ADRS

About the Centre

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Society (ADRS) at Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad, is a student-centric academic and professional forum dedicated to promoting awareness, research, and practical understanding of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. The Society seeks to develop a culture of constructive dispute resolution by encouraging dialogue, negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and other consensual and adjudicatory mechanisms for resolving disputes efficiently and amicably.

ADRS provides students with opportunities to develop practical skills in negotiation, mediation, arbitration, legal advocacy, communication, and conflict management through workshops, training programmes, simulations, competitions, guest lectures, conferences, and interactive activities. The Society also encourages research and academic engagement with emerging developments in domestic and international ADR.

In keeping with the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the world is one family, ADRS seeks to promote dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. It aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical values necessary to become effective dispute-resolution professionals and responsible contributors to the administration of justice. The Society aspires to create a vibrant platform connecting academia, the legal profession, industry, and ADR practitioners, thereby strengthening experiential learning and contributing to the development of a more accessible, efficient, and collaborative justice system.

Vision:

To establish a society at the University that can help in contributing back to the society through providing Alternative Dispute Resolution services

Mission:

To ensure that students are effectively trained in areas concerning Alternative Dispute Resolution and refine their mediation and negotiation skills along with imparting comprehensive knowledge of laws and regulations concerning Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms to produce fair outcomes for disputes.

Objective of the Centres:

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Society (ADRS) aims to promote academic excellence, practical skills, and professional engagement in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Its key objectives are:

• To promote awareness and understanding of negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and other ADR mechanisms among students and the wider academic community.
• To develop practical dispute-resolution skills including negotiation, mediation, advocacy, communication, conflict management, and problem-solving through experiential learning.
• To encourage research and scholarship on contemporary developments, emerging trends, and challenges in domestic and international ADR.
• To organise academic and professional activities such as conferences, seminars, workshops, training programmes, simulations, competitions, and expert interactions.
• To provide opportunities for experiential learning by exposing students to real-world dispute-resolution practices and facilitating interaction with judges, arbitrators, mediators, advocates, and industry professionals.
• To foster collaboration with national and international institutions, ADR centres, professional bodies, practitioners, and academic organisations.
• To promote a culture of amicable and peaceful dispute resolution, emphasising dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect, and access to justice.
• To uphold the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” by encouraging peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding, collaboration, and constructive resolution of conflicts.
• To contribute to the development of ADR in India through meaningful academic, research, and professional initiatives that support an efficient, accessible, and justice-oriented dispute-resolution system.

Official Email ID: adrs@slsh.edu.in

Under the guidance of

• Dr. Sunil George – Director, SLSH
• Faculty In-Charge: Dr. Anuradha Binnuri
• Co-Faculty In-Charge: Ms. Kumari Anugya

Activities conducted by the Cell/Centre:Academic Year 2024-25

1. 6th Intra Mediation Competition 2024 | Date: 13th October 2024

Description: The 6th edition of the Intra Mediation Competition at SLSH stands as the premier event in the college’s ADR calendar. This competition is a rigorous platform where students engage in simulated mediation and negotiation exercises, honing their ability to resolve disputes amicably and effectively. The event attracts participation from a diverse pool of law students, fostering a competitive yet collaborative environment. Expert judges from the legal and ADR communities evaluate the participants on criteria such as communication skills, problem-solving, empathy, and adherence to mediation protocols. The top performers gain the prestigious opportunity to represent SLSH at national and international ADR competitions, thereby enhancing the college’s reputation and providing students with invaluable exposure to the professional ADR circuit.

2. 6th Intra Mediation Training Session | Date: 8th October 2024

Description: In preparation for the upcoming competition, this intensive training session led by Ms. Abhikhya Naragani focuses on equipping students with advanced mediation techniques and strategic negotiation skills. Ms. Naragani, an experienced practitioner, emphasizes practical exercises, role-playing scenarios, and feedback sessions to build confidence and competence among participants. This session not only prepares students for competition but also instills a deeper appreciation of ADR as a vital tool in contemporary legal practice.

3. Training Session on ADR | Date: 23rd August 2024

Description: This session, conducted by Ms. Ekta Bahl, addresses the evolving landscape of ADR with a focus on sophisticated mediation and arbitration methodologies. Law students are introduced to case studies, ethical dilemmas, and procedural nuances that govern ADR processes. The training is designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for real-world challenges in dispute resolution, whether in courts, arbitration tribunals, or mediation centers.

4. Guest Lecture by A.J. Jawad | Date: 11th April 2025

Description: Mr. A.J. Jawad, the current Registrar of the Indian Arbitration and Mediation Centre (IAMC), brought a wealth of experience and insight in his guest lecture. As a renowned mediator affiliated with prestigious institutions like the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), he provided students with a panoramic view of arbitration and mediation trends both in India and internationally. His talk illuminated the career pathways available within ADR, the growing importance of cross-border dispute resolution, and the skills necessary to excel in this dynamic field. This lecture served as an eye-opener, inspiring students to consider ADR as a viable and rewarding professional avenue.

 

Academic Year 2023-24

1. Seminar on Introduction to ADR | Date: August 2023

Description: This foundational seminar was designed to introduce students to the core concepts and benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Through interactive discussions and a competitive component, students developed essential negotiation skills and learned how ADR serves as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to litigation. The seminar was judged by a panel comprising faculty members and industry experts, who provided constructive critiques to enhance student learning and engagement.

2. Guest Lecture on International Commercial Arbitration | Date: 6th April 2023

Description: Mr. Tariq Khan, Registrar of IAMC, delivered an in-depth session on international commercial arbitration, a critical area for law students interested in global legal practice. The lecture covered mediation techniques, ethical considerations, and included simulated case studies that challenged students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. This session helped demystify the arbitration process and underscored the importance of ethics and professionalism in ADR.

3. 5th Intra Mediation Training Session | Date: 11th October 2023

Description: Led by Mr. Sravan Unnam, Head of the Hyderabad Arbitration Centre, this training session focused on sharpening mediation skills through experiential learning. Participants engaged in mock mediations, role-plays, and feedback sessions designed to improve communication, active listening, and conflict resolution abilities. The session was instrumental in preparing students for the subsequent mediation competition.

4. 5th Intra Mediation Competition | Date: 13th October 2023

Description: The 5th Intra Mediation Competition provided a vibrant platform for students to demonstrate their mastery of negotiation and mediation techniques. The competition simulated real-world dispute scenarios, challenging participants to apply their skills under pressure. Judged by seasoned ADR professionals, the event not only celebrated student talent but also fostered a culture of excellence and professionalism in dispute resolution at SLSH.

Conclusion-

These events collectively underscore SLSH’s commitment to integrating ADR into its legal education framework. By offering a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical training, and competitive exposure, the college prepares its students to become adept dispute resolution professionals capable of navigating complex legal landscapes. The involvement of distinguished guest speakers and industry leaders enriches the learning experience, providing mentorship and networking opportunities. Furthermore, these initiatives align with global trends emphasizing ADR as a preferred mechanism for resolving disputes efficiently and amicably, thus equipping students with skills that are increasingly in demand both in India and internationally.