At Opt-Law Advocates, we provide forward-thinking legal solutions for a fast-moving world.
As one of the fastest-growing law firms in Rwanda and the East African region, we’re committed to helping local and international clients navigate today’s complex legal and business landscape. From Kigali to across East and Central Africa, our network of professionals delivers strategic, high-quality legal support that empowers businesses to grow confidently across borders.
Whether you’re entering the Rwandan market, expanding your operations across Africa, or dealing with regulatory and transactional challenges, our team is here to help.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) – including subsidiary setup, joint ventures, and cross-border structuring
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) – with deep expertise in both friendly and hostile transactions
Corporate & Commercial Law – supporting companies in sectors such as banking, manufacturing, energy, biotechnology, TMT, and more
Regulatory Advisory – helping clients stay compliant with trade, labor, fair competition, and sector-specific regulations
What sets us apart is our ability to tailor legal strategies to your unique business goals—backed by deep local insight and a regional outlook. From private equity deals to corporate governance and dispute resolution, we work as an extension of your team to find smart, practical solutions.
We don’t just understand the law—we understand business.
Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
We offer end-to-end legal services in intellectual property, supporting clients in protecting and maximizing the value of their innovations, brands, and creative assets.
Beyond litigation and enforcement, our IP practice provides strategic advisory services, including trademark registration, portfolio management, licensing, and brand protection. We assist clients in navigating Rwanda’s IP framework as well as regional and international systems.
Our team works with clients across industries, helping businesses safeguard their intangible assets and stay ahead in competitive markets.
Opt-Law Advocates provides trusted legal counsel on a wide range of real estate matters, with a strong focus on both routine and high-value property transactions.
We assist clients with property acquisitions, sales, leases, due diligence, development projects, and regulatory compliance. Our team remains at the forefront of key market trends, advising on outbound investments and supporting both local and international clients in navigating Rwanda’s real estate landscape.
From individual investors to corporate developers, we offer practical, risk-conscious solutions to support property ownership, development, and expansion.
At Opt-Law Advocates, we provide clear, strategic guidance on all aspects of labour and employment law, helping employers navigate legal obligations while building strong, compliant workplaces.
Recognized by clients for our “excellent legal advisory skills,” we’re known for tailoring solutions that reflect the unique needs and structure of each organization. Our services cover employment contracts, workplace policies, compliance audits, dispute resolution, and employee termination matters.
Whether advising on day-to-day HR issues or complex workforce changes, our team ensures you’re supported with sound legal strategy and practical insights.
We advise insurers, brokers, and stakeholders across the insurance sector on a wide range of legal and regulatory matters.
Our team has extensive experience in supervisory issues, including insurer licensing, compliance with regulatory frameworks, and the structuring of insurance products and operations. We support both new entrants and established players in navigating Rwanda’s insurance landscape with confidence.
With a strong understanding of sector-specific requirements, we help clients stay compliant while building sustainable and competitive insurance businesses.
Opt-Law Advocates is a trusted legal partner in high-stakes litigation and arbitration—known for our precision, strategy, and consistent results in complex legal disputes across Rwanda and internationally.
Backed by a diverse team of Rwandan and international experts, our dispute resolution practice handles sector-specific cases in areas such as tax, insurance, logistics, trade, intellectual property, and defense. Known as a "law firm that knows how to win," we focus on tailored, results-driven strategies for each client.
Opt-Law has extensive experience representing clients in complex cross-border disputes before major arbitration institutions, including the Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC). We are equipped to handle arbitrations under various institutional rules and across multiple jurisdictions.
Recognized as one of Rwanda’s premier litigation firms, Opt-Law Advocates has been at the forefront of landmark legal battles. Our courtroom strength, deep legal knowledge, and sectoral expertise make us a go-to firm for clients facing contentious proceedings of all kinds.
Our Business Law practice is at the core of what we do at Opt-Law Advocates. We support clients across a broad range of industries with strategic legal guidance on financial, transactional, and regulatory matters, helping them operate and grow with confidence in Rwanda and across the region.
Our tax team continues to expand, bringing deep technical knowledge and regional insight to support clients in navigating Rwanda’s evolving tax landscape. We provide advisory and compliance services across various tax matters, including corporate structuring, VAT, international taxation, and cross-border transactions.
We have strong capabilities in acquisition finance, project finance, and secured lending. Our team regularly represents both lenders and borrowers on complex financing arrangements and regulatory issues, ensuring legally sound and commercially viable solutions.
Our lawyers advise on large-scale infrastructure, natural resources, and energy projects, particularly in power generation and transmission. We act for blue-chip companies and institutional investors, offering full legal support from project development through financing and execution.
Opt-Law is a trusted advisor to many of Rwanda’s leading financial institutions and corporate clients on capital market matters. We assist with debt and equity offerings, regulatory compliance, and other transactions involving public and private market participation.
Our competition law practice represents clients in investigations and disputes related to the abuse of market dominance, restrictive practices, and unfair competition. We offer proactive guidance on compliance and risk mitigation in an increasingly regulated environment.
Opt-Law Advocates’ Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) practice is widely recognized for its strong client service and effective communication with both clients and government authorities.
We advise high-profile tech companies, media firms, and telecommunications providers on a broad range of legal matters, including regulatory compliance, licensing, data protection, and digital infrastructure. Our team supports both local innovators and global brands in navigating Rwanda’s fast-evolving TMT landscape.
With a clear understanding of emerging technologies and industry regulations, we help clients stay compliant, agile, and ahead of the curve.
We provide strategic and results-oriented defense in complex criminal matters, with a strong focus on white-collar and corporate crime.
Our criminal defense team represents clients in a broad range of cases, including financial fraud, tax offenses, corporate misconduct, and competition-related violations. We offer legal support at every stage—from investigation to trial—ensuring clients’ rights are protected and outcomes are managed with care.
Our practice is further enhanced by advanced investigative capabilities, including the application of scientific methods and forensic techniques to uncover facts and build strong defenses. We assist clients in navigating internal investigations, regulatory inquiries, and compliance reviews—helping mitigate risk and resolve issues before they escalate.
With discretion, precision, and cross-border capability, we defend what matters most—your reputation, your business, and your future.
