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ESSAY COMPETITION

Africa/Nairobi
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ADR & THE LAW ESSAY WRITING COMPETITION, 2025


ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS

ADR & The Law: ADR & The Law breaks down complex legal issues into simple, practical insights for everyday Kenyans. From Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to human rights, business, and family law, we make legal knowledge accessible through articles, discussions, podcasts, and interactive content. Founded by Raphael Okochil, our mission is to strip away the legal jargon and deliver clear, useful information—because knowing the law isn’t just for lawyers, it’s for everyone.

Prof. Kariuki Muigua Ph.D,FCIArb,Ch.Arb,OGW : Professor Kariuki Muigua is a leading legal expert in Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), with over 26 years of experience as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. He is a Chartered Arbitrator, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb), and the Managing Partner at Kariuki Muigua & Co. Advocates. A respected academic, he teaches law at the University of Nairobi and has authored influential publications on ADR, environmental law, and access to justice. Professor Muigua, a recipient of numerous awards including the African Arbitrator of the Year (2022) and the ‘Academic Champion of ADR’ (2024), has generously pledged the prize money for this competition and will provide a six-month mentorship in International Commercial Arbitration to the first-place winner.

MMW Advocates LLP: MMW Advocates LLP is one of Kenya’s largest female-led law firms, renowned for providing innovative legal solutions that reshape the commercial landscape. Its Managing Partner – a fierce legal force, Ms. Stella Muraguri. Guided by the philosophy “Think Differently – Solve Innovatively,” the firm specializes in tackling complex legal issues with practical, business-focused strategies. With a bold footprint across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, MMW Advocates partners with multinational corporations and the public sector, setting the pace for emerging commercial laws and jurisprudence. As part of their commitment to nurturing future legal professionals, MMW Advocates LLP will offer internship opportunities to the competition winners, providing practical experience and nurturing the next generation of legal innovators.

Mbuchi and Associates Advocates: Mbuchi & Associates Advocates is a trusted law firm in Kenya, known for providing clear and practical legal solutions. Led by Managing Partner Ms. Lilian N. Mbuchi, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and an Accredited Mediator, the firm specializes in areas such as dispute resolution, banking and finance, real estate, employment law, and litigation. With a focus on integrity, excellence, and client needs, the firm will review submitted manuscripts, ensuring a fair and thorough evaluation.

OBJECTIVE OF THE COMPETITION:

  1. Promote Legal Scholarship: Encourage participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds to contribute to the evolving discourse on legal challenges, particularly in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and other areas of law.
  2. Foster Collaboration: Create a platform for law students, academicians, and legal professionals to engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange ideas.
  3. Raise Awareness: Highlight key legal issues and propose innovative solutions through scholarly writing.
  4. Identify Talent: Recognize and reward individuals who demonstrate exceptional legal research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

KEY FEATURES OF THE COMPETITION:

  • Theme: Open to all topics related to law, with a special focus on ADR.
  • Eligibility: Open to law students, academicians, researchers, and legal professionals worldwide.

PRIZES AND REWARDS:

  • 1st Prize: KSH 10,000 + Certificate of Merit + Six months Mentorship in International Commercial Arbitration by Professor Kariuki Muigua.
  • 2nd Prize: KSH 5,000 + Certificate of Merit + Internship Opportunity at MMW Advocates LLP.
  • 3rd Prize: KSH 5,000 + Certificate of Merit + Internship Opportunity at a MMW Advocates LLP.
  • Certificates of Participation: All registered participants will receive a certificate.
  • Publication Opportunity: Top essays will be published on the ADR & The Law platform and shared with partner law firms for further recognition.

PROPOSED TIMELINE:

  • Launch Date: 1 March 2025
  • Registration Deadline: 20 March 2025
  • Submission Deadline: 30 March 2025
  • Announcement of Results: 10 April 2025

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

  1. Citation Style: Use the Oxford University Standard for the Citation of Legal Authorities (OSCOLA) format for all references and footnotes.
  2. Font and Formatting:
    • Font: Times New Roman, size 12.
    • Line spacing: 1.5.
    • Margins: 1-inch margins on all sides, justified.
    • Word Limit: 5,000 to 8,000 words (excluding footnotes and bibliography).
  4. Originality: Submissions must be original, unpublished work. Plagiarism will result in disqualification.
  5. File Format: Submit essays in both Word (.docx) and PDF formats.
  6. Biographical Information: Include a separate document with the following details:
    • Full Name
    • Institution/Organization
    • Academic/Professional Status
    • Contact Information (Email and Phone Number)
  8. Submission Process: Send all entries via email to adrandthelaw@gmail.com with the subject line: "ADR & The Law Essay Competition 2025 Submission."

We look forward to your participation and to celebrating the next generation of legal thinkers and innovators!