The Art of Negotiation: Training the Next Generation of Lawyers
The Center for Law and Innovation recently hosted The Art of Negotiation: Training the Next Generation of Lawyers, a transformative two-day workshop that brought together over 30 law students from four law schools across Rwanda. This initiative is part of our ongoing effort to build the capacity of young lawyers and to foster a culture of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) within Rwanda’s legal community.
For two days, students honed their abilities in communication, problem-solving, and real-world negotiation techniques, empowering them to navigate the evolving legal landscape with confidence. The training included more than two practical simulations, allowing participants to apply their skills in realistic scenarios and gain valuable experience.
Ridwan Oloyede, Director of the Center for Law and Innovation, emphasized the critical role that negotiation and ADR play in shaping adaptable, future-ready legal professionals. He urged the participants to embrace these skills as key tools in addressing modern legal challenges and promoting effective, efficient dispute resolution. This focus on ADR aligns with Rwanda’s growing commitment to adopting alternative dispute resolution methods, ensuring that the next generation of legal professionals is prepared to lead the way.
A special thanks to the winners of the 1st Edition National Negotiation Competition for their invaluable support and to the universities and students whose enthusiastic participation enriched the training experience. Their involvement is a testament to the collaborative ADR community we’re building, one where young lawyers are empowered to learn from their peers and experienced mentors alike.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the upcoming Internal Negotiation Competition, where students from across Rwanda will compete for a chance to represent their universities at the 2nd Edition of the National Negotiation Competition. We remain committed to developing ADR capacity and advancing the practice of negotiation as a vital tool for legal professionals in Rwanda and beyond.