Law students need to explore alternative dispute resolution, experts say

To bridge the gap in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) training among students and encourage the next generation of dispute resolvers, Rwanda hosted its inaugural ADR University Symposium on October 16. The event aimed to deepen students ‘understanding of ADR methods. The event, organized by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) Rwanda Branch, alongside other partners, brought together law students from various universities. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s justice system embraces Alternative Dispute Resolution: A public-private partnership Athanase Rutabingwa, Chairperson of Ciarb Rwanda, highlighted the symposium’s objective of reaching out to future mediators, arbitrators, and conciliators in both commercial and civil disputes. “We want to ensure that students receive training at an early stage to become future problem solvers. Not all disputes need to go to court, especially with the backlog of cases currently facing the Rwandan judiciary,” Rutabingwa explained. He emphasized that many disputes, particularly commercial and civil matters, can be resolved more swiftly and cost-effectively through mediation and arbitration rather than through litigation. He added that the Rwandan government has created a favourable environment for alternative dispute resolution, encouraging its use to reduce court congestion. ALSO READ: Rwanda saved over Rwf7bn through alternative dispute resolution in 2023 Andrews Kananga, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Forum, echoed this sentiment, stating that law students are the future leaders of the justice sector. “While ADR is relatively new, we want to introduce students to its benefits early on, so that they can consider it a career path. Some students may choose to become professional mediators or arbitrators, earning a living while helping society resolve disputes peacefully.” Kananga also noted that many trained mediators are already making a career out of ADR, and this trend is expected to grow. “These students will not only fill roles as future judges and prosecutors but also as ADR practitioners, helping to create a more efficient and effective justice system,” he said. Moise Nkundabarashi, President of the Rwanda Bar Association, stressed the significance of ADR in the future of legal practice. “The younger generation of lawyers will see the value in resolving disputes outside of lengthy court processes. Arbitration and mediation will become essential tools for creating a more peaceful society,” he said. Nkundabarashi also highlighted that ADR presents new business opportunities for legal professionals. “Lawyers involved in arbitration and mediation are compensated for their work. This diversified approach offers a new way to practice law, benefiting both the legal community and society as a whole,” he said. For Anelyse Mucyo, a law student at the University of Rwanda, the symposium was eye-opening. “Before attending, I was focused on arbitration and litigation. But after hearing from experts, I now understand the importance of mediation as a quicker, more peaceful way to resolve disputes. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with others and encourage them to explore ADR,” she said. Harrison Mutabazi, spokesperson for the judiciary, highlighted the importance of ADR in Rwanda’s justice sector, noting the judiciary's implementation of court-annexed mediation. He explained that the symposium aimed to introduce law students to these processes early in their studies, allowing them to apply mediation skills during their legal training and future careers. “As future judges, attorneys, and legal practitioners, it’s crucial for these students to understand ADR. The judiciary is committed to promoting ADR as a way to resolve disputes more efficiently, reducing the burden on the courts and providing faster resolutions for litigants,” Mutabazi concluded. According to Rutabingwa ADR University Symposium is set to become a biannual event, continuing to train and inspire the next generation of dispute resolvers.

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Law students need to explore alternative dispute resolution, experts say