Nigerian lawyer Aghoghomena Arhere has received the 2026 Future Legal Scholar Award from the Minority Bar Association of Western New York in the United States. The award recognises her academic achievements, leadership, community service and commitment to the legal profession. She received the honour on October 9 during the association’s annual dinner at Forbes Theatre in Buffalo, New York.
The Minority Bar Association of Western New York announced the recognition in an Instagram post, describing Arhere, also known as Mena, as a promising member of the next generation of legal leaders. The association said her legal experience and record of service in Nigeria and the United States contributed to her selection. She is an alumna of Delta State University and is currently a third-year law student at the University at Buffalo School of Law.
Arhere also received special congressional recognition from United States Congressman Timothy M. Kennedy on behalf of the US House of Representatives. The commendation acknowledged her contribution to the legal profession and her commitment to empowering future leaders. Buffalo City Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams also recognised her dedication to academic excellence and her determination to pursue a career in law.
Before moving to the United States for further studies, Arhere obtained her law degree from Delta State University’s Oleh Campus, attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar in November 2019. She subsequently practised at Babalakin & Co., where she handled dispute resolution, regulatory compliance and corporate matters. She also worked with Senior Advocate of Nigeria Boonyameen Babajide Lawal on a case challenging a regulation affecting unmarried pregnant policewomen in the Nigeria Police Force.
At the University at Buffalo School of Law, Arhere serves on the Buffalo Law Review and works as a student attorney at the Entrepreneurship Law Center Clinic, advising entrepreneurs and small businesses. She is also involved with the Buffalo Human Rights Center and the Black Law Students Association, and has served as a research and teaching assistant. Reacting to the award, she said the recognition showed that professional work could have an impact across borders, thanking the association, her university, mentors and Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, where she worked as a summer associate in 2025 and 2026.
