By Ninsiima Jollins
Law Student, Makerere University
My internship at Ivory Advocates was a profoundly formative experience that deepened my appreciation of legal practice beyond the classroom. From the very first day, I was welcomed into a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment where professionalism, precision, and integrity were the standard. Being surrounded by senior advocates committed to excellence challenged me to elevate both my thinking and output.
During the course of my internship, I had the privilege of contributing to a range of tasks that enriched my understanding of how the law is applied in practice. I was actively involved in legal research across various fields, including civil procedure, land law, commercial law, and employment disputes. Under supervision, I drafted legal documents such as pleadings, affidavits, and legal opinions, which taught me the importance of accuracy, and structure in legal writing.
One of the most impactful parts of my experience was observing court proceedings was attending High Court and Magistrates’ Court sessions which exposed me to practical courtroom advocacy and how they proceed. I saw how advocates anchored their arguments in the Civil Procedure Rules, particularly the importance of Order 6 regarding pleadings, and how failure to strictly follow these rules could undermine a party’s case. These practical observations made the procedural rules much easier for me even during examinations.
Though the environment was demanding, I was encouraged to ask questions, engage with tasks, and reflect on feedback. I initially struggled to keep up with the pace and terminology, but through active listening, notes taking, and continued reading , I was able to improve significantly. The team’s willingness to support and mentor me played a critical role in my adjustment and growth.
This internship has strengthened my commitment to a career in litigation and dispute resolution. I leave Ivory Advocates with a renewed sense of purpose, better equipped with the foundational skills and mindset required to serve clients with diligence and uphold the values of the legal profession. I remain grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a reputable firm and hope to build on this experience as I progress in my legal journey.