Court of Appeal guides Law Development Centre students on maximising Clerkship experience

The Court of Appeal has urged Law Development Centre (LDC) Bar Course Clerkship students to take full advantage of their attachment by gaining practical knowledge of appellate practice, legal research, court procedures and professional ethics.

The guidance was delivered by Principal Research Magistrate HW Sumaya Kasule-Rutahwire, attached to the Chambers of Justice Dr. Asa Mugenyi, during an orientation meeting held at the Court of Appeal in Kampala.

The meeting brought together five LDC students from the Kampala campus who are undertaking their clerkship at the Court of Appeal from August 3 to October 9, 2026.

Kasule-Rutahwire encouraged the students to view the attachment as a key component of their legal training rather than a mere requirement. She noted that the Court of Appeal exposes them to real disputes, complex legal questions, and highly contested matters that provide valuable practical learning opportunities.

She advised the students to actively engage with court records, observe proceedings, undertake legal research, and learn from judicial officers and court staff. She also encouraged them to use the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) cause lists and court records to understand cases and develop the ability to review lengthy records within limited timeframes.

The magistrate urged the students to go beyond assigned tasks by following cause lists and reading recent court decisions to broaden their understanding of different areas of law. She also guided them to understand the structure and jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal, including the difference between first and second appeals and how grounds of appeal are framed.

On legal research, Kasule-Rutahwire encouraged the students to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for improving efficiency but warned them against relying on it without verification.

She emphasized that legal authorities generated through AI must be independently checked and that students must conduct their own research and carefully study all materials before relying on them.

“If you don’t read, there is no shortcut. I’m telling you, you will be embarrassed,” she cautioned.

She further advised the students to develop strong legal writing and drafting skills by using clear, neutral, and precise language, accurately attributing submissions and organizing research materials under logical headings.

The magistrate also encouraged them to attend as many court hearings as possible to observe professional conduct, including advocates’ preparedness, command of case records, interaction with the bench, courtesy, punctuality, dress code and courtroom demeanour.

She urged the students to learn from judicial officers and court support staff, noting that practical experience gained during the clerkship would contribute greatly to their future legal careers.

Kasule-Rutahwire also emphasized the importance of professionalism, encouraging the students to be punctual, prepared, respectful, and open to feedback. She noted that professional relationships developed during the attachment could remain valuable throughout their careers.

The students were reminded to uphold confidentiality and professional ethics, especially when handling sensitive information from court records, chambers, and judicial deliberations.

“Please maintain strict confidentiality regarding all matters and deliberations that you may attend to in courts,” she said.

She further urged them to maintain impartiality in their research and drafting while respecting the principles of judicial independence and integrity.

The magistrate encouraged the students to learn practical aspects of court administration, including how files are received and uploaded on ECCMIS, preparation of files for hearings, filing timelines, court fees and PRNs, service of documents, mediation, references, petitions, case management and coordination among justice-sector partners.

The orientation is expected to help the students gain a deeper understanding of appellate processes while preparing them for professional legal practice.