Haramaya University Law Students Claim Top Honors in International Essay Competition

Two LL.B students from Haramaya University College of Law, Meira Aliye Umer and Girma Fekadu Assefa, have been named winners of the renowned 2025 Lex:lead Essay Competition, organized by the New York-based NGO Lawyers for Economic Advancement and Development (Lex:lead).

The competition challenged participants to explore how legal frameworks can foster sustainable infrastructure while balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. Supported by the International Bar Association Foundation and operating under the World Bank-backed Global Forum on Law, Justice, and Development, Lex:lead’s annual contest is one of the world’s most esteemed awards in law and development.

winners of the renowned 2025

This year, hundreds of entries poured in from across Africa and Asia. From these, just 15 winners were selected, representing over 25 countries. Remarkably, Meira and Girma were the only victors from Ethiopia.

winners of the renowned 2025

Each winner receives a $500 USD cash prize and internship opportunities at top international law firms post-graduation. Meira’s award is sponsored by Linklaters, while Girma’s comes from Travers Smith. Both students will also serve as Lex:lead Ambassadors for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Dr. Richard Wentzel, Dean of Haramaya University College of Law

Dr. Richard Wentzel, Dean of Haramaya University College of Law, praised the duo’s accomplishments. “Meira and Girma have recently triumphed in other national and international essay contests, showcasing their unwavering commitment to intellectual growth,” he said. This marks the third straight year Haramaya Law students have won the competition; no other university has matched this streak.

Balancing rigorous coursework, clinical training, and moot court duties, the students crafted standout essays judged by a global panel of experts from the US, UK, Germany, Ghana, and beyond.

Dr. Richard credited their success to unwavering dedication, enhancing Haramaya University and the College of Law on an international level.

Haramaya University Public and International Relations

 

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