15- Hours Advanced Commercial Mediation Training Program Organized By NALSA In Collaboration With International Academy Of Mediators

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman, NALSA in his address at the Inaugural Program highlighted the importance of mediation in India's legal landscape, stating that with increasing global trade and commercial transactions, mediation serves as an efficient mechanism for dispute resolution, ensuring quicker and mutually beneficial outcomes.

Justice M.M. Sundresh, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Member, Supreme Court Mediation and Conciliation Project Committe while addressing the participants lauded NALSA's initiative to organize this training program, as such initiatives contribute to creation of a more stable and predictable business environment. He stated that training programs tailored to the unique requirements of commercial disputes are not just desirable—they are essential.

The program aimed to equip participants with advanced techniques in mediation, focusing on resolving high-stakes commercial conflicts efficiently and amicably. With the growing significance of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, this training session was a timely and critical initiative, addressing the evolving needs of the business and legal communities.

The innaugural was attended by Rakesh Kumar Khanna, Senior Advocate and Member, Supreme Court Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee; and Bharat Parashar, Member Secretary, NALSA, Retd. Justice M.L. Mehta, Former Judge, High Court of Delhi, Santosh Kumar, Secretary, Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), Ms. Shreya AroraMehta and Ms. Harshita Mishra, Officers on Special Duty, NALSA. Niraj Gayagi, Joint Secretary, Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice was an Observer for the session.

The training, conducted by leading global experts in mediation, namely Mr. Jonathan Lloyd-Jones, President Elect, IAM and Commercial Mediator and Director, Independent Mediators Ltd. (from United Kingdom); Mr. Claude Amar, Vice President, IAM and Managing Partner, Mediation & Resolution (from France); Mr. Tat Lim, Governor, IAM and Managing Partner, Aequitas Law LLP/ Commercial Mediator, Maxwell Mediators (from Singapore); Ms. Prachi Mehta, Governor, IAM and Founder & Managing Partner, the ADR Group (TAG); and Ms. Anveeksha T. Jain, Senior Mediator and Lead Psychologist, TAG (from India), covered various essential topics such as: What is different about Commercial Mediations?; Psychology in Commercial Mediation & Negotiations; The Mediators' Stance in Commercial Disputes; Managing Difficult Parties in Commercial Mediations; Mediating International Commercial Disputes / Cross-border disputes; Co-Mediating in International Disputes; Distributive Negotiation & Anchoring; Leveraging Emotions in Commercial Mediations; Words & Communication Techniques etc. Interactive sessions, case studies, and practical simulations enriched the learning experience for the participants.

The collaboration with the International Academy of Mediators, a globally renowned institution, further emphasized the program's significance in aligning India's mediation practices with international standards. The participants were awarded certificates for completing the program.