The Rwandan legal professionals in the Justice Sector under the auspices of the Institute for Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) were, recently, trained on commercial law by a group of British lawyers from the international law firm, Allen & Overy.

The two weeks training covered various modern areas of Commercial Law; and there were some common topics offered to each of the three groups such as Company Law, Law on Securities, Banking and Finance, Arbitration and Contract law.

Officiating at the closing of the training, Sam Rugege, the Deputy Chief Justice, who participated in the training, said that Rwanda was fortunate to host such highly qualified and experienced international lawyers offering their services for free.

"It is evident from the C.Vs included in the training materials that the trainers are highly qualified and have vast experience in the areas of Law concerned and many have practiced in different countries around the world,” he said.

"The training would be very useful in enabling the participants in their various capacities to contribute to the development of the country.”

Rugege explained that, this is because the country’s development depends to a large extent on trade and commerce as well as investment.

"All this, in turn, can only thrive where there are up to date laws that are consistent with international best practices, a core of well qualified and skilled lawyers both in the private and public sectors as well as an efficient and independent administration of justice,” he noted.

He observed that, new and up to date laws have been enacted in areas such as Company Law, Insolvency, and Law on Securities Negotiable instruments and Arbitration.

"Our legal professionals in all sectors, like those of many other countries, need continuing legal education to continually improve their knowledge and skills so that they can handle international commercial transactions at par with their counterparts internationally,” he said.

"Partnerships with international legal firms are highly beneficial at a time when Rwanda is increasingly involved in regional and international commercial and investment transactions and partnerships.”

The training was conducted in the context of the relationship that British organizations have developed with Rwanda through Project Umubano.  Allen & Overy have expressed the intention to continue its probono activities with ILPD and other Rwandan institutions.

These training participants included judges of the Supreme Court, state attorneys from the Ministry of Justice and Practicing Lawyers of the Kigali Bar Association.

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