Dr. Rukia Baruti is an independent non-executive director, experienced arbitrator, and non-practising solicitor qualified in England and Wales. She is recognised for her expertise in governance, strategy, legal risk management, and ESG advocacy, with a career spanning over two decades in international arbitration and law.
She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Burford Capital, contributing to its Nominating and Governance, and Compensation Committees. Additionally, she is a member of the Advisory Board of the Tanzania International Arbitration Centre (TIAC) and an editor for the Jus Mundi Arbitration Review.
Dr. Baruti began her legal career working with commercial law firms in the City of London. In 2006, she joined SJ Berwin LLP (now part of King & Wood Mallesons), focusing on arbitration and litigation. Since then, her practice has encompassed diverse roles, including counsel, arbitrator, and Secretary to the Tribunal, working under all major international arbitration rules. She is frequently appointed by institutions such as the ICC, the LCIA and theChartered Institute of Arbitrators as a sole arbitrator or panel member in cross-border disputes.
A passionate advocate for diversity and African participation in international law, Dr. Baruti founded Africa International Legal Awareness (AILA) in 2011, a non-profit organisation promoting African involvement in the global legal community. She also co-founded the African Arbitration Association, where she served as Secretary-General and a Board Director from 2018 to 2022.
Dr. Baruti holds a First-Class Bachelor’s degree in Law from Birkbeck College, a Master’s in Diplomatic Studies and International Law from the University of Westminster, and a doctorate (cum laude) in Foreign Investment Law in Africa from the University of Geneva. Tanzanian-born, she continues to champion initiatives advancing diversity, governance, and African expertise in international arbitration.