A report by Rwanda Bar Association, the professional body governing legal practitioners, has indicated that close to 200 lawyers were sanctioned over different malpractices over the past two years (2019-2021).

In total, they received 207 complaints from clients and out of these, only 12 were found to be innocent, and the rest were found valid and the culprits were given varying punishments.

The report that was tabled by Gatera Gashabana, the outgoing chairperson of the disciplinary committee at the Bar, some of the lawyers were accused of receiving money from clients and did not offer services as agreed.

The association has so far recorded 1,515 lawyers as members.

"Some charged the clients prices that are higher than what is recommended. Others do work but do not pay contributions and bribery, among others,” he said. 

The report was presented during the general assembly that coincided with the handover between Julien Kavarunganda the outgoing president of the bar and the newly elected Moise Nkundabarashi.

Kavarunganda has been in office for two consecutive terms since 2015.

According to the report, at least four lawyers were disbarred, others were suspended while some were fined but remain in practice.

 "We received over 109 cases of malpractices in 2019 and 79 cases in 2020. Only 18 cases have been recorded this year,” Gashabana said.

He said that at least 23 lawyers were suspended for one month, two were suspended for two, 16 were suspended for three while seven were handed four-month suspension.

The report shows that one was suspended for five months, 52 suspended for six months and 13 for seven months.

At least 21 lawyers were suspended for eight months, eight for one year, one suspended for three years while four lawyers were disbarred.

"Only 12 lawyers accused by clients were found innocent. Some 15 lawyers were fined by only reprimanding as 26 lawyers got advice to address concerns by their clients,” he said.

Misconduct has no place

Speaking to the lawyers, the new president of the association, Nkundabarashi, said that punishments will be maintained if lawyers who do malpractices do not stop the vice.

"Every lawyer must understand that ethics bind us all and we must adhere to the letter. If one lawyer is found culpable of malpractice, it taints the image of all practitioners,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nkundabarashi said that his leadership will build on the work by his predecessors to continue developing the professional body, with some of the key areas of focus including strengthening its investment arm.

He said that through their investment company, the Bar so far has assets worth Rwf2.3 billion, including the former Sports View Hotel located near Amahoro National Stadium.

The association is also set to open microfinance institution.