New initiative: Mahindra University School of Law & IIAM to launch on-campus Peace & Justice centre

Mahindra University School of Law (MU-SoL) partners with the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (IIAM) to launch a pioneering Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice. This initiative is a major step in practical legal education, focusing heavily on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) like mediation and arbitration. Law aspirants will receive certified training, hands-on experience via the 'Peacegate' ODR platform, and a competitive edge in the evolving global and Indian legal job market. The centre aims to train students as expert problem-solvers and pioneers of amicable justice.

In a landmark development set to redefine experiential legal education in India, the Mahindra University School of Law (MU-SoL) has formally collaborated with the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (IIAM) to establish an on-campus "Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice."  Announced as a vital step towards bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional practice, this new centre is poised to become a premier training ground for the next generation of legal professionals, specifically in the high-demand field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

​The initiative, part of IIAM’s ambitious 'Gateway to Justice' (G2J) project, signals a crucial shift in legal pedagogy. It moves away from an exclusive focus on litigation toward nurturing lawyers who are skilled, efficient, and ethical problem-solvers capable of fostering amicable resolution in complex civil and commercial disputes. For aspiring lawyers, this partnership offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain industry-ready skills and a significant competitive advantage in a rapidly globalizing legal marketplace.

​ The Core Mandate: Experiential Learning in ADR

​The "Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice" has a strategic dual mandate: to serve as a training hub for students and a direct service provider to the university and the wider community. This model ensures that learning is deeply rooted in practical experience, transforming students from mere readers of case law into active participants in the justice delivery system. The centre will focus heavily on mediation and arbitration, which are increasingly preferred methods for dispute resolution globally.

• ​Certified Professional Training: The Centre will host professional training courses in mediation and arbitration, adhering to IIAM’s rigorous, globally-recognized curriculum. This means students and faculty will have access to programs like the Professional Mediator Training Program, allowing them to earn certified qualifications while still on campus.
• ​Access to Cutting-Edge Technology: Students will gain hands-on experience by managing real-time cases via IIAM’s 'Peacegate' Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform. This is critical, as the future of dispute resolution is rapidly moving online, especially for cross-border and e-commerce disputes.
• ​Real-Time Case Management: Functioning as a consortium partner of IIAM’s 'Gateway to Justice' (G2J) project, the centre will host both institutional and ad-hoc arbitration and mediation sessions. This allows students to manage, observe, and participate in live legal proceedings under the supervision of experts, integrating classroom learning with real-world practice.

​ Career Trajectory: Why ADR Expertise is Key

​For law aspirants preparing to enter the professional world in 2025 and beyond, expertise in Alternative Dispute Resolution is no longer a niche specialization—it's fast becoming a mandatory skill. The traditional legal market in India is evolving, with businesses demanding faster, more cost-effective, and relationship-preserving methods of conflict resolution.

• ​Competitive Edge in the Job Market: Law firms, corporate legal departments, and global institutions are actively seeking graduates with proven skills in negotiation, mediation advocacy, and arbitration drafting. The specialized training from the Mahindra University-IIAM Centre places its graduates at the forefront of this hiring trend, differentiating them from their peers.
• ​Addressing Judicial Backlog: ADR methods are crucial for reducing the massive backlog in the Indian judicial system. Lawyers skilled in this area are seen as contributors to national development, making them highly valuable to both the private sector and government entities seeking to streamline their legal processes.
• ​Global Readiness: As India's economy integrates further globally, the demand for lawyers who can handle international commercial arbitration is soaring. Training provided at the new Centre equips students with the global standards and procedural knowledge necessary to operate effectively in international legal arenas.

​ Skill Synergy: Beyond Statutes and Case Law

​The new Centre emphasises a holistic development approach, focusing on a crucial skill synergy that extends beyond the mere memorization of statutes and case precedents. The modern lawyer must be an effective communicator, negotiator, and ethical practitioner.

• ​Crucial Soft Skills Development: The training curriculum will specifically enhance negotiation and communication skills, which are the cornerstones of successful mediation. Unlike litigation, ADR focuses on a collaborative, 'win-win' outcome, demanding a different, more empathetic skillset.
• ​Procedural and Ethical Mastery: Students will gain a deep understanding of the procedural and drafting skills required for effective arbitration, including drafting robust arbitration clauses and managing evidence in a less formal setting. This includes a strong focus on Ethical Practice and Professional Conduct in ADR.
• ​Cultivating a Culture of Peace: Beyond professional competence, the centre aims to promote a fundamental change in the approach to conflict. By cultivating a panel of student, faculty, and professional mediators and arbitrators, the initiative helps instill a culture of amicable dispute resolution within the university and the broader society, aligned with the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

​Conclusion

​The launch of the Mahindra University School of Law and IIAM’s Seeding Centre for Peace and Justice marks an important milestone for legal education in India. It is a proactive response to the contemporary demands of the legal profession, which prioritizes efficiency, speed, and collaborative problem-solving. For law aspirants, this development translates into a transformative educational experience that promises not only a degree but also certified, practical skills that will be indispensable in shaping the future of justice in India and worldwide. The move firmly positions Mahindra University as a forward-thinking institution committed to producing industry-ready, next-generation legal professionals.

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