Mahindra University School of Law and IIAM to launch an on-campus Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice

Mahindra University's School of Law has partnered with the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (IIAM) to launch the "Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice" on its Hyderabad campus. This pioneering initiative, part of IIAM’s 'Gateway to Justice' (G2J) project, aims to create a culture of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The Centre will offer professional training in mediation and arbitration and provide students and the community with access to real-time case management and dispute resolution services via IIAM's 'Peacegate' ODR platform. This collaboration signifies a major shift towards practical, experiential legal education, preparing students for the modern, diverse legal profession.

The establishment of the "Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice" at Mahindra University (MU) School of Law, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (IIAM), marks a pivotal moment for legal education in India. This collaboration is a direct response to the increasing global and domestic reliance on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms like mediation, arbitration, and conciliation to handle civil and commercial conflicts quickly and efficiently outside the traditional court system.

​The Centre is not just a theoretical unit; it is designed as a consortium partner under IIAM's ambitious 'Gateway to Justice' (G2J) project and will function as an affiliated centre under IIAM’s 'Peacegate' Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform. This structure ensures that learning is deeply integrated with real-time professional practice.

• ​Fostering ADR Culture: The core goal is to enhance access to justice by promoting a culture of amicable dispute resolution, which is vital for reducing the burden on India's conventional judicial system.
• ​Beyond Mock Exercises: The initiative provides MU law students with professional training and the opportunity to manage real cases in a functional setting, a significant departure from typical simulated or mock exercises prevalent in most law schools.
• ​Interdisciplinary Learning: The Centre aligns perfectly with Mahindra University’s strong focus on interdisciplinary education, enabling law students to collaborate with other schools (Engineering, Management) on complex, real-world case problems.
• ​Addressing Modern Needs: The curriculum and training will touch upon advanced areas like mediation advocacy, arbitration advocacy, and online case management, providing a distinct readiness advantage for graduates in the corporate and international legal sectors.

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 Training and Service Delivery: The Centre's Mandate

​The "Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice" has a dual mandate: to serve as a training ground for the next generation of legal professionals and as a service provider to the university and the broader community. This blend of pedagogy and practical service delivery creates a unique learning ecosystem.

​Professional Training and Skill Development:

• ​Certified Training Programs: The Centre will host training courses approved by IIAM, teaching individuals how to become skilled and certified mediators and arbitrators. IIAM offers recognized programs such as the Professional Mediator Training Program and Certificate Courses in Commercial Arbitration.
• ​Cultivating Expert Panels: The initiative aims to develop a ready panel of trained ADR professionals, including students, faculty members, and professional experts. Students will gain valuable practical skills and accreditations that can be immediately leveraged in their careers.
• ​Focus on Real-World Techniques: The training methodology will emphasize essential techniques for modern legal practice, including: 
  • ​Mediation Advocacy and Consultation
  • ​Arbitration Advocacy and Drafting
  • ​Dispute Management and Case Handling

​Community and Institutional Services:

• ​Real-Time Dispute Resolution: Through the partnership and IIAM’s Peacegate platform, students, faculty, university alumni, and members of the local community will be able to access real-time ADR services for various disputes.
• ​Hosting ADR Sessions: The Centre will host both institutional and ad-hoc arbitration and mediation sessions, providing authentic exposure to how legal disputes are resolved in a neutral, non-court setting.
• ​Gateway to Justice (G2J) Access: As a consortium partner, the Centre enhances the local community’s access to justice, providing an efficient, cost-effective, and confidential alternative to lengthy traditional court litigation.

​ Career Impact for Law Aspirants and Graduates

​The launch of this Seeding Centre provides a definitive competitive edge for students enrolled in or aspiring to join Mahindra University’s law programs, which include the B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), BBA. LL.B. (Hons.), and 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.). The Centre directly enhances the market readiness and specialization of its graduates.

• ​Specialization in High-Growth Areas: ADR is one of the fastest-growing legal specializations globally, especially in commercial, corporate, and international law. Graduates with practical experience from this Centre will be highly sought after in: 
  • ​Corporate Law Firms (as Arbitration Counsels or Mediation Consultants)
  • ​In-House Legal Departments (for efficient dispute management)
  • ​International Trade Bodies and specialized ADR chambers.
• ​Professional Credibility: Exposure to IIAM’s professional training and platforms significantly boosts the professional credibility of MU law students, setting them apart from peers whose training may be purely theoretical.
• ​Global Exposure: IIAM is a founding member of the Asia Pacific Centre for Arbitration & Mediation (APCAM). The partnership potentially exposes students to international arbitration procedures and standards, which is invaluable for those aspiring to practice international commercial law.
• ​Skill Synergy: The Centre integrates essential professional skills with academic knowledge, covering: 
  • ​Negotiation and Communication Skills (for mediation)
  • ​Procedural and Drafting Skills (for arbitration)
  • ​Ethical Practice and Professional Conduct in ADR.

​Conclusion

​The collaboration between Mahindra University School of Law and the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation to establish the "Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice" is a forward-looking initiative that firmly places the university at the forefront of experiential legal education. By integrating real-time ADR practice, certified training, and community service into its curriculum, the Centre offers law aspirants an unparalleled opportunity to develop the specialized skills needed to succeed in the modern legal profession. This strategic move ensures that graduates are not only academically proficient but also industry-ready to drive efficiency and access to justice in the legal system.

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