“Developing Effective Moot Memorials: Research, Structure and application of authority. ”
Complementing the earlier session on written memorials, this workshop turned to the craft of oral advocacy the moment, in the presenter’s words, a student “transforms into a shield for their client.” Framed around the Rwandan concept of Agaciro (dignity and self-worth), the session guided participants through four pillars of courtroom persuasion.
The first, mastery of the record, treated the compromis as the advocate’s Bible: knowing the facts better than the bench builds credibility, defends against “trap” questions, and neutralises bad facts before opponents can exploit them. The second, structural precision, presented argument as a map a strong tripartite opening, disciplined signposting, the IRAC/CRAC rhythm, the “even if” alternative plea, and a firm closing prayer for relief. The third, strategic flexibility, prepared students for the “hot bench” through the Answer-First rule, the Bridge-and-Pivot technique, well-timed concessions, and reading whether a bench is “cold” or “hot.” The fourth, style and decorum, addressed the “aura of gravitas” voice modulation and the power of the pause, steady eye contact, controlled physicality, formal courtroom language, and the composed rebuttal that corrects rather than attacks.
The session closed with a reminder that an advocate stands not to win an argument but to assist the court in the pursuit of justice “do not just speak, advocate; do not just argue, persuade” supported by a practical cheat sheet of openings, transitions, question-handling, and closings.
Accredited universities from across Rwanda are invited to field a team. Confirmed institutions will appear here with their crests as registrations close.
ULK
UoK
UR
INES
UNILAK
MKU
Speaker
Speaker
He is a final year law student at Africa Nazarene University with a strong passion for legal advocacy, dispute resolution, and youth empowerment. He has distinguished himself in competitive mooting, contributing to his university’s Moot Court team that emerged 2nd place at the Great Lakes Moot Court Competition on Armed Conflict.
Sam has developed a keen interest in areas such as Alternative Dispute Resolution, company law, and commercial practice, combining academic rigor with practical legal skills. Beyond the courtroom, he is actively involved in mentorship and leadership initiatives, championing platforms that nurture young people into critical thinkers, innovators, and ethical leaders.
Speaker
Speaker
Belard IGIRAMAHORO is a legal researcher, advocate for practical legal education, and the founding force behind the Moot Court Forum. He holds an LL.B (Hons) from Kigali Independent University and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), Rwanda, and currently serves as an Intern at Liedekerke Great Lakes, Kigali Office.
Speaker
Speaker
Samuel John Gomez is pursuing a Diploma in Legal Practice at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), Rwanda. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) and serves as a Senior Moot Court Coach at UNILAK. He is a former Director of Moot Court and Research, recognized for his commitment to advocacy training, legal research, and mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.
Speaker
Speaker
I am Maxwell Otieno, a student at the University of Nairobi pursuing the Bachelor of Laws. I also serve as a Law Review Editor and Researcher for the University of Nairobi Law Journal. I am also part of the team that emerged first runners up at the 14th edition of the All Kenya Moot Court Competition.
Speaker
Speaker
They are first-year law students at Strathmore Law School who made their debut on the national mooting stage by winning the All-Kenyan Moot Court Competition, with Amara Visram also being awarded Best Overall Oralist alongside the team award. Their advocacy style blends thorough preparation with responsiveness in the moment, focusing on making arguments that are both persuasive and genuinely engaging to the bench.
Registration for this competition has closed — it has already taken place.
The theme focuses on developing persuasive moot memorials through effective legal research, structured argumentation, and the proper application of legal authorities.
Participants will strengthen their legal research, analytical reasoning, legal writing, citation, and argument organization skills while producing professional memorials.
An effective moot memorial demonstrates clear legal reasoning, logical structure, persuasive analysis, accurate citation, and authoritative application of relevant legal sources.
By strengthening written advocacy skills, the theme prepares participants to present well-supported legal arguments that complement effective oral advocacy before courts and tribunals.