Stanley Nweke-Eze is a Nigerian lawyer who has achieved an impressive feat of earning two master’s degrees in law from Harvard University and the University of Cambridge, two of the most prestigious universities in the world. He is also admitted to practise law in Nigeria, New York and England & Wales, and has worked at international law firms in London before joining Templars, a leading Nigerian law firm.
His story and educational journey are inspiring and remarkable. He graduated with a first-class honours degree from Nnamdi Azikwe University, Nigeria, where he won several top academic prizes, including for brief-writing and advocacy. He then proceeded to pursue his first master’s degree in international law at Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of several journals, such as the Harvard International Law Journal, the Harvard Negotiation Law Review, and the Harvard Africa Policy Journal. He also participated in various moot court competitions and conferences.
After completing his degree at Harvard, he applied for and received a scholarship to study for another master’s degree in commercial law at the University of Cambridge. There, he continued to excel academically and professionally, serving as an editor of the Cambridge Journal of International and Comparative Law, and working as a research assistant for Professor Catherine Barnard, a leading expert on EU law.
In his own words, he described his experience at both universities as “transformative” and “enriching”. He said: “I was exposed to different perspectives and approaches to legal issues, and I had the opportunity to interact with some of the best minds in the field. I also learned a lot from my classmates, who came from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It was a challenging but rewarding journey that has shaped my worldview and career aspirations.”
According to the World Bank, Nigeria has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world, with only 62% of adults able to read and write. The country also faces many socio-economic challenges, such as poverty, corruption, insecurity, and poor infrastructure. These factors make it difficult for many Nigerians to access quality education and pursue their dreams.
He is also actively involved in various professional organisations and initiatives that promote the development of arbitration and international law in Africa. He is a co-chair of the Lagos Court of Arbitration – Young Arbitrators Network, a Young ICCA regional representative for Africa, a member of the Africa Users Council of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, among others.
He is also pursuing a PhD programme at The University of Hong Kong, where he is focusing on the Africa-China economic relationship under international investment law.
Stanley Nweke-Eze is undoubtedly a rising star in the legal profession and a shining example of what Nigerian youths can achieve with dedication and perseverance. He deserves to be celebrated for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the advancement of law and justice in Nigeria and beyond.
Another young men making legal moves is Matthew Graham. A young Black lawyer from Baltimore who has made history by scoring 309 out of 400 on the Maryland bar exam, placing him in the 94th percentile of all test-takers. He achieved this feat on his first attempt, while juggling a full-time job, a new marriage and a 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 daughter. His emotional reaction to his score went viral on social media and caught the attention of national media outlets.
But Graham’s story is not just about numbers. It’s about overcoming adversity, pursuing passion and making a difference. It’s about inspiring others to follow their dreams and fight for justice.
Graham grew up in Baltimore, a city that has been plagued by violence, poverty and racial inequality. He witnessed firsthand the injustices that many Black people face in the criminal justice system. He decided to pursue a career in law to make a difference in his community and fight for justice.
