Nigerian-American rising legal star, Ifeanyi Ruth Umunna, has been elected Co-President of the Harvard Law School (HLS) Student Government for the 2026–2027 academic session, earning widespread recognition for her leadership and commitment to justice.
The HLS Student Government plays a critical role in representing the student body, advocating for policy reforms, and promoting inclusive governance within one of the world’s most prestigious law schools.
Sharing the news on LinkedIn, Umunna expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve. “I am humbled and honoured to have been elected 2026–2027 Harvard Law School Student Government Co-President, alongside my wonderful co-candidate Tenzin Y. Thank you to the student body for believing in our vision. We are ready to serve,” she wrote.
Umunna’s academic journey reflects a consistent track record of excellence. Prior to enrolling at Harvard Law School, she was a 2024 Gates Cambridge Scholar, earning an MPhil in Criminology from the University of Cambridge. Her research focused on international criminal justice systems—an area she became passionate about during her time working as a Congressional Aide for U.S. Representative Stephen Lynch.
As an undergraduate at American University, where she graduated summa cum laude in Political Science, Umunna founded ZeEntry, a nonprofit initiative aimed at bridging the technology gap for justice-involved individuals.
She is also the daughter of Professor Dehlia Umunna, a distinguished Clinical Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and Faculty Director of the Criminal Justice Institute. Professor Umunna holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian professor at the institution.
Further underscoring her growing influence, Ifeanyi Umunna was awarded the prestigious Chayes Fellowship by Harvard Law School. The fellowship will support her Summer 2026 internship with the United Kingdom’s Public Defender Service in London—coincidentally, where her mother’s legal career began.
Beyond academics, Umunna has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, contributing to community initiatives in Washington, D.C., including internships with public defenders’ offices and volunteer work supporting homeless outreach programs.
Balancing her roles as a Juris Doctor candidate, former congressional staffer, and now student government leader, Umunna is quickly establishing herself as a formidable voice in the next generation of legal professionals.
