AFRICA | A brilliant young African man named Butera Michael from Rwanda has achieved an extraordinary milestone after graduating from the prestigious Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, a feat made possible through multiple fully funded scholarships.
Michael’s story is one of academic excellence, discipline, and purpose, showing how far dedication and the right opportunities can take a determined mind.
Micheal's Story and How He Did It
Michael began his academic journey at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya, where he pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree.
From 2017 to 2021, he distinguished himself as one of the university’s top students, graduating with an exceptional grade that opened international doors for him.
His outstanding academic record and leadership achievements earned him five scholarship offers from some of the most respected law schools in the United States — Georgetown Law, Stanford Law School, University of California, Berkeley School of Law, and Harvard Law School.
Reflecting on this rare achievement, Michael shared on LinkedIn that he was deeply humbled to have been selected among “so many talented and accomplished candidates” and expressed gratitude to each university for recognizing his potential.
After what he described as “careful consideration and deep soul-searching,” Michael decided to attend Harvard Law School for the 2023–2024 academic year, where he pursued a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree.
During his time at Harvard, Michael immersed himself in a rich blend of research, technology, and legal innovation.
He spent long hours at the Harvard Law School Library, where his curiosity led him to explore the intersection between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and law, focusing on how emerging technologies shape justice systems and human rights.
Michael’s time at Harvard was far beyond academic study; it was a period of meaningful engagement and global contribution.
He worked with Sama, a third-party partner of Meta (formerly Facebook), examining the legal dynamics of platform users and content moderators. Through this experience, he explored the ethical and legal responsibilities of major tech companies in digital spaces.
He also served as a Research Assistant at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, contributing to the Institute for Rebooting Social Media Project, which seeks to create healthier and more equitable digital ecosystems.
Additionally, Michael worked as a Graduate Assistant in the Multidisciplinary Student Research Collaborative Program (MSRC), where he co-led an Accelerator Workshop titled “Constructing Countervailing Power: Law and Organizing in an Era of Political Inequality.”
His leadership extended beyond the classroom, he played a central role in organizing major campus events, including the Harvard Africa Development Conference and #Kwibuka30, a commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Unlike many graduates who seek opportunities abroad, Michael’s heart remained firmly rooted in Africa. After completing his LL.M. with excellent grades and multiple awards, he turned down several lucrative offers from global organizations to serve his home country.
He was appointed as the Chief Technical Advisor in the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Rwanda, a position he described as one that comes with “the humbling confidence of the President.”
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