Project M for Mediation (Project M) offers the Mediation Masterclass (the Masterclass), a comprehensive, hands-on training programme in mediation for selected individuals*. The broader objective is to build a robust, state-wide network of competent mediation professionals. 

The Masterclass delivers six key learning outcomes** through 28 expertly designed sessions, conducted in a hybrid format***. Spanning 60 hours of live learning, the programme includes 29 hours of in-person engagement and 31 hours of interactive online sessions. In addition to core teaching modules, participants will benefit from guest lectures, engaging panel discussions, and six hands-on workshops. 

The Masterclass covers the theory, law, and practice of mediation. It is designed to train participants in all aspects of mediation and equip them—where necessary, with additional training—to take on one or more roles in the mediation ecosystem, including as a mediator, mediation advocate, teacher or coach, commentator, or as a lawyer guiding clients on appropriate dispute resolution processes. 

The Masterclass is designed for beginners in mediation—those with minimal prior understanding or experience in the field. 

All participants who meet the attendance requirements will be awarded a Certificate of Participation****. A full fee waiver***** will be extended to all 48 individuals admitted to the first batch of the Masterclass.

* See "Admissions" below. ** See "Learning Outcomes" below. *** See "Location" below. **** See "Certification" below. ***** See "Fees" below.

This Masterclass is a unique, high-value training programme offered entirely free of charge to selected participants. Its key features include:

• A comprehensive and structured curriculum, with clearly defined learning outcomes*. 

• 60 hours of live instruction (28 sequential sessions over 12 weeks) for in-depth, step-by-step learning in the theory, law, and practice of mediation. 

• Hands-on training through 24+ hours of in-person workshops (across six sessions) to build essential mediation skills. 

• Hybrid format for convenience, with over half the sessions delivered online. 

• Learning from top experts** using immersive, practice-oriented teaching methods. 

• A Certificate of Participation*** upon successful completion. 

• Eligibility to enrol as an associate member of the proposed Mediation Society of Kerala (subject to terms), creating opportunities for professional development. 

• A full fee waiver**** — yes, you pay nothing if selected!

* See "Learning Outcomes" below. ** See "Faculty" below. *** See "Certification" below. **** See "Fees" below.

The first batch of the Masterclass is open only to junior lawyers and law teachers (with less than seven years of post-qualification experience) and senior law students (who have completed at least eight semesters at a recognised law school in Kerala). 

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

Applicants must:

• have a foundational understanding of law, and a working proficiency in both English and Malayalam;

• have access to a functional device (preferably a laptop) and a stable internet connection;

• commit to attend the entire course; and

• pledge a minimum of 3 hours of voluntary service* to Project M for Mediation in a mutually agreed role. Typically, this involves delivering an introductory lecture on mediation to a small group of school or college students. 

NOTE: Selection is competitive. The organisers can admit only a limited number of participants. Admission decisions will be based on the applicant’s academic and/or professional background, demonstrated commitment and capacity to contribute meaningfully to the objectives of Project M for Mediation, and considerations of diversity, including age, gender, and regional representation within Kerala.

The Masterclass aims to equip beginners in mediation with a deep understanding of the theory, law, and practice of mediation, with a focus on the following key areas: 

• Understanding Mediation 

Develop a clear understanding of the context, concept, features, and legal framework of mediation. 

• Choosing Mediation 

Learn when and how to choose mediation over other dispute resolution processes. 

• Drafting Mediation Agreements 

Gain the skills to draft valid and enforceable mediation agreements.

• Conducting Mediation

Understand the stages of mediation and how to effectively conduct a mediation. 

• Drafting Mediated Settlement Agreements 

Learn to draft mediated settlement agreements that are legally sound and enforceable. 

• Enforcing Mediated Settlement Agreements 

Explore how to enforce or challenge a mediated settlement agreement in court.

FULL LIST OF SESSIONS

• Orientation. Inaugural. The Context of Mediation. The Idea of Mediation. The Legal Framework of Mediation. WORKSHOP I. The Choice of Mediation. WORKSHOP II. The Start of Mediation. WORKSHOP III. The Conduct of Mediation 1. The Conduct of Mediation 2. The Conduct of Mediation 3. WORKSHOP IV. The End of Mediation. WORKSHOP V. After the End of Mediation. WORKSHOP VI. M Lecture 1 - The History of Mediation. M Lecture 2 - Online Mediation. M Lecture 3 - Mediation Advocacy. M Panel Discussion 1 - Specialist Mediations I. M Panel Discussion 2 - Specialist Mediations II. M Panel Discussion 3 - Further Learning. M Panel Discussion 4 - Career & Career Aid. Mediation Treasure Hunt. Epilogue. Valedictory.

• Sessions & Schedule: View Full Schedule. 

Rajesh C. Muttath (view his profile) will be the Principal Instructor of the core teaching modules and the key facilitator of the workshops. 

He will employ a diverse range of teaching methods, including lectures, Socratic colloquies, panel discussions, role-plays, group discussions, debates, mini-moots, and problem-solving exercises. He may also invite subject-matter experts, including lawyers and psychologists, for their views on specific topics during the core teaching modules. 

Dr Joby Bhaskar (Faculty Member, Govt Law College, Ernakulam), Adv Teena Cherian (Lawyer and Mediator), Dr Jean Vinitha Peter (Faculty Member, School of Legal Studies, CUSAT), Dr Aparna Sreekumar (Faculty Member, NUALS), and Ms Shyja S (Additional Law Secretary) constitute the Jury, the final appellate authority on both academic and administrative matters of the Masterclass. They also serve as the facilitators of in-person workshops. 

Guest lectures and panel discussions will feature industry experts.

Participation Track: All participants who complete the Masterclass with a minimum of 90% attendance in both online and in-person segments will be awarded a Certificate of Participation (in digital format). 

OPTIONAL 

Professional Certificate Track: Participants have the option to apply for a Professional Certificate in Mediation in addition to the Certificate of Participation. This professional certificate will be awarded by the Certifying Institution. [more to be added]

To be eligible, participants must: 

• complete the Masterclass with at least 90% attendance in each segment (online and in-person); 

• successfully pass all three tiers of the assessment (workshop performance review, written examination and personal interview) with a minimum score of 50% in each; and 

• pay a processing fee of TBA*. 

Retakes of the assessment may be permitted up to two times within six months of completing the Masterclass, subject to a fee of ₹999 per retake.

* The fee is to cover the costs associated with the assessment and the issuance of the certification. ** The certificate shown in the image (left) is for illustrative purposes only.

VIEW Full Schedule. 

The Mediation Masterclass will be delivered over 12 weeks, from 10 September through 28 November 2025. 

For those opting for professional certification/ grading*, assessments will be held separately between 20 and 26 November 2025 (exact dates and times to be announced), and will include a written examination and a personal interview.

* See "Certification" above.

All participants (a maximum of 48) admitted to the first batch of the Masterclass will be offered a full fee waiver*. 

* The current fee for an equivalent course in the Indian market is estimated to be between Rs 40,000 and 60,000. ** This full fee waiver does not apply to participants seeking a Professional Certificate in Mediation by a Certifying Institution. 

Why this full fee waiver? Project M for Mediation offers this otherwise expensive course free of cost to attract committed individuals to the field of mediation and build an effective mediation ecosystem in Kerala. In return, selected participants pledge three hours of voluntary service to the Project, helping us spread awareness and deepen the culture of mediation. This model is made possible through the generous support of experts and partner institutions who provide their time and resources at minimal or no cost, driven by a shared commitment to the cause.

Online sessions will be conducted via Google Meet, and in-person sessions will be held in Ernakulam. The session links and/or exact venue details will be shared with participants closer to the respective dates.