I love Kigali in the winter when it drizzles . . .

January 2011 marks the start of my sixth month in Rwanda.  After a brief but wonderful holiday back home with Janet, I returned early January to continue my term as a judicial clerk to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Rwanda.

The start of a new year is always a time for reflection on the past, and a time for resolutions for the future.  Fortunately for you, my eager and faithful readers, my first resolution is to blog more frequently.  

But, before writing of what is to come of me in Rwanda, it is worth looking back at my first five months here.  All in all, I can say that I am relatively happy with what I accomplished.  As for my work duties traditionally associated with those of a judicial clerk, they have been interesting and challenging, largely because the majority of my legal research and writing was in French.  My caseload was somewhat limited, due to the relatively small number of cases in French (and none in English); however, the cases assigned to me were not unlike those one would encounter in the U.S. – civil cases based on complex contracts or fundamental legal principles in business.  This is truly a testament to the growth and success of the recently created Commercial Courts in Rwanda, and of the justice system as a whole.

In addition to drawing my work from the caseload of the Chief Justice, I had the opportunity to advise the Court on several reforms.  This included many new developments with information technology, including electronic case management, electronic filing, and creating an electronic and online database of jurisprudence.  I also worked with the team charged with publishing jurisprudence, to discuss best practices for publication and to create a system of citation – a project that will continue into the new year.  Finally, I drafted a proposal for streamlining judicial services by making the Registry more efficient, and a proposal for the adoption of appellate rules of procedure.  One particular highlight of my time was the ability to work with a former law professor, Jean-Marie Kamatali, on several projects, including a two-day seminar on the state of legal education in Rwanda.

Professionally speaking, I do not yet know how 2011 will shape up.  Before the end of the year, however, I will have completed my term as a judicial clerk and legal advisor to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.  My hope is to leave Rwanda having had a positive impact on its justice system, perhaps leaving it a bit stronger than it was when I arrived five months ago.