The Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) hosted an interactive dialogue with two distinguished American jurists, Judge Paul Ridgeway of North Carolina and Dean J. Rich Leonard of Campbell University School of Law. Their visit underscored the importance of ethical lawyering and the growing role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in modern justice systems.

During the lecture of June 8, 2026 evening session, 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.

A major focus of the dialogue was Rwanda’s expanding use of ADR. Leonard praised mediation and arbitration as faster, more satisfactory alternatives to litigation, noting that they ease court backlogs and reduce pressure on correctional facilities. He explained that in the United States, “litigants are generally mandated to prove that mediation efforts have failed before their cases can even proceed to a courtroom.”

Judge Ridgeway commended ILPD’s practical approach to producing “practice-ready” lawyers. He contrasted Rwanda’s system where undergraduate legal studies are followed by specialized professional training with the U.S. model of a seven-year higher education path culminating in a state Bar Examination. “The principle of the rule of law is reflected not only in courts but also within legal education institutions and the students preparing to enter the profession,” Ridgeway observed, adding that Rwanda’s justice system is steadily and impressively developing.

Students also reflected on the session. ILPD student Bagabe Boniface highlighted the value of learning about the U.S. reliance on precedent, noting that Rwanda’s integration of common law principles into its civil law framework in 2009 has created a robust hybrid system. “The lecture put Rwanda’s own legal evolution into perspective,” Boniface said.

The dialogue also touched on global issues shaping the future of justice, including digital evidence management, the integration of Artificial Intelligence in court proceedings, and advanced technology in criminal investigations. ILPD reaffirmed its commitment to fostering international partnerships and expressed gratitude to Judge Ridgeway and Dean Leonard for sharing their expertise with the Rwandan legal community.