Be Approachable and Build Firm Relationships - Lessons from Previous Fellows

Swaziland
Both Nick and Walker, volunteers working with Buhle, identified Buhle's outgoing and engaging personality as fundamental to his success. Buhle related to community leaders on a personal and professional level. This was accomplished by Buhle taking time to explain that he was conducting research on certain issues and was interested to hear their views. One intern working for Buhle, Phakama Shili, indicated that the interpersonal connections were important when working with the community police. Shili stated,"We let them say what they feel...and then we give them the position of the law. We give them what they are supposed to do and then at the end of the day we reach consensus.” This method of engagement enabled Buhle to hold talks with community leaders about problems and discuss solutions.

Kenya
Joy B. Mdivo sought to train paralegals and prison officers so they could support pro bono lawyers at her organisation, Christian Legal Education Aid and Research (CLEAR). Documentary photojournalist Humera said that building strong relationships was Joy's “real strength," and led to the support of prison wardens. Humera also commended Peter, a lawyer who lectured at the CLEAR trainings in Kenyan prisons, for his natural ability to engage and relate to others. He utilized a diplomatic style that proved effective when working with prison officials. Peter displayed a suitable level of unhappiness regarding the human rights situation, yet he also respected the officials' authority.

Brazil
Aziz Saliba sought to design and create different human rights related courses on video to help the public understand habeas corpus as well as to teach other lawyers how to file human rights violation complaints to the Inter-American Court (IAC).  Yet, Aziz was not generally approachable which hindered his project reach.  Though he is a very important and busy individual, a 'good' JusticeMaer should be communicative and available.