National Recognition Underscores UofM’s Real-World Legal Impact
The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law just earned national recognition for its excellence in both Tax Law and Health Law, making the Honor Rolls in the latest PreLaw/The National Jurist Magazine rankings. This spotlight highlights how Memphis Law is preparing students to tackle complex legal challenges while serving the community.
Hands-On Tax Help, Right on Campus
Memphis Law’s Tax Law program stood out for its real-world application and student leadership. In Spring 2025, the school partnered with United Way to host a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site right on campus. Under the supervision of Professor Danielle Copes, 19 law students volunteered nearly 700 hours helping low- and moderate-income residents file their tax returns.
Student leaders Ian Reddick and Bryan Blades trained their peers in intake, return preparation, and site management—proving Memphis Law students aren’t just learning tax code; they’re putting it to work for the people of Memphis.
Turning Competitions into Course Credit
Another standout initiative is the school’s revamped participation in the ABA Law Student Tax Challenge, now a credit-bearing course sequence called Tax Challenge I & II. Through this program, students tackle real-world tax problems, craft detailed legal analyses, and compete on a national level before top tax practitioners and U.S. Tax Court judges. It’s a major win for students seeking career-ready experience in a competitive legal field.
Memphis Law: Training Advocates for Real Change
From helping neighbors with tax prep to developing future leaders in health and financial law, Memphis Law is a launchpad. These national honors are a testament to the school’s growing influence and its commitment to shaping not just smart lawyers, but compassionate, community-focused advocates.
Good news for Memphis. Great news for the future of legal justice.
