The Bar Association in Rwanda is a Legal Professional Organization that was created by an Act of Parliament in 1997 (Law N° 03/97). This law was amended by Law No 83/2013 of 11/09/2013, the law establishing the Bar Association in Rwanda, determining its Organization and Functioning. Having started with 37 advocates, after twenty nine years, the Bar’s current membership exceeds 1523 advocates after fusion of former Judicial defenders Association and former Kigali Bar Association. The membership is made up of all practicing advocates, as required by law, and the interns who aspire to be enrolled after 2 years of internship. The Bar Association fulfills the role of Legal Representation and Regulation for its members and plays a key role in the Administration of Justice for a strengthened Rule of Law in Rwanda.
The Rwanda Bar Association is mainly comprised by the following organs:
In 2009, an Executive Secretariat of the Bar Association was created to Support the President and the Governing Council to implement and administer the implementation of the Bar Strategic Programmes. Furthermore, the Bar Association established a number of committees to help in achieving goals and objectives.
To be a vibrant and independent National Bar Association committed to justice and the rule of law by enhancing the legal profession to regional, international best standards and advancing the human rights knowledge and awareness of the profession.
To gather all the members of the Bar Association to promote and protect the interests of the legal profession and the public in the administration of justice by preserving the integrity of the profession through regulation and supporting professional development, and by helping to shape the law and advancing respect for the rule of law and human rights.
“Advocate enrolled with the Bar Association” was used in the Decree of 1931 without mentioning how the same Bar Association would be established or regulated.
Article 81 of the Law of 15th July 1964 Regulating the Code of Civil and Commercial Procedure provided that an “Advocate enrolled in the National Bar association” was the one qualified to represent litigants in courts of law. This provision existed, despite the non existence of a Bar Association in Rwanda.
Law N°12/1984 of 12 May 1984 regarding the mandate of representation in courts of law. The same law did not require mandatory legal education as a key criterion for applicants. Thus, any literate person was eligible to practice law and act as a legal counsel in Rwanda’s courts
On the 15th April 1997, an act of parliament creating Kigali Bar association was published, this marked the memorable realization of the Rwandan legal fraternity. The rule of law enacted the first ever Law regulating a Bar Association in Rwanda
November 4th, 2013, when Law N°83/2013 of 11/09/2013 Establishing the Bar Association in Rwanda and Determining its Organization and Functioning was published/ gazetted. This brought tremendous changes in the legal practice since a new national Bar was now created
Rwanda Bar Association has grown , it now counts 1,505 members with 364 women lawyers from 7 women lawyers in 1997. These members work across the whole country and represent litigants in courts of law, arbitration, mediation, advisory and transaction services to various investors that Rwanda attracts.
Rwanda Bar Association background History from Colonial period to date
Advocate enrolled with the Bar Association” was used in the Decree of 1931 without mentioning how the same Bar Association would be established or regulated.
Article 81 of the Law of 15th July 1964 Regulating the Code of Civil and Commercial Procedure provided that an “Advocate enrolled in the National Bar association” was the one qualified to represent litigants in courts of law. This provision existed, despite the non existence of a Bar Association in Rwanda.
Law N°12/1984 of 12 May 1984 regarding the mandate of representation in courts of law. The same law did not require mandatory legal education as a key criterion for applicants. Thus, any literate person was eligible to practice law and act as a legal counsel in Rwanda’s courts
On the 15th April 1997, an act of parliament creating Kigali Bar association was published, this marked the memorable realization of the Rwandan legal fraternity. The rule of law enacted the first ever Law regulating a Bar Association in Rwanda
November 4th, 2013, when Law N°83/2013 of 11/09/2013 Establishing the Bar Association in Rwanda and Determining its Organization and Functioning was published/ gazetted. This brought tremendous changes in the legal practice since a new national Bar was now created
Rwanda Bar Association has grown , it now counts 1,505 members with 364 women lawyers from 7 women lawyers in 1997. These members work across the whole country and represent litigants in courts of law, arbitration, mediation, advisory and transaction services to various investors that Rwanda attracts.
The Advocates Investment Company (AIC) is an investment entity established in 2020 by the Rwanda Bar Association (RBA) Governing Council, under the leadership of its president. Its primary objective is to foster sustainable development for the RBA and its members. Over time, AIC has evolved into a significant development pillar, supporting various initiatives within the Rwanda Bar Association.
For the sake of a sustainable response to the increasing problems related to advocates’ health insurance, the Council of the Rwanda Bar Association established a health insurance scheme funded and managed by the Bar Association.
Caisse d’Entraide des Avocats (CEA) was established in 2019 with the objective of providing financial support to advocates who are members of the Rwanda Bar Association (RBA), with the aim of fostering financial stability among them. The management is responsible for overseeing members’ contributions, processing loan requests, managing loan disbursements, and ensuring effective loan repayment.
With support from the Ministry of Justice, the Rwanda Bar Association (RBA) provided legal aid to minors and indigent individuals with cases before the Court of Appeal and other jurisdictions.
Through its programs, the RBA extended assistance to survivors of gender-based violence and persons with disabilities. Additionally, RBA supported refugees and, with the backing of UNDP funding, aided more individuals. USAID partnership further enabled legal aid services for a good number of beneficiaries.
Every year, RBA leadership organizes events for International Women’s Day, addressing various themes to enhance legal professionalism and mentor young women lawyers, preparing them for future challenges in the legal profession.
