Training on International Pro Bono Ethics and Professional Values for Law Students: A Transformative Experience
On February 26-27, 2025, the Certa Foundation, in partnership with Advocates for International Development (A4ID) and the UK aid, hosted a groundbreaking training program under the theme "International Pro Bono Ethics and Professional Values for Law Students." The event, held in Kigali, Rwanda, brought together law students, legal practitioners, and experts to explore the critical role of pro bono work in advancing access to justice and fostering ethical legal practice. The two-day training was designed to introduce law students to the fundamentals of pro bono legal work, emphasizing its ethical dimensions and the responsibilities of pro bono lawyers. The program aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to thrive in the field of pro bono services, while also inspiring them to pursue careers focused on social justice and public interest law.
The first day of the training focused on laying the groundwork for understanding pro bono work, its ethical considerations, and its global significance. The day began with a session on Introduction to Pro Bono Legal Work, which provided an overview of the definition, history, and evolution of pro bono practice. Participants learned about the importance of pro bono work in ensuring access to justice for vulnerable and marginalized communities. This was followed by a session on Ethics in Pro Bono Work, where participants explored the ethical considerations involved in pro bono practice, including client confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and professional conduct. The session emphasized the importance of maintaining high ethical standards while providing voluntary legal services. The morning concluded with a session on the Global Perspective on Pro Bono, which offered an overview of international pro bono initiatives, highlighting the differences in pro bono practices across jurisdictions. Participants also discussed the challenges and opportunities in cross-border pro bono work. In the afternoon, the session on Responsibilities of Pro Bono Lawyers focused on the ethical duties of pro bono lawyers, including balancing professional values with personal and organizational goals. Participants were encouraged to develop a personal pro bono philosophy and understand their role in advancing access to justice.
The second day of the training shifted focus to practical approaches, career opportunities, and innovative strategies for enhancing pro bono services. The day began with a Panel Session on Career Paths in Pro Bono and Access to Justice, where panelists shared insights on how law students can get involved with pro bono organizations and build careers focused on social justice and ethical practice. The session also highlighted the challenges in this field and provided essential advice for students interested in pursuing pro bono work. Following the panel, participants learned how to engage in pro bono work through legal clinics in a session on Establishing Legal Clinics, which emphasized the importance of community engagement and resource allocation in establishing successful legal clinics. The morning continued with a session on Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Pro Bono Cases, where participants explored common ethical dilemmas in pro bono work through role-playing and case studies. The session underscored the importance of adaptability and ethical decision-making in pro bono practice. After lunch, participants engaged in a Practical Workshop on Designing Pro Bono Projects, where they worked in groups to design national pro bono initiatives. The activity focused on identifying community needs, aligning resources, and addressing ethical and logistical challenges in planning pro bono projects.
The training concluded with a panel session on Rwanda’s ADR Landscape: Innovations in Dispute Resolution. The discussion highlighted the effectiveness of traditional dispute resolution methods in certain cases, while also showcasing the role of the Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC) in strengthening arbitration and mediation in Rwanda. Rwanda is a leader in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) within the East African Community (EAC) region, supported by an ADR-friendly judiciary. The country’s commitment to ADR is evident through initiatives such as training programs, internships, and international conferences. Participants were encouraged to pursue ADR training, internships, and networking opportunities to advance their legal careers. ADR is increasingly recognized as an essential skill for modern legal professionals, offering lucrative specialization opportunities and a competitive edge in the legal industry. The panel also emphasized how pro bono initiatives can expand their impact by integrating ADR mechanisms, providing faster, cost-effective, and community-centered solutions for marginalized groups.
The training was a resounding success, leaving participants inspired and equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage in pro bono work effectively. Key takeaways included the importance of pro bono work in ensuring access to justice, the need to maintain high ethical standards in pro bono practice, and the growing significance of ADR in the legal profession. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, Advocates for International Development (A4ID) and the UK aid, for their invaluable support in making this training program a success. Special thanks to all the speakers, panelists, and participants who contributed to the rich discussions and shared their insights. We look forward to continuing our efforts to promote pro bono work and access to justice in Rwanda and beyond.