Rutabingwa Athanase, one of the founding Partners at MRB Attorneys, holds an MSc in International Trade Policy and Trade Law from Lund University in Sweden. He also possesses a Postgraduate Diploma from the Institute of Legal Practice & Development (ILPD) and is a Fellow in Arbitration (FCIArb) from the London Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, of which he chairs the Rwandan Branch.


Athanase began his legal career in 2000 upon joining the Rwanda Bar Association. He initially worked as an advocate with Rwanga and Company Advocates before co-founding Kigali Allied Advocates, where he served as Managing Partner. In 2013, he played a pivotal role in the formation of MRB Attorneys.


Athanase brings extensive expertise in commercial law, particularly in providing advisory services to a diversified portfolio of clients, including financial institutions, sponsors, developers, and governmental bodies.


He is highly skilled in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, as well as litigation in commercial law, banking, labor law, land law, and transport law. Throughout his career, Athanase has developed strong relationships within Rwandan institutions. He held the position of President of the Rwanda Bar Association for two consecutive terms (2011-2015) and has been actively involved in the East African Law Society, serving as both a member and Council Member. Additionally, he served as President of the Conference International des Barreaux (CIB).


In addition to his legal practice, Athanase has served on the boards of several corporate entities, including SONARWA General Insurance Ltd (2014 – 2016) and the Development Bank of Rwanda (2013 – 2020). He has also acted as Company Secretary for various organizations. Furthermore, he held the position of Chairman of the Kigali City Council from 2016 to 2019. Athanase also contributes to legal education as a lecturer at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) in Rwanda.