Back
HNLU Raipur Students Excel in Mediation Competition, Win Best Relationship Building Award at APCMC–ADC–ICC 2026
A team from , Raipur, has achieved a notable milestone in the field of by securing the runner-up position at the prestigious APCMC–ADC–ICC competition. The team, comprising Arushi Yadav, Karnika H. Gaira, and Prashansa Verma, also received the award for Best Relationship Building with the Other Teams, underscoring the growing emphasis on interpersonal skills in modern dispute resolution.
The competition, which draws participants from law schools across the region, focuses on and — core components of the ADR landscape. Participants are required to navigate complex, multi-party disputes, identify underlying interests, and craft solutions that are both commercially viable and mutually acceptable. This year’s event highlighted the increasing importance of collaborative problem-solving in legal practice, a shift that legal professionals are watching closely as courts worldwide encourage alternative mechanisms to reduce backlogs.
Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution
The APCMC–ADC–ICC competition is designed to simulate real-world dispute scenarios, testing participants’ abilities in , strategic thinking, communication, adaptability, and collaborative . The HNLU team progressed through several rigorous stages, each demanding a deep understanding of the parties’ interests and a creative approach to reaching consensus.
According to the institution, the team demonstrated a consistent ability to grasp the nuances of each dispute, balancing legal principles with practical business considerations. This skill set is increasingly valued in the legal profession, where ADR mechanisms such as , , and are becoming preferred methods for resolving disputes in commercial, family, and even public law contexts. The team’s performance reflects a broader trend within Indian legal education, where law schools are integrating ADR training into their curricula to prepare students for a rapidly evolving legal landscape.
Skills on Display
The competition required participants to engage in multiple rounds of , each presenting unique challenges. The HNLU team approached these rounds with a focus on understanding the emotional and commercial drivers behind each party’s position. In doing so, they not only advanced to the final stages but also earned recognition for their ability to build constructive professional relationships with competing teams.
The Best Relationship Building award is particularly significant in the context of ADR. is not merely about reaching a ; it is about fostering an environment where parties feel heard and respected. The ability to build rapport and trust is a hallmark of effective mediators, and the HNLU team’s success in this area highlights the human element of dispute resolution that is often overlooked in traditional .
The Art of Relationship Building
The recognition for Best Relationship Building with the Other Teams underscores the value of professionalism and interpersonal engagement in . In real-world practice, a mediator’s success often hinges on their ability to establish credibility and trust with all parties, especially in high-stakes negotiations. The HNLU team’s approach — characterized by active listening, empathy, and transparent communication — mirrors the techniques used by seasoned mediators in international commercial disputes.
Legal professionals note that relationship-building skills are not just soft skills but strategic assets. In complex disputes involving multiple stakeholders, the ability to maintain constructive dialogue can prevent escalation and lead to durable outcomes. The HNLU team’s achievement thus serves as a case study for aspiring mediators and law students seeking to excel in ADR.
Legal Implications and the Growing Role of ADR
The success of the HNLU team at APCMC–ADC–ICC comes at a time when Indian courts and legislative bodies are actively promoting ADR as a means to ease the burden on the judiciary. The introduction of mandatory in certain civil cases, the establishment of centres, and the increasing recognition of mediated agreements are all indicators of this shift.
For legal professionals, proficiency in and is no longer optional. Law firms increasingly seek associates who can guide clients through alternative dispute resolution processes, and many corporate legal departments now prefer ADR clauses in contracts. The HNLU team’s performance demonstrates that law schools are responding to this demand by providing students with practical, hands-on experience in .
Moreover, the focus on relationship building aligns with the broader trend towards and , where the emphasis is on repairing harm and preserving relationships rather than on adversarial confrontation. This paradigm shift has implications for how lawyers are trained and how they approach their work.
A Milestone for HNLU and Legal Education
The runner-up finish and the special award mark a significant milestone for Hidayatullah National Law University. The institution has been actively promoting ADR through dedicated courses, workshops, and . The team’s achievement is expected to inspire more students to explore careers in and , fields that offer diverse opportunities in both domestic and international contexts.
The competition also provided a platform for students to interact with peers from other law schools, exchange ideas, and develop a network of professional contacts. Such experiences are invaluable in shaping well-rounded legal professionals who are equipped to handle the complexities of modern practice.
Conclusion
The HNLU team’s success at the APCMC–ADC–ICC competition is a testament to the importance of skills and relationship building in contemporary legal practice. As ADR continues to gain traction, law schools like HNLU are playing a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of lawyers to think beyond and embrace collaborative problem-solving. The recognition for Best Relationship Building serves as a reminder that in law, as in life, the ability to connect with others can be as powerful as any legal argument.
For legal professionals, the takeaway is clear: investing in ADR skills — particularly those related to communication and interpersonal dynamics — is essential for staying relevant in a rapidly changing profession. The HNLU team has set a benchmark, and their achievement will likely encourage other institutions to similarly prioritize ADR training.
