Rudranath Maharaj Appointed New Principal of Hugh Wooding Law School

By BATV News Desk

Port of Spain, Trinidad | May 21, 2025 — The Council of Legal Education (CLE) has officially confirmed a leadership transition at one of the Caribbean’s premier legal education institutions. Effective August 1, 2025, Rudranath Maharaj, a seasoned attorney and trained mediator, will assume the role of Principal of the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) in Trinidad and Tobago.

The CLE Secretariat’s recent announcement highlights Mr. Maharaj’s longstanding contributions to legal education and public service, underscoring his nearly three decades of experience in law and mediation. His appointment comes as part of a wider leadership reshuffle within the Caribbean legal academic landscape, which also includes the appointment of Dr. Christopher Malcolm as Principal of the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, effective September 1, 2025.

A Veteran Legal Educator and Mediator

Rudranath Maharaj has been closely associated with the Hugh Wooding Law School for nearly two decades, serving as a Course Director since 2005 and currently holding the post of Senior Tutor II, with academic responsibility for Probate Practice and Procedure. His professional journey reflects a rich blend of academic, governmental, and corporate experience.

According to his official biography on the HWLS website, Maharaj also served as a lecturer at the School of Dentistry, Mount Hope Medical Sciences Complex, and the University of the West Indies School of Continuing Studies.

Public Service and Corporate Leadership

Beyond academia, Maharaj has made significant contributions to national development through roles in both the public and private sectors. He has been engaged as a consultant at the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited, and held directorships in key entities including PETROTRIN, LABIDCO, and other organizations within and outside the energy sector.

He also held a leadership position as Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the Statutory Authority Services Commission of Trinidad and Tobago, and currently serves as a member of the Mediation Board of Trinidad and Tobago—a role that reflects his deep commitment to justice and dispute resolution.

A Moment of Transition and Opportunity

Mr. Maharaj’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for HWLS as it looks to deepen its role in shaping the next generation of Caribbean legal professionals. His unique blend of legal scholarship, mediation expertise, and executive leadership positions him well to guide the institution through evolving legal and educational landscapes.

Meanwhile, the region anticipates a dual fresh leadership chapter, with Dr. Christopher Malcolm set to take the reins at Jamaica’s Norman Manley Law School this coming September, creating a synergy of new visionaries at the helm of the Caribbean’s most respected law schools.

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