Bootcamp on Mediation
- Resource Person : Jonathan Rodrigues, PACT
- Venue : GF-01
- Date : 28-29 September 2023
- Time : 09:00 am to 01:30 pm
- Participants : 23
- Objective : (1) Understanding the Legal Framework
(2) Role of Counsel in Mediation
(3) Practical Application through Roleplays
(4) Skill Development
The Centre of Excellence on Alternative Dispute Resolution, School of Law organized a boot camp on Mediation on 28-29 September 2023 from 09.00 am to 01:30 pm in G-block. The camp was conducted by Mr. Jonathan Rodrigues, a certified mediator, with an academic background in Psychology and Law from Goa University and LL.M. in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from the University of Strathclyde. The Mediation Training Bootcamp was an intensive and comprehensive program designed to equip participants with a deep understanding of mediation within the legal framework.
The bootcamp aimed to provide participants with a solid foundation in the legal framework governing mediation, including relevant statutes, regulations, and case law. Another key objective was to educate participants about the pivotal role of legal counsel in mediation. Participants were encouraged to adopt the perspective of a pro-mediation lawyer, emphasizing the lawyer’s role in facilitating the resolution of disputes through mediation. The bootcamp employed a dynamic approach by integrating both theory and practical exercises. A significant portion of the program involved roleplays, which allowed participants to immerse themselves in simulated mediation scenarios. These roleplays were essential for participants to apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations. Beyond theoretical knowledge, the bootcamp aimed to foster the development of practical skills in consensual dispute resolution. Participants were encouraged to hone their negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills, all of which are invaluable for effective mediation.
The program commenced with informative lectures and discussions, providing participants with a comprehensive overview of the legal framework surrounding mediation. These sessions laid the foundation for subsequent activities. Roleplay simulations were a central component of the bootcamp. Participants were divided into groups, assuming the roles of clients, counsel, and mediators in different scenarios. These simulations allowed for the practical application of mediation techniques, including opening statements, negotiation strategies, and dispute resolution. Real-world case studies were examined to illustrate how mediation had been utilized successfully in various legal contexts. Participants analyzed these cases to gain insights into effective mediation practices.
By imparting a solid understanding of mediation’s legal framework and emphasizing the role of counsel in mediation, the bootcamp equipped participants with valuable skills and knowledge that will undoubtedly serve them well in their future legal careers. The integration of theory and roleplays ensured that participants could practically apply what they had learned, making this bootcamp a pivotal experience in their legal education.
- Outcomes:
- Enhanced Legal Knowledge: Participants demonstrated a substantial improvement in their understanding of the legal framework governing mediation, enabling them to approach mediation cases with confidence.
- Increased Skill Proficiency: Through active participation in roleplays, participants developed practical mediation skills, including active listening, negotiation tactics, and conflict resolution techniques.
- Improved Role Awareness: Participants gained a deeper appreciation of the counsel’s role in mediation and how they could effectively represent their clients’ interests while fostering cooperation and agreement.
- Real-life Application: The bootcamp successfully bridged the gap between theory and practice by providing participants with hands-on experience in mediating disputes. This real-life application was instrumental in their skill development.
