Arbitration Bar of India Launches Inaugural 'Mastering Arbitration' Program Featuring Top Legal Minds

New Delhi – The Arbitration Bar of India (ABI) has announced the launch of its first-ever flagship training program, "Mastering Arbitration: Turn Theory into Practice." The intensive two-day event, scheduled for October 11th-12th, 2025, at Federation House in New Delhi, aims to provide legal professionals with practical, hands-on training from some of the most respected figures in the field of arbitration.

The program marks a significant step by the ABI to address the growing demand for specialized, skills-based education in alternative dispute resolution. By focusing on the practical application of arbitration principles, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the real-world demands of arbitration proceedings, from drafting initial notices to conducting effective cross-examinations.

A Confluence of Expertise: The Distinguished Speaker Panel

A major draw of the program is its distinguished panel of speakers, which represents a comprehensive cross-section of the arbitration ecosystem. The faculty includes eminent Senior Advocates, leading partners from top-tier law firms, experienced in-house counsel, a renowned international arbitrator, and respected academics. This diversity ensures that participants will receive a multi-faceted education, gaining insights from every critical perspective within an arbitration proceeding.

The lineup of speakers confirmed for the inaugural edition includes:

• Senior Advocates: Rajshekhar Rao and Jayant Mehta , both highly regarded figures at the Bar known for their formidable advocacy in complex commercial disputes.
• Leading Law Firm Partners: Binsy Susan (Partner, Dispute Resolution, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.), Abhisaar Bairagi (Partner, Dispute Resolution, Khaitan & Co.), and Gauhar Mirza (Partner, Dispute Resolution, Saraf and Partners). These experts bring extensive experience in managing high-stakes arbitrations for a diverse range of domestic and international clients.
• Independent and International Perspective: Tim Robbins , an Independent Arbitrator from Robbins Arbitration, will provide a global perspective on best practices, and Anirudh Krishnan , Founding Partner of AK Law Chambers, will share his specialized expertise.
• In-House Counsel View: Ajit Kumar Mishra , Director Works at IRCON International Ltd., will offer the crucial client-side and public-sector perspective on managing disputes and arbitration proceedings.
• Academic Rigour: The theoretical underpinnings and latest academic developments will be covered by Rajesh Kapoor , Associate Professor at NALSAR University of Law, and Ashutosh Kumar , a Visiting Faculty at NLSIU and Principal at Anchayilkumar Advocates.

This carefully curated panel is designed to offer a 360-degree view of arbitration, combining courtroom strategy, law firm management, client expectations, and academic foundations.

Bridging the Gap: A Focus on Practical Skills

The core mission of the "Mastering Arbitration" program is to move beyond theoretical discourse and equip participants with tangible skills. The curriculum is explicitly designed to "sharpen your skills in arbitration drafting, advocacy, and cross-examination," as stated in the official announcement. These three pillars represent the lifecycle of an arbitration and are critical for successful practice.

The focus on practical training is particularly relevant in today's legal environment. As arbitration becomes the preferred method for resolving commercial disputes, the demand for lawyers who can not only recite the law but also skillfully execute the strategic elements of a proceeding has surged. The program aims to deconstruct these complex skills into manageable, learnable components, covering areas such as:

• Pleadings and Drafting: Crafting effective statements of claim, defense, and counterclaims that are both legally robust and persuasive.
• Advocacy Techniques: Structuring opening and closing arguments, presenting evidence effectively, and mastering oral submissions before an arbitral tribunal.
• The Art of Cross-Examination: Developing strategies for questioning witnesses to elicit favorable testimony and challenge the opposing party's case.

By concentrating on these practical applications, the ABI is fostering a new generation of arbitration practitioners who are prepared for the dynamic and often challenging environment of arbitral proceedings.

The Significance of Institutional Collaboration and Certification

Adding significant weight to the program, successful participants will be awarded certificates jointly issued by ICC India and the Arbitration Bar of India. This collaboration with the Indian arm of the International Chamber of Commerce—a global leader in commercial dispute resolution—lends international credibility and recognition to the training.

The dual certification signals a high standard of quality and ensures that the skills learned are aligned with global best practices. For legal professionals, such a credential is not merely a testament to their attendance but a valuable addition to their professional profile, demonstrating a certified proficiency in the practical aspects of arbitration.

This partnership underscores a broader trend towards institutional collaboration in legal education, where bar associations and international bodies work together to standardize and elevate professional training. It reflects a shared commitment to strengthening India's position as a hub for international arbitration by ensuring its practitioners are trained to the highest possible standards.

Conclusion: An Invaluable Opportunity for the Legal Community

The launch of the "Mastering Arbitration: Turn Theory into Practice" program is a landmark event for the Indian legal community. It represents a timely and well-conceived initiative by the Arbitration Bar of India to cultivate a pool of highly skilled arbitration professionals. For junior and mid-level lawyers, the program offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn directly from the masters of the craft. For seasoned practitioners, it serves as a forum to refine their techniques and stay abreast of evolving best practices.

As registrations are set to close soon, the program is expected to attract significant interest from across the legal profession. It is more than just a training course; it is an investment in professional excellence and a chance to join a community dedicated to advancing the practice of arbitration in India and beyond.