Colette Bitali
Summary
Results-driven transactional lawyer with 7 years of experience as lead negotiator for the government in various areas of the law. Specialties include commercial advisory work, public-private partnerships, privatization, and contractual arrangements in the energy sector. Extensive corporate transactional law experience, advising investors and clients through drafting legal agreements, negotiating transactions and settlements, and liaising with governmental and non-governmental organizations. Poised and dedicated professional with proven ability to thrive in a complex and detail-oriented industry.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
LEGAL ANALYST
RWANDA DEVELOPMENT BOARD
10.2022 - Current
- Played a pivotal role as the lead negotiator for the government, ensuring effective representation in diverse aspects of investment and transactional advisory work.
- Expertise include implementation and management of environmental and climate financing initiatives, overseeing project finance and infrastructure activities. I have led successful mergers and acquisitions while providing legal advisory services for public private partnerships and privatization projects. Skilled in representing transactions before ministerial committees ahead of Cabinet approval.
- Liaised with governmental and non-governmental institutions, boards, and committees to represent and develop the organization as lead negotiator for government.
- Managed contract review process to reduce liability risks for organization and trained team members on best practices.
ASSOCIATE
EQUITY JURIS CHAMBERS
08.2017 - 05.2022
- Successfully navigated complex legal landscapes for clients engaged in various commercial matters such as energy sector investments, investor status acquisition in Rwanda, project finance.
- Leveraged strong relationship-building skills to facilitate smooth interactions between the firm and various external parties.
- Represented the firm in engaging dialogues with governmental bodies, non-profit organizations, and private entities.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase customer satisfaction and engagement.
- Played an integral role in launching successful projects by coordinating tasks among team members while adhering closely to established timelines and budgets.
ASSOCIATE
CERTA LAW CHAMBERS
01.2017 - 06.2017
- Conducted thorough legal research on litigation cases, preparing case approach summaries and providing legal opinions.
- Empowered youth through mentorship programs and led client handling activities.
- Represented clients during court briefings and meetings, offered legal advice to domestic and international clients.
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving complex issues and providing exceptional service at all times.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering an inclusive work environment that encouraged collaboration and innovation.
LEGAL INTERN
THE RESIDENT MAGISTRATES' COURT
06.2016 - 09.2016
- Experienced in court procedures and proficient in advocacy skills such as litigation, negotiation, mediation, witness questioning, and conducting preliminary hearings.
- Streamlined the practice of civil and criminal law procedures by effectively observing and applying insights from courtroom experiences.
- Drafted well-prepared judgments through thorough research and proofreading.
- Managed case files efficiently, ensuring easy accessibility for magistrates and judges when needed.
- Attended court hearings, developing a deeper understanding of trial procedures and advocacy strategies.
LEGAL INTERN
ELITE ATTORNEYS
03.2016 - 06.2016
- Achieved notable success in managing and overseeing several prominent projects with exceptional legal competency.
- Provided legal support in various drafting activities including deeds of settlement, submissions to court, secondment agreements, copyright assignments, plaints and written statements of defense.
- Prepared chamber summons and affidavits for diverse legal matters.
- Participated in court briefings and hearings.
- Reviewed legal information and proofed documentation for errors.
LEGAL INTERN
LAWBAY ATTORNEYS
07.2015 - 10.2015
- Created a variety of legal documents including lease agreements, contracts, memorandums of understanding and demand notes.
- Advocated for client interests in negotiation meetings.
- Attained diverse sectoral licenses for clients.
- Acted as a liaison between the client and various local government offices in order to advocate for their needs.
- Organized legal filing system to maximize efficiency.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice - LAW
THE LAW SCHOOL OF TANZANIA
DAR-ES-SALAAM, TANZANIA04.2017
Bachelor of Laws - LLB LAW
UNIVERSITY OF READING
06.2015
General Certificate of Secondary Education -
ST CONSTANTINE'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
06.2012
International General Certificate of Education -
ST CONSTANTINE'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
06.2010
Skills
- Investment Law
- Transactional Advisory
- Banking & Finance
- Legal Research
- Energy
- Mediation
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Negotiation
- Policies
- Speaking
- Legal Analysis
- Risk management
- Legal Drafting
- Project Management
- Research and Analysis
- Litigation
- Public Speaking
- Leadership
- Computer Skills/Microsoft Word
- Legal Advice
- Project tracking
- Caseload Management
- Data privacy
- Corporate Governance
Accomplishments
- Rwanda Bar Association, 2019
- East African Law Society, 2018
- Tanganyika Law Society, 2018
Publications
- DLA_-Piper-Africa_Connected_Issue_Three
- Rwanda's Lake Kivu: Electricity generation through methane gas - DLA Piper Africa
References
- Mr. Dennis Gatera, Head of Transactions – Rwanda Development Board.
T: +250780661751 E: dennis.gatera@rdb.rw
- Ms. Florida Kabasinga, Managing Partner - Certa Law Chambers.
T: +250788309964 E: fkabasinga@gmail.com
- Hon. Julien Ndinda, Judge of the High Court – Rwandan Judiciary.
T: +250788307905 E: julien.ndinda@judiciary.gov.rw
- Dr. Alison J. Bisset, Professor – International Human Rights Law- University of Reading.
E: a.j.bisset@reading.ac.uk
Languages
English, Kinyarwanda
Native language
French
Upper intermediate
B2
Swahili
Proficient
C2
Timeline
LEGAL ANALYST
RWANDA DEVELOPMENT BOARD
10.2022 - Current
ASSOCIATE
EQUITY JURIS CHAMBERS
08.2017 - 05.2022
ASSOCIATE
CERTA LAW CHAMBERS
01.2017 - 06.2017
LEGAL INTERN
THE RESIDENT MAGISTRATES' COURT
06.2016 - 09.2016
LEGAL INTERN
ELITE ATTORNEYS
03.2016 - 06.2016
LEGAL INTERN
LAWBAY ATTORNEYS
07.2015 - 10.2015
Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice - LAW
THE LAW SCHOOL OF TANZANIA
Bachelor of Laws - LLB LAW
UNIVERSITY OF READING
General Certificate of Secondary Education -
ST CONSTANTINE'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
International General Certificate of Education -
ST CONSTANTINE'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
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