HOW TO BECOME A LAWYER IN RWANDA

Traditionally, laymen used to tell us that law is very hard, complicated and hey you will need to read large volumes of Laws, Codes and precedents in order to be a smart lawyer who drives his/her point home before the judge.

Like any other state/country for one to become a lawyer , advocate or solicitor there are in Rwanda procedures which must be complied with before one joins the Association of Lawyers who are legally mandated to advise, represent and assist their client whenever it deems fit.

A lawyer refers to ‘a person who practices or studies law, in UK they are known as a solicitors, in US one is termed as a barrister.

REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING LAWYER IN RWANDA

Lawyers are allowed to assist and represent their clients before courts or Administrative tribunals before fulfilling the following:

• Bachelors degree in Law (L.L.B)
• A post graduate diploma in Legal Practice from recognized institution or its equivalence.
• Pass both oral & written exams prepared by the Rwanda Bar Association with at least pass mark of 70%
• Pay annual subscription fees

Foreigners can be admitted to join Rwanda Bar Association but the matter of reciprocity.

Several foreigners are members of Rwanda Bar Association.

After having fulfilled the above key requirement afresh entrant to the Rwanda Bar Association is subjected to mandatory internship where he/she lacks vast experience and after one year of internship he/she is subjected to another oral & written exam before having enrolled on the roll of advocates.

INTERN LAWYERS/ ADVOCATES IN RWANDA 

Intern lawyers  are barred from   pleading  before Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

More so, intern advocate  has to prove to the supervisor that he/she is ready to practice law.

After all the above are complied with & put into consideration a young lawyer can practice law individually, form an association with others or enter into corroboration as agreement as enshrined in the law.

ADVICE FROM LAWYER 

As a lawyer you must be an example to community because they do have confidence and respect for lawyers.

They should not act contrary to what is required by the legal profession .

Our lawyers will provide you with prompt legal advice on how to become a lawyer and legal tips.

Please check our website: www.innocentlaw.co.rw

For more information please https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/becoming-lawywer-rwanda-innocent-muramira/