The Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), in collaboration with Campbell University School of Law in the United States, has concluded a five-day Trial Advocacy Training Program for 15 selected Diploma in Legal Practice (DLP) trainees from Rwanda, The Gambia, Uganda and Cameroon.

Held from 5 to 9 October 2026 at ILPD in Nyanza, Rwanda, the training aimed to strengthen participants’ practical courtroom skills through intensive exercises in case analysis, trial preparation, evidence presentation, witness examination, and oral and written advocacy.

Strengthening Practical Courtroom Skills

The program covered opening statements, direct and cross-examination, the use of exhibits and expert witnesses, closing arguments, and comprehensive trial preparation. Through practical exercises, recorded performances, and feedback from experienced trainers, participants developed their ability to prepare and present cases effectively.

Speaking about the objectives of the program, ILPD Academic Dean, Advocate Viateur Bangayandusha, emphasized the importance of equipping trainees with the practical competencies required to represent clients effectively.

“Trial Advocacy Training is going to provide our trainees with the abilities to present a client's case by applying the law to the given facts, persuading the court or decision-making body through oral and written submissions,” said Mr. Bangayandusha.

“The five-day training will enhance trainees' practical skills in legal research, case analysis, and identification of issues, written advocacy and drafting, oral advocacy, witness examination and cross-examination, as well as argumentation,” he added.

Mock Trials Demonstrate Learning in Practice

The training culminated in mock trials on 9 October, during which trainees presented a complex criminal manslaughter case involving expert evidence before presiding judges. The exercise challenged participants to apply their learning in a simulated courtroom setting.

Professor Chris Cox, Director of Advocacy at Campbell University School of Law and one of the trainers, commended the trainees for their commitment, hard work, and progress throughout the program.

“These students were given one week to prepare a criminal manslaughter case and try it—a criminal manslaughter case that had expert issues involved in it. It is a very complex case. And they came in, to their credit, not mine, theirs. They worked hard. They listened. And what you saw was the culmination of that,” Professor Cox said.

Trainees Highlight the Impact of Practical Learning

Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Mr. Modou Lamin Jallow explained how the practical approach exceeded their expectations, replacing conventional lectures with repeated courtroom exercises, witness examination, objections, and constructive feedback.

“You taught us that preparation is a form of respect—respect for the court, for the client, and for the truth,” he said.

He emphasized that effective advocacy goes beyond presenting facts; it requires helping the court understand the human impact of each case. He also praised the trainers for correcting mistakes constructively while treating trainees as future legal professionals. His remarks underscored the training’s impact on participants’ practical skills, professional confidence, and understanding of ethical advocacy.

Advancing Legal Education across Africa

The participation of trainees encouraged professional exchange across different legal backgrounds and strengthened connections among emerging legal practitioners. The collaboration between ILPD and Campbell University School of Law reflects the value of international partnerships in developing competent legal professionals.

Earlier this year, on June 8th, 2026, J. Rich Leonard, Dean of the Campbell University School of Law, delivered a lecture to DLP students in the evening session in Kigali. Dean Leonard stressed that the strength of any justice system depends on the caliber and commitment of its lawyers.

“Legal systems can only function effectively when lawyers are properly trained and dedicated to serving courts, justice institutions, and the public good,” he said.

He urged continuous investment in legal education, emphasizing values of integrity, honesty, and unwavering dedication to clients.

Through practice-oriented training and international collaboration, ILPD continues to advance its commitment to professional excellence and to equipping legal practitioners with the skills, confidence, and integrity needed to contribute to the effective administration of justice in Rwanda and across Africa.