In a quiet town near Kenya’s border, Raphael Okochil’s journey to redefine justice began long before founding ADR & The Law. In Busia, his hometown, the community was once united but became divided by endless courtroom battles. Raphael questioned whether there could be a better path to justice, one focused on honor, reconciliation, and healing instead of the chaos of traditional litigation.
What started as a question grew into a lifelong mission. Today, Raphael’s vision for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is shaping a new era of justice in Kenya. His journey is not just a story of personal success, it is a reflection of the changing landscape of law and a call to action for those seeking a more harmonious approach to conflict resolution.
The Seed of an Idea
“I grew up watching our community bond grow weak due to endless courtroom battles between one another,” Raphael reflects. This early exposure to the harsh realities of conflict resolution planted the seeds of a deeper question in his mind: Was there no gentler way to settle disputes, no path where dignity and peace were prioritized?
His quest for an answer led him to the world of ADR-a field centered around mediation, arbitration, and conflict resolution that aims to find mutually beneficial solutions without the need for lengthy, expensive court battles.
“Let’s be honest, most people think of law as a gladiator’s arena. Two enter, one leaves victorious. But I saw it differently. ADR is the elegant waltz instead of the duel, the firm handshake instead of the clenched fist,” he says, explaining the fundamental shift in his thinking.
Inspired by this vision, Raphael founded ADR & The Law to provide a platform for this transformative approach. What began as a personal mission to change how disputes were resolved in his own community has blossomed into a broader movement to bring ADR to the forefront of Kenya’s legal landscape.
Founding ADR & The Law
The founding of ADR & The Law was not just a career move for Raphael, it was a calling. Based in Nairobi, the platform has grown from a solo venture into a thriving operation, with a team of passionate individuals working toward making ADR the preferred method of dispute resolution across the nation.
Raphael’s ambitions, however, stretch beyond just resolving cases. “I founded ADR & The Law to spread the gospel of peaceful dispute resolution,” he explains. “I wanted to start with my community, then Kenya, and perhaps one day, the world.”
A standout initiative that illustrates the firm’s commitment to fostering new talent and advocacy for ADR is its essay writing competition. “It’s not just about winning a prize, it’s about creating opportunities,” Raphael shares. The competition, which attracted over 150 participants, offered an internship at a top law firm, illustrating the importance of ADR in legal practice and providing future lawyers with the chance to work in this growing field.
The Road Less Travelled
Every visionary journey is marked by challenges, and Raphael’s path has been no different. One of the most significant hurdles he faced was raising awareness about ADR in a community and country where litigation had long been the default method of resolving disputes.
“People still ask, ‘ADR? Is that some new political party?’” Raphael laughs, recalling the confusion some people had about his chosen path. “But it’s more than that. It’s a revolution in how we view conflict and justice. And getting people to understand that took time.”
Along with awareness came funding, which remains a consistent challenge for any small business or startup. “Organizing events, publishing articles, and reaching out to people is not cheap,” he admits. But for Raphael, the drive to continue pushing forward was rooted in his belief that ADR’s potential to change lives was worth every sacrifice.
Through it all, Raphael adhered to a powerful mantra: perseverance. As Winston Churchill once said, “Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” “Enthusiasm is something I have in abundance,” he adds, a smile in his voice.
The Ripple Effect of ADR
Despite the obstacles, Raphael has found success in numerous areas. One of his most proud accomplishments is the impact of the essay competition and internship program. “There was this young law student who was unsure about ADR. After winning the competition, he went on to secure an internship, and now he’s an advocate for ADR in his own community. That, to me, is victory.”
But success for Raphael isn’t about personal accolades or public recognition. It’s about seeing his mission grow and transform lives. “Every converted mind, every case resolved amicably, every bitter feud that ends in a handshake, that’s what I call success.”
For him, the impact of ADR isn’t just theoretical, it’s real, it’s tangible, and it’s changing the way people think about justice.
Beyond ADR & The Law
Raphael is more than just the founder of a legal platform. He’s also an active participant in Kenya’s broader legal landscape. “I moonlight as a legal researcher, writer, and general troublemaker,” he jokes. But his contributions go beyond humor, he engages in policy discussions, mentoring young lawyers, and advocating for reforms in the legal field.
His work as a mentor is particularly important. Raphael believes that the future of ADR depends on inspiring the next generation of legal minds. “We need young lawyers who understand the power of words and the art of diplomacy,” he says. “That’s how we will continue to build a more just and peaceful society.”
A Digital Revolution in the Making
As technology rapidly changes the world, Raphael is embracing innovations that bring ADR to new heights. “The future of ADR is digital,” he explains. “We’re already seeing online dispute resolution, AI-powered mediation, and other digital services that are transforming how conflicts are handled.”
Digital ADR, Raphael believes, will open new doors to global access and create more efficient ways to resolve disputes. As he prepares for upcoming projects, including more roundtables and competitions, Raphael is optimistic about the future of ADR and its potential to continue growing.
“The drumbeat of ADR is growing louder,” he says with quiet confidence. “We are just getting started.”
Leading with Purpose
As Raphael reflects on his journey so far, one lesson stands out above all others: The art of listening. “A leader is not someone who shouts the loudest, but someone who listens the most,” he shares thoughtfully. ADR, at its core, is about understanding not just the argument but the person behind it. It is about seeing both sides, finding common ground, and building bridges.
“Conflict is inevitable,” Raphael adds, “but war is a choice. ADR teaches patience, diplomacy, and the wisdom to know that words can heal.”
In a world that often leans toward division, Raphael Okochil’s story is a powerful reminder that there is always another way, a path that leads to reconciliation, understanding, and peace.
