IIDRC EDGE

Commercial Mediation & ADR Advocacy Programme

Master Mediation Dynamics: Manage joint sessions, private caucuses, agenda setting, and overcome negotiation deadlocks.

Picture of Instructor: Ms. Vediccaa Ramdanee + Ms. Adri Kashyap + Ms. Saasha Gandhi

Instructor: Ms. Vediccaa Ramdanee + Ms. Adri Kashyap + Ms. Saasha Gandhi

  • Course Duration

    6 Weeks

  • Course Format

    6 Weeks Intensive Online Programme

  • Course Level

    Intermediate to Advanced

  • Mode of Delivery

    Online / Hybrid

  • Certificate

    Certificate of Completion

  • Certification

    IIDRC Certificate

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN & SKILLS YOU'LL GAIN

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Master Mediation Dynamics: Manage joint sessions, private caucuses, agenda setting, and overcome negotiation deadlocks.
  • Apply Negotiation Strategies: Use interest-based negotiation, BATNA/WATNA/ZOPA analysis, and positional bargaining strategies.
  • Draft Enforceable Agreements: Draft legally binding settlement agreements, consent terms, and confidentiality clauses.
  • Handle Specialized Disputes: Navigate commercial, intellectual property, corporate, cross-border, and MSME disputes.
  • Act as ADR Advocates: Represent clients effectively before institutional mediation bodies and private dispute resolution forums.

LEARNING APPROACH

  • Expert-led lectures: Delivered by experienced mediators, arbitrators, and legal practitioners.
  • Practical workshops: Hands-on case preparation, dispute analysis, and strategy formulation.
  • Case studies: In-depth analysis of real-world commercial and international dispute resolutions.
  • Drafting exercises: Practical exercises on drafting mediation statements, NDAs, and settlement terms.
  • Licensing & commercial negotiations: Role-play exercises focused on deal-making and technology transfer disputes.
  • ADR simulations: Simulated mediation sessions, opening statements, and caucus exercises.
  • Industry interaction sessions: Direct engagement with corporate legal heads and institutional dispute resolution leaders.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

  • Law Students (UG & PG)

  • Advocates & Legal Practitioners

  • Corporate Professionals & In-house Counsel

  • Faculty & Researchers

  • Patent Agents & Innovation Professionals

  • Start-ups, MSMEs & Entrepreneurs

  • Government Officials

ORGANIZATIONS WHERE THESE SKILLS ARE VALUED

  • Technology & Corporate Leaders: Microsoft, Google, Apple, Amazon, Samsung, Qualcomm, IBM, Siemens, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Reliance Industries

  • Pharmaceutical & Healthcare: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Cipla

  • Consulting & Professional Services: Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG, L&T Technology Services

  • International Bodies & Legal Sector: WIPO, WTO, and law firms specializing in Intellectual Property, Commercial Law, and International Trade

DETAILED COURSE MODULES
Module 1: Foundations of ADR & Mediation Framework
  • Core Topics: Evolution of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Mediation vs. Litigation/Arbitration, International & Domestic Legal Frameworks, Code of Ethics, and Mediator Neutrality.
  • Practical Exercise: Delivering Opening Statements & Setting Mediation Ground Rules.
Module 2: The Mediation Process & Stage-by-Stage Management
  • Core Topics: Pre-mediation preparation, Information Gathering, Joint Sessions, Private Caucuses, Agenda Setting, Reframing Issues, and Impasse De-escalation.
  • Practical Exercise: Joint Session Simulation & Private Caucus Strategy Workshop.

Module 3: Negotiation Strategy & Dispute Resolution Dynamics
  • Core Topics: Distributive vs. Integrative Negotiation, BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement), WATNA, ZOPA (Zone of Possible Agreement), Value Creation, and Managing Power Imbalances.
  • Practical Exercise: Interactive Commercial Negotiation Role-Play.

Module 4: Commercial, Corporate & Tech IP Mediation
  • Core Topics: Handling disputes in Intellectual Property, Licensing Agreements, Shareholder Conflicts, CrossBorder Commercial Contracts, and MSME Supply Chain Issues.
  • Practical Exercise: Licensing Dispute Case Study & Settlement Option Generation.

Module 5: Drafting Mediated Settlement Agreements (MSAs)
  • Core Topics: Structuring Enforceable Settlement Agreements, Essential Clauses, Default & Breach Terms, Confidentiality, Release of Claims, and Court Enforcement Mechanisms.
  • Practical Exercise: Hands-on Drafting Workshop for Binding Settlement Agreements.

Module 6: Practical ADR Advocacy & Full-Scale Simulation Capstone
  • Core Topics: Effective Client Advocacy in Mediation, Managing Client Expectations, Cross-Cultural Dispute Handling, Institutional Mediation Rules, and Building a Career in ADR.
  • Practical Exercise: Full-length Mock Mediation Simulation & Capstone Evaluation.

Recommended Courses

Testimonials
Frequently asked questions
Who is this training programme meant for?

Law students, young practitioners, in house legal teams, contract managers, compliance professionals, and anyone seeking a structured understanding of arbitration processes and procedures.

Do I need prior knowledge of arbitration or ADR?

No. The programme begins with arbitration fundamentals and progressively covers procedure, hearings, and awards, making it suitable for beginners and early stage practitioners.

What practical exposure will participants receive?

Participants engage in clause analysis, drafting exercises, and guided procedural discussions to understand how arbitration operates from initiation to enforcement.