Mahindra University School of Law teams up with IIAM to establish a new Peace & Justice Centre on campus

Mahindra University School of Law (MU-SoL) has partnered with the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (IIAM) to launch the 'Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice'. This pioneering initiative establishes India's first fully functional institutional arbitration and mediation centre on a university campus. It promises law aspirants unparalleled, real-time exposure to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. The Centre will host live cases, offer certified training programs approved by IIAM, and utilize the Peacegate Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform, ensuring students are industry-ready for the global legal market.

In a landmark move poised to fundamentally transform legal pedagogy in India, the Mahindra University School of Law (MU-SoL) has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (IIAM). This collaboration is set to establish the "Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice" directly on the university campus in Hyderabad. This is not merely an academic unit; it is India’s first institutional arbitration and mediation centre fully integrated within a university campus. This groundbreaking facility signals a significant pivot towards experiential legal education, addressing the urgent need for legal professionals proficient in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)—namely, arbitration and mediation. For aspiring lawyers, this partnership provides an unparalleled competitive edge, ensuring graduates are not just theoretically sound but possess the practical, industry-ready skills demanded by modern corporate and international legal practices, thereby enhancing access to justice for the wider community.

Experiential Learning: India’s First Campus-Based ADR Centre

The Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice is strategically designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and professional reality, placing Mahindra University at the forefront of innovative legal training.

• Real-Time Case Exposure: The Centre will function as a hub for both institutional and ad-hoc arbitration and mediation proceedings. Law aspirants will get to observe, shadow, and assist in the administrative management of live cases. This provides crucial exposure to procedural nuances, from case filing to managing tribunal communication.
• Consortium Partner in G2J: The Centre operates as a key consortium partner in IIAM’s nationwide 'Gateway to Justice' (G2J) project, decentralizing dispute resolution services. This connection ensures students are involved in promoting affordable and efficient ADR mechanisms, contributing to social impact.
• Technology Integration (ODR): The facility will function as an affiliated centre under IIAM’s 'Peacegate' Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform. This exposes students to cutting-edge legal technology and prepares them for the increasing use of digital tools in domestic and cross-border commercial disputes.

Certified Training and Professional Skill Development

The collaboration’s dual mandate is to serve as a high-quality service provider and an accredited training ground, substantially boosting the career readiness of Mahindra University graduates.

• Globally Recognized Training: The MoU mandates that the Centre host comprehensive certified training programs in mediation and arbitration, adhering to IIAM’s globally recognized curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to acquire professional credentials and certified skills.
• Cultivating Expert Panels: The initiative actively aims to cultivate a specialized panel of trained ADR professionals, including students, faculty members, and external experts. This creates an immediate ecosystem of expertise and mentorship for aspirants.
• Focus on Advanced Techniques: The curriculum emphasis shifts to practical, high-demand skills essential for corporate and international law:
  • Mediation Advocacy: Techniques for consulting and representing parties effectively in mediation.
  • Arbitration Advocacy and Drafting: Mastering the procedural and drafting skills required for complex commercial arbitration.
  • Dispute Management: Training in case handling, ethics, and professional conduct in ADR sessions.

 Impact on Career Trajectories for Law Aspirants

The establishment of the Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice positions Mahindra University graduates distinctively in a globally competitive legal market where ADR expertise is highly valued.

• Meeting Industry Demand: Alternative Dispute Resolution is one of the fastest-growing legal specializations. By providing certified, practical experience, the Centre ensures that Mahindra University graduates meet the rising demand from top-tier law firms, in-house counsel roles, and international organizations.
• Interdisciplinary Advantage: The Centre perfectly aligns with Mahindra University's interdisciplinary focus. Law aspirants will approach dispute resolution by incorporating perspectives from management, negotiation theory, and technology, providing a holistic and robust problem-solving framework.
• Enhanced Access to Justice: The Centre's service delivery mandate, as part of the G2J project, allows students to meaningfully contribute to enhancing access to justice for the community. By offering faster, cost-effective alternatives to traditional litigation, the Centre reinforces the university’s commitment to social responsibility and practical legal reform.

The strategic partnership between Mahindra University School of Law and IIAM is a transformative moment for Indian legal education, prioritizing the development of industry-ready lawyers proficient in Alternative Dispute Resolution. This unique, on-campus institutional centre provides a direct, hands-on advantage unmatched by traditional law schools. Prospective law aspirants must recognize that specialization in ADR is critical for career success and should prioritize admission to Mahindra University School of Law to leverage the unparalleled training, real-time case exposure, and certified professional skills offered by the Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice.

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