Project M for Mediation (Project M) offers Mediation Masterclass (the Masterclass), a comprehensive hands-on training programme in mediation, to 1000 selected individuals in 2024. 

The objective is to develop a robust state-wide network of competent mediation professionals. The Masterclass will train the participants in all aspects of mediation and make them capable (with further training where needed) of taking up one or more roles related to mediation, including as a mediator, mediation advocate, mediation teacher or coach, mediation commentator, or lawyer who advises his/ her clients to choose an appropriate dispute resolution process. 

The 60+ hour Masterclass, which employs lectures, Socratic colloquies, panel discussions, role plays, group discussions, debates & mini moots, and problem-solving exercises as learning methods, covers the theory, law and practice of mediation. 

It will be delivered by a Panel of Experts in the hybrid mode (through Zoom, an online platform, and in-person classes at specified locations) and is designed for beginners (no prior knowledge of mediation law or process is required). 

All participants fulfilling the attendance requirements will be awarded a Certificate of Participation. They will also have an option to secure a Professional Certificate in Mediation*. 

A full or partial waiver of the fees will be made available to all 1000 individuals admitted to the Masterclass in 2024**.

* For certification details and options, see below under "Certification".

** Subject to the terms set out under "Fees" below.

Who may apply? 

• The first batch of the Masterclass is open only to junior lawyers and law teachers (with less than five years of PQE) and senior law students (who have completed at least six semesters from a recognised law school in Kerala). 

• The subsequent batches will be open to a larger group - all legal professionals (lawyers, law teachers and in-house lawyers), management and other professionals, law and management students, government servants, elected representatives and business people across Kerala.

Why apply? 

The participants will, amongst others:

• get access to 60+ hours of live, intensive learning in the theory, law and practice of mediation that is designed to make them a mediation professional;

• benefit from the interactive sessions with highly qualified and experienced subject matter experts, including lawyers, mediators, management experts and psychologists;

• receive a Certificate of Participation or may opt for a Professional Certificate in Mediation awarded by the Certifying University (subject to further terms and conditions);

• qualify to enrol as an alumnus of the Mediation Masterclass and an associate member of the proposed Mediation Society of Kerala (subject to further terms and conditions), which opens up multiple avenues of professional development; and

• be entitled to a full or part waiver of the Masterclass fees*.

* Subject to the terms set out under "Fees" below.

Admission Criteria

The applicants, if admitted to the Masterclass, must:

• commit themselves to attending the entire course - all or most of the online, offline and activity sessions (certification depends, amongst others, on the attendance);

• have a good working knowledge of English and Malayalam;

• have access to a functional device (preferably a laptop) and a stable internet connection (as some of the sessions will be delivered online); and

• pledge 3 hours of their time to Project M for Mediation in any role during the project that may be mutually agreed upon.

The organisers can admit only a limited number of participants to each batch. The track record of the applicant in their given field, the potential contribution they can make to Project M for Mediation, and the diversity (professional status, gender and region) of the participating group are some of the considerations.

• The Idea of Mediation

Understanding Disputes, Disputants and Dispute Resolution – Concept of Mediation – Historical Perspectives – Nature and Overview of the Process – General Features – Legal Framework: The Mediation Act 2023 and Other Statutes – Global Practices – Recent Developments

• Choosing Mediation as the Dispute Resolution Process

Mediation as compared with Litigation and Other ADRs – When and how to choose Mediation to resolve Disputes – Mediate-ability - Suitability - Mediation in Certain Areas of Legal Practice

• Getting started with Mediation

Nature, Scope and Relevance of a Mediation Agreement – Drafting a Valid and Enforceable Mediation Agreement – Matters to be factored in a Mediation Agreement – Enforcement and Challenge of a Mediation Agreement

• Understanding the Process of Mediation

Steps involved in Mediation - Conduct of Mediation Proceedings - Confidentiality - Appointment and Role of Mediators - Role of Mediation Advocates - Types of Mediation

Capacity Building - Developing and Strengthening Skills, Instincts and Abilities to be an effective Negotiator, Mediator and Mediation Advocate

• Ending a Mediation

Termination of Mediation – Mediated Settlement Agreements – Validity and Enforceability thereof – Drafting Mediated Settlement Agreements – Enforcement and  Challenge of Mediated Settlement Agreements – Executing Mediated Settlement Agreements as Judgments of Court – Singapore Convention on Mediation and its Impact

• Everything Else on Mediation

Career Prospects as a Mediator, Mediation Advocate, Mediation Teacher and Coach – Further Learning – Mediation training, certification, accreditation and empanelment – Simulated and Real-life Mediation exercises

* These may be subject to changes.

The Promoters strive to train all 1000 professionals they propose to admit to the Masterclass in 2024 at zero or minimal fees*. 

• All participants admitted to the first three batches of the Masterclass will be offered a full fee waiver, subject to Certification requirements (see below). 

• A substantial partial waiver (details to be announced) will be extended to the participants of all later batches if a full waiver cannot be secured. 

* The fee for an equivalent course in the Indian market is estimated to be between Rs 40,000 and 60,000.

The Promoters will award a Certificate of Participation (digital version of printable quality) to all the participants who complete the Masterclass with a minimum of 90% attendance in each of its three segments (online, offline and activity). 

The participants can apply for a Professional Certificate in Mediation (awarded with grades) from the Certifying University. 

The awarding of the Professional Certificate in Mediation is subject to the participants completing the Masterclass with a minimum of 90% attendance in each of its three segments (online, offline and activity), passing the 3-tier assessment (given at three different stages of the Masterclass) with at least 50% marks, and paying a processing fee of Rs. 2,499*. 

Re-takes of the assessment may be permitted up to two times within six months of attending the Masterclass upon paying Rs. 999 per re-take. 

* At his sole discretion, the Director may waive the processing fee in full or part in deserving cases.