By Reporter
Top legal minds have lauded four books released by flamboyant lawyer Julie Atieno Ogolla. Her love for research and writing, especially in the area of Alternative Dispute Resolution, spurred her passion to pen books worth studying within legal circles.
During the launch of the four books in a colourful ceremony attended by the country’s top legal professionals on April 30, 2025, Atieno’s books were recommended for the legal fraternity and law enthusiasts.
Legal practitioner, academic and consultant Muthomi Thiankolu said Atieno’s book on time management in legal practice titled, “Lawyer in Progress: 365 Days to Success – Planner for Undergraduate and Bar Exam Students,” was timely.
He also vouched for, “Beyond the Books: The Law Student’s Guide to Passing the Bar Exam,” for all lawyers who want to save time in their trade.
“The reason I recommended these two books was because they teach how to efficiently manage our time,” said Muthomi.
He advised upcoming lawyers that if they maximised the use of their professional time, they would likely have happier clients—and more fame, glory, and success.
“Something I taught Atieno in her class was about time management. One of the hypotheses I have sold to the Judicial Service Commission is about time management. A country’s fortunes, in terms of socio-economic advancement, is inversely proportional to the number of lawyers in a country,” argued Muthomi.
Muthomi attributed delays in court cases to lawyers’ lack of time management.
Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo was categorical in her recommendation of Atieno’s book on Alternative Dispute Resolution, “From Tradition to Modernity: The Role of ADR in African Justice Systems.” She referred to it as timely, and one that should ignite the legal fraternity to deeply explore other ways of solving disputes beyond court processes.
“This book is humbling as it gives practical solutions that we can inculcate in our justice system. ADR is an area that is fast catching up locally, regionally, and internationally. Our aim is to position Nairobi as the cradle or centre of mediation or arbitration in the region,” said Odhiambo.
Law lecturer and former Makueni Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, who was the Guest of Honour, noted that Atieno’s books were dearly needed now that the study of law has expanded to higher institutions beyond the Kenya School of Law.
“Atieno’s books really need to go to law schools, and to the lawyers who are already in practice to help them improve or further build their practice,” said Kibwana.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is the mechanism of resolving disputes through means other than the court process. These include mediation, conciliation, negotiation, arbitration, and traditional dispute resolution mechanisms.
Her books aim to reshape legal education, practice, and spiritual growth for aspiring and practising lawyers. Each of her books provides a unique perspective on legal success, professional development, and the role of faith in the legal profession.
Atieno provides a thought-provoking analysis of ADR’s role in enhancing access to justice, particularly in regions where formal legal systems often face challenges related to accessibility and efficiency. The idea of ADR first excited her when she realised how effectively it helped resolve cases that might otherwise drag on in court for years.
“My book on ADR implores the importance of using it as an alternative way of solving disputes in our societies. If wholly embraced, ADR can be used to ensure that there is no backlog of cases in our courts across the country,” says Atieno.
Judge Asenath Ongeri, widely known for her memoir “The Making of a Judge,” was also present.
Speaking during the launch, Atieno Ogolla shared, “These books are the culmination of my passion for law, education, and mentorship. Each of them addresses a critical gap in legal education and practice, offering students and practitioners the tools they need to succeed academically, professionally and spiritually.”
Photo credits to Nuwira Studios and Lensically Creative Media
