In a historic move, the Harvard Law Review has chosen Sophia Hunt as its new president, marking only the second time in its 137-year history that a Black woman will lead this prestigious legal journal. The selection reflects a pivotal moment for the institution, as Hunt, a Virginia native, focuses her academic pursuits on delving into racial and class disparities within the legal system.
At 26 years old, Hunt, a Harvard Law School student, recently shared her journey and motivations in an exclusive interview. Her passion for criminal defense work and commitment to addressing societal inequalities stems from her formative years, particularly during the rise of the racial justice movement following the tragic killing of Michael Brown in 2014.
Hunt’s academic journey took her from earning a degree in history and literature at Harvard University in 2019 to pursuing a sociology PhD at Stanford University. Her research at Stanford delved into the intricate dynamics of race and class imbalances within the criminal legal system. Taking a leave from Stanford in 2022, she ventured into Harvard Law School, recognizing her fulfillment in advocating for others and engaging with those most impacted by the carceral state.
The newly elected president is no stranger to public service, having clerked for the federal public defender office in Washington, D.C., last year. Her summer plans involve contributing to the Brooklyn Defender Services, a public defense office in New York, showcasing her dedication to hands-on advocacy.
The Harvard Law Review has a storied legacy, boasting alumni like former President Barack Obama, who served as the first Black president in 1990. The first female president, Susan Estrich, was elected in 1977, and the first Black woman to hold the position, ImeIme Umana, assumed leadership in 2017.
Sophia Hunt’s election follows in the footsteps of Apsara Iyer, the first Indian-American woman to lead the Law Review. In a statement, Iyer commended Hunt as a “visionary scholar and editor” with unparalleled dedication to the journal.
Addressing recent campus tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, Hunt expressed her commitment to leveraging the diverse backgrounds of the Law Review’s editors to explore neglected yet crucial topics. Her vision for the publication aligns with a dedication to fostering dialogue on pressing issues.
Hunt’s unique blend of academic prowess, hands-on experience, and commitment to diversity sets a promising tone for the Harvard Law Review under her leadership. As the legal community watches this historic transition, Sophia Hunt stands as a symbol of progress in a venerable institution
