Barry Law’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has once again earned national recognition, receiving the 2026 Judy M. Weightman Memorial Public Interest Award from the American Bar Association Law Student Division. The honor marks the fourth consecutive year Barry Law’s VITA program has received the award and the program’s seventh recognition from the ABA Law Student Division since 2018.
The Judy M. Weightman Memorial Public Interest Award recognizes law students, law schools and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to underrepresented groups or public interest causes.
Through Barry Law’s VITA program, IRS-certified student volunteers provide free income tax preparation services to qualifying individuals and families throughout the Central Florida community. During the most recent tax season, the program assisted more than 200 taxpayers and helped secure more than $124,000 in income tax refunds.
“Receiving this award for a fourth consecutive year speaks to the commitment our students bring to serving the community,” said Professor Sam Kan, who serves as the faculty advisor for VITA and has helped guide its continued growth. “VITA gives our students the opportunity to put their skills to work in a meaningful way while helping individuals and families who may otherwise have difficulty accessing these services.”
Law students Ariana Diaz, Ana Romero, Andrea Toussaint and James Raycraft served as site coordinators for the program, helping oversee operations and supporting the student volunteers who participated throughout the tax season.
"At Barry Law, our mission has always been rooted in meaningful service and giving back to the community," said Dean Charles Rose.
"Receiving this national honor for the fourth consecutive year is a powerful testament to the deliberate, disciplined dedication of everyone involved in the VITA program,” the Dean stated. “Through this effort, our students are not only mastering their skills through practical application, but they are also stepping up as compassionate, principled advocates for families across Central Florida when they need it most."
The fourth consecutive award adds to a growing record of national recognition for Barry Law’s VITA program and the students who make it possible each year.