1. Disclaimer

The information provided is non-binding and subject to change. The list does not constitute a recommendation. In the event that a client retains legal services, all costs and fees are to be borne by the client.

The list is arranged in alphabetical order. Information regarding areas of practice and languages of correspondence is based on self-reported information from the respective attorneys and cannot be verified or guaranteed by the Embassy. No claim to completeness is made.

A complete and up-to-date list of all attorneys admitted to practice in Rwanda is available on the official website of the Rwandan Bar Association.

2. General Information

Structure of the Judicial System

Rwanda does not have a distinct division into different branches of the judiciary (such as ordinary, administrative, social, and financial courts) as exists in Germany. Pursuant to Article 152 of the Rwandan Constitution, a distinction is made only between ordinary courts, which have jurisdiction over civil, criminal, and public law proceedings (Primary and Intermediate Courts, Court of Appeal, High Court, and Supreme Court), and specialized courts (Military and Commercial Courts).

Attorney fees are set by law. For an initial consultation of up to 15 minutes, fees may range from 10,000 RWF to 50,000 RWF; for more extensive consultations on legally straightforward matters, fees may range from 50,000 to 300,000 RWF. Legal aid programs are primarily intended for Rwandan citizens.

Access to the Courts

A complaint must generally be filed electronically with the courts of first instance, but may also be filed in writing with the approval of the “chief registrar”. The content of the complaint is governed by Article 26 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Neither a preliminary debt collection procedure nor a preliminary conciliation hearing is mandatory. However, the case will only be processed upon payment of court fees by the plaintiff (10,000 RWF for claims up to 5,000,000 RWF). Although exceptions are provided for by law, they generally apply only to Rwandan nationals or nationals of the East African Community. Courts of first instance / trial courts are either the Primary Courts or the Intermediate Courts (for example, for claims valued at 3,000,000 RWF or more).

Contracts that do not merely concern everyday transactions should always be put in writing, as failure to do so may result in difficulties proving the terms in court.

There is generally no requirement to be represented by an attorney. This is different before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. The losing party bears the court costs. There are fee schedules that set a minimum and a maximum limit for permissible fees. Legal aid may be granted to those in need (which generally does not include German nationals). Pursuant to Article 8 of the Rwandan Constitution, the official languages of the courts are generally Kinyarwanda, French, and English. Pleadings must be filed with the court in Kinyarwanda. If the presiding judge or a party does not speak one of the aforementioned languages, an interpreter is called upon. The costs are included in the court costs.

Criminal Proceedings

Criminal proceedings may be initiated either on the basis of a complaint or ex officio (Article 34 of the Rwandan Constitution). Before being questioned by the police, the suspect must be informed of the charges against him. He must be advised of his right to remain silent and his right to legal counsel. The court is required to appoint a defense attorney for the accused upon their request—through the Bar Association, if necessary.

In cases where a criminal offense is suspected that carries a minimum sentence of two years imprisonment, where the accused’s identity is unclear, where there is a risk of evidence being tampered with or of flight, or where detention is necessary to maintain public order due to the seriousness of the suspected offense, the accused may be placed in pretrial detention. This is provisionally ordered by the public prosecutor’s office after hearing the accused. Thereafter, pursuant to Article 34 of the Rwandan Code of Criminal Procedure, the accused must be brought before a judge within five days. The appearance need not take place in the presence of a defense attorney (except in the case of juvenile accused). The investigating judge must decide on the continuation of pretrial detention within a further 72 hours. The law provides for the possibility of release on bail.

3. Information about lawyers