Lawyers cautioned against using social media to solve disputes

Kenya: Lawyers have been encouraged to take advantage of a newly created task force for dispute resolution instead of "airing dirty linen on social media."

The convener of the Young Lawyers Committee, Dennis Mosota, who is also a member of the Law Society of Kenya(LSK) committee on Continuing Professional Development, cautioned advocates against resorting to informal channels where their concerns cannot be addressed professionally.

He called on lawyers to shun social media where some have recently taken to iron out their differences saying they should instead present their grievances to the Arbitration Centre Committee for resolution.

Mr Mosota also decried the lack of participation among lawyers in LSK organised activities.

"Many are the times when important decisions, resolutions and motions are passed but without your input simply because you do not attend," Mr Mosota said. He spoke during an induction course held at a Nairobi hotel for newly admitted lawyers.

He said forming social media groups like the OkoaLSK "where people will read about grievances but fail to act was not a solution..."

"We should use our numbers positively and proactively as young lawyers and play a central role in the affairs of the Society... let us be a part and parcel of major decisions made on these forums," he said.

He recalled how the decision to raise funds for the construction of the LSK International Arbitration and Convention centre in Nairobi was passed during a special general meeting called by the LSK on September 27 but of which only a handful attended as "some members chose to go and watch a rugby tournament in the city."

The arbitration committee, Mr Mosota said, has its terms of reference on funding options and has been tasked to come up with a detailed report within 30 days. He said the committee has been put in place to address members concerns instead of "being published on-line where no one cares to attend to them."

"Members do not attend meetings and do not take part in decision making yet they should be at the forefront of these processes so that they may bring about the desired changes they need to see," he said.