Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana speaking during the books’ launch. Photo/ Nuwira Studios & Lensically Creative Media
By Newsflash Reporter
Top legal brains 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 in the legal circles.
During the launch of the four books, in a colorful ceremony attended by the country’s top legal brains 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 the legal practice, titled “Lawyer in Progress: 365 Days to Success – Planner for Undergraduate and Bar Exam Students,” is very timely. He also vouches 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 recommend these two books is because they teach how to efficiently manage our time,” said Muthomi.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo speaks during the books’ launch ceremony in Nairobi. Photo/
Nuwira Studios & Lensically Creative Media
He advised upcoming lawyers that if they maximize how they use their professional time, then they will 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 all the time 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 heaped the blame surrounding delay of cases in courts on lawyers’ lack of time management.
Spotlight on ADR and legal education
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 that which should ignite the law fraternity to deeply study other ways of solving resolutions rather than through courts.
Photo/Nuwira Studios & Lensically Creative Media
“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 Faith.
Read more: Young lawyer’s love for mediation turns into books
Law Lecturer and former Makueni Governor, Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, who was the Guest of Honour, noted that Atieno’s books are dearly needed now that study of law has been expanded to other higher institutions apart from the Kenya School of Law.
“Atieno’s books really need to go to law schools, and to the lawyers who are already in the practice to help them improve or build further their practice,” said Kibwana.
Reforming legal practice through education and faith
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is the mechanism of resolving disputes in any other form other than through the court process. Alternative justice processes include mediation, conciliation, negotiation, arbitration, and traditional dispute resolution mechanisms.
Her books aim to reshape legal education, practice, and spiritual growth for aspiring and practicing 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 a region where formal legal systems often face challenges of accessibility and efficiency. The idea of ADR first excited her when she thought of how it easily helped solve cases that could, if left to courts, drag for years.
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“My book on ADR implores on the importance of using it as an alternative way of solving disputes in our societies. If wholly embraced, ADR can be used ensuring that there is no backlog of cases in our courts across the country,” says Atieno.
Judge Asenath Ongeri, who is widely known for her “The Making of a Judge” memoir, 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.”
