A Nigerian-American scholar has emerged as a new student leader at one of the world’s most prestigious law schools, marking a notable milestone in student governance at Harvard Law School.

Ifeanyi Ruth Umunna has been elected Co-President of the Harvard Law School Student Government for the 2026–2027 academic year. The student body organization plays a central role in representing student interests, advocating for policy reforms, and fostering collaborative governance within the law school community.

Sharing the announcement on LinkedIn, Umunna expressed gratitude to her peers, stating that she was “humbled and honoured” to be elected alongside her co-candidate, Tenzin Y., adding that they are ready to serve and deliver on their vision for the student body.

Umunna’s academic and professional journey reflects a strong commitment to public service and criminal justice. Prior to enrolling at Harvard, she was a 2024 Gates Cambridge Scholar at the University of Cambridge, where she earned an MPhil in Criminology. Her research focused on international criminal justice systems—an interest shaped during her time working as a Congressional Aide to Stephen Lynch.

She previously graduated summa cum laude in Political Science from American University, where she founded ZeEntry, a nonprofit initiative aimed at bridging the technology gap for justice-involved individuals.

Umunna’s achievements also reflect a legacy of excellence within her family. She is the daughter of Dehlia Umunna, a Clinical Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and Faculty Director of the Criminal Justice Institute, recognized as the first Nigerian professor at the institution.

Ifeanyi Ruth Umunna marks her first day as a Juris Doctor candidate at Harvard Law School following her election as Student Government Co-President. Photo Credit: Ifeanyi Ruth Umunna/LinkedIn

Ifeanyi Ruth Umunna and Tenzin Yonten standing together on the steps of a Harvard Law School building after being elected Co-Presidents. Photo Credit: The Harvard Crimson

Gates Cambridge Scholar Ifeanyi Ruth Umunna celebrates earning her MPhil in Criminology at the University of Cambridge with her mother, Harvard Professor Dehlia Umunna, and brother Edozie Umunna. Photo Credit: Ifeanyi Ruth Umunna/LinkedIn
Further underscoring her growing profile, Umunna was recently awarded the Chayes Fellowship by Harvard Law, which will support her Summer 2026 internship with the UK’s Public Defender Service in London—adding international legal experience to her already diverse portfolio.

Balancing her role as a Juris Doctor candidate with leadership and service, Umunna has also been actively involved in community outreach, including internships with public defenders’ offices and volunteer work supporting homeless populations in Washington, D.C.

Her election signals both a personal achievement and a broader representation milestone, positioning her as one of the emerging voices in the next generation of legal professionals.