On Thursday, January 30, 2025, Strathmore Law School had the privilege of hosting G. Marcus Cole, the Joseph A. Matson Dean and Professor of Law at Notre Dame Law School, for a guest lecture on “Restoring Faith in Faith-Based Legal Education.” Delivered at the Microsoft Auditorium, the lecture resonated deeply with faculty, students, and legal professionals, shedding light on the critical role of faith-based institutions in shaping ethical legal practitioners.

Faith and the Future of Legal Education

In his address, Dean Cole emphasized the urgent need for legal education to go beyond technical training and incorporate moral and ethical grounding. “In a world filled with conflicts and systemic changes, the role of leadership is crucial. Faith-based institutions play a fundamental role in shaping the next generation of leaders by upholding ethical values and fostering a commitment to justice,” he stated.

A central theme of the lecture was the importance of ensuring that legal education remains anchored in its foundational purpose; upholding the rule of law and defending those who cannot defend themselves. He further stressed that institutions must encourage constructive discourse by allowing freedom of speech without unjust limitations.

Faith-Based Institutions Must Stay True to Their Identity

Dean Cole addressed the growing challenge of faith-based institutions straying from their original missions, warning against the loss of religious identity in pursuit of broader appeal. “We have taken a different course at Notre Dame. The core of faith-based education is the willingness to confront difficult questions while staying anchored in faith. At the end of the day, we are all part of God’s creation, and we should have strong confidence in our faith,” he stated.

During the Q&A session, Eva Maina, an alumna of both Strathmore Law School and Notre Dame, raised a crucial question about balancing the need for competent staff with maintaining a spiritual foundation in institutions. Dean Cole responded by emphasizing the need for intentionality in hiring individuals who uphold core institutional values. “We are all building a cathedral for the greater glory of God,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of aligning faculty and staff with the institution’s faith-driven mission.

Dr. Kankindi reinforced this point, noting that faith-based institutions must remain unapologetically committed to their identity while also ensuring financial sustainability. “There’s a misconception that being a good person means you won’t need to make money because it would lead to bad decisions. However, faith-based institutions must continue their mission while also ensuring financial stability,” she said.

The Role of Faith in Legal Leadership

One of the most thought-provoking moments of the lecture came when Dean Cole challenged the notion that one cannot be both a good person and a good lawyer. “The only way to be a good lawyer is to be guided by morals and ethics,” he asserted. He highlighted that Notre Dame Law School is one of the few institutions that require jurisprudence as part of its curriculum to ensure students grasp the bigger picture—justice.

Faith-based legal institutions, he argued, have a unique role in training lawyers to be not just skilled legal practitioners but also ethical leaders. “We should not just appreciate people who are like us but also those who are different from us. The strength of our institutions lies in valuing diverse perspectives and upholding the dignity of every human person,” he emphasized.

Strengthening the SLS-Notre Dame Partnership

Preceding the lecture, Dean Cole met with Strathmore University leadership, including Vice Chancellor, Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Elizabeth Gachenga, and Strathmore Law School Dean, Dr. Jane Wathuta. The discussions focused on deepening the existing partnership between Strathmore Law School and Notre Dame Law School, with an emphasis on future collaborations that reinforce their shared commitment to justice, leadership, and service.

The visit was organized by Allan Mukuki, Strathmore Law School’s Partnerships Director, whose efforts have been instrumental in fostering collaborations between the two institutions. Both Strathmore University and Notre Dame share a deep-rooted faith-based mission, making this visit not just an academic engagement but a reaffirmation of their shared values.

Dr. Wathuta closed the session by expressing gratitude to Dean Cole for his invaluable insights and reaffirming Strathmore Law School’s dedication to training lawyers who serve with integrity and justice.

This guest lecture and the broader discussions that followed served as a powerful reminder that legal education, when rooted in faith and ethical principles, has the potential to produce not just skilled lawyers but transformative leaders in society.

Article written by Evans Ijakaa