Yusril Ihza Mahendra was born on 5 February 1956 in East Belitung. He obtained his bachelor’s degree at the University of Indonesia, majoring in philosophy in 1983, then he continued his studies at University of Indonesia’s graduate program with a field of law and islamic studies in 1983. He resumed his education in the graduate program of humanities and social sciences at the University of Punjab Pakistan. He then continued his education at the University Sains Malaysia, graduating with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in political science at the Institute of Doctoral Education in 1993. The University of Indonesia appointed him as professor, which holds the status as a law professor.
He has served as Minister of State Secretary, Member of DPR/MPR RI, Minister of Law and Legislation, Minister of Justice (now Minister of Law and Human Rights). He was appointed as a lawyer for Mr. Joko Widodo and Mr. Ma’ruf Amin. He was also appointed as a lawyer for Mr. Prabowo Subianto and Mr. Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Based on his career and knowledge that he has in law, he is also a legal expert in the field of constitutional law. Yusril Ihza Mahendra is a member of the Indonesian Advocates Association (PERADI) and the Managing Director (owner and founder) of the Ihza & Ihza Law Firm Advocates Office.