose University of Arizona Law? 

The Arizona community welcomed me as an immigrant and supported me through one of the most trying times of my life. Joining Arizona Law was an opportunity to embed myself even further in the Arizona community, for which I hold immense gratitude.  

What has been your favorite class or professor, and why? 

Externing with the Attorney General’s Office, Criminal Appeals Division, was one of my favorite academic experiences. My supervisor, Diane Hunt, taught me invaluable lessons about persuasive writing. Most memorable, however, was our endless dialogue on criminal procedure and legal theory. My time under the supervision of Diane was incredibly enriching, and from it, I gained a true role model.  

What’s one of your most memorable experiences as a LawCat? 

One of my most memorable experiences as a LawCat was spending the summer of 2024 as a judicial extern with my stellar fellow extern, Grace, and two outstanding clerks. Between the burnt microwave meal, one questionable painting, and many punny title brainstorming sessions, I’ve never laughed so much. 

How has your perspective on the law or legal profession changed since starting law school? 

Through my classes, externships, and academic endeavors, I have met the most brilliant and compassionate people who make up the law. While law is often an adversarial process, I have observed legal professionals navigate hard conversations with respect, civility, and passion. In turn, I hold the legal profession in the highest regard for countlessly demonstrating how to advocate both fiercely and empathetically.  

How has law school shaped you personally and professionally? 

Law school has broadened my horizons in ways that I never could have imagined. I am exceptionally grateful to my professors for piquing my intellectual curiosity, challenging my perspective, and ultimately equipping me with the skills necessary to practice law. Never could I have imagined such an outcome for myself.  

Beyond professional development, however, I have learned about myself and who I want to be. Before law school, my world was logistically small as a stay-at-home mother. But the Arizona Law community embraced me. Through it, I have become enriched by enduring friendships and invaluable role models. My professors, peers, and the judges and lawyers that I have worked for have inspired me to think critically, act with empathy, and live fearlessly. I will continue to foster these values as I strive to cultivate a life full of purpose and passion. 

What advice would you give to incoming 1Ls? 

Be receptive to questioning your position. That is how you measure its validity. Pursue the opportunities that take you out of your comfort zone. That is where you will grow the most.  

What will you miss most about law school? 

I will miss spontaneously making new friends when you least expect it. I am fortunate to have made friends through Arizona Law that I look forward to spending a lifetime cheering on from the sidelines.  

If you could sum up your law school experience in one sentence, what would it be?    

Law school empowered me to believe in myself, inspired me to think bigger, and spurred me to take action.   

What area of law are you most interested in practicing, and why? 

I am committed to practicing criminal law because I consider it the most consequential area of law. Violent crimes especially have an immeasurable impact on victims, and a defendant’s loss of liberty is equally life changing. As such, I cannot think of a more important cause to commit myself to through my legal career.  

What are your plans after graduation? 

After graduation, I am extremely grateful to be clerking for two years, which will allow me to continue honing my legal research and writing skills. Thereafter, I will pursue a career in prosecution, with an overarching goal of serving special victims.  

How do you hope to make a difference in the legal field or in society through your career? 

First, I believe diversity in the legal profession is essential to infuse the law with many perspectives that are essential to foster dialogue and change. As such, I hope to remain active with Arizona Law to encourage more nontraditional and first-generation college students to pursue a legal education. Second, family law services are a greatly unmet need in the Arizona community. Thus, I will provide pro bono family law services to domestic violence survivors to help them achieve the safety and stability that every person deserves.  

More broadly, I am fortunate to be entering the legal profession at a time when there is so much change. From the uptick in criminal justice reform and access-to-justice measures to the growing rate of AI in the law—our legal landscape is evolving. In turn, I look forward to using my lived experiences and commitment to the rule of law to contribute towards changes that achieve a more just, equitable, and constitutionally faithful legal system.