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PGDADR in General at Alva's Institute of Law
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is General at Alva's Institute of Law Dakshina Kannada?
This Post Graduate Diploma in Alternative Dispute Resolution (PGDADR) program at Alva''''s Law College, affiliated with Mangalore University, focuses on equipping legal professionals with specialized skills in resolving disputes outside traditional court litigation. Given India''''s burgeoning economy and increasing judicial backlog, ADR mechanisms like arbitration, mediation, and conciliation are vital for efficient and timely justice delivery. This program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical application, catering to the growing demand for skilled ADR practitioners in the Indian legal landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for law graduates seeking entry into specialized legal roles focused on dispute resolution, working legal professionals looking to upskill in areas like arbitration or mediation, and those aspiring to become independent arbitrators or mediators. It suits individuals with a Bachelor''''s Degree in Law who wish to enhance their expertise in a rapidly evolving and high-demand legal sector, offering a pathway to distinct career opportunities beyond conventional litigation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths as arbitrators, mediators, conciliators, or legal advisors specializing in dispute resolution for corporate houses, law firms, and government bodies. Entry-level professionals might earn INR 3-6 lakhs annually, with experienced practitioners commanding significantly higher packages. The program provides a strong foundation for professional certifications in mediation and arbitration, paving the way for growth trajectories in Indian and international dispute resolution forums.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core ADR Concepts and Principles- (Semester 1)
Systematically study the foundational principles of arbitration, conciliation, mediation, and Lok Adalat as defined by Indian law. Create detailed notes, concept maps, and compare/contrast different ADR mechanisms to solidify understanding. Prioritize understanding the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, and the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Tools & Resources
Bare Acts (Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Legal Services Authorities Act), standard textbooks on ADR by Indian authors, online legal databases (Manupatra, SCC Online) for key judgments, university library
Career Connection
A robust conceptual foundation is critical for excelling in internal assessments, semester-end examinations, and future competitive legal examinations, directly impacting academic performance and opening doors to specialized roles.
Actively Participate in Legal Discussions and Debates- (Semester 1)
Engage proactively in classroom discussions, seminars, and debates on contemporary ADR issues. Form study groups to analyze complex case studies and legal reforms in the ADR landscape. This practice hones critical thinking and articulation skills.
Tools & Resources
Classroom discussion forums, legal news portals (LiveLaw, Bar & Bench), peer study groups, academic journals publishing ADR articles
Career Connection
Developing strong verbal communication and analytical skills is paramount for legal professionals. This enhances presentation abilities, crucial for client interactions, courtroom arguments, and effectively representing parties in ADR proceedings.
Develop Basic Legal Research Proficiency- (Semester 1)
Regularly practice identifying relevant legal statutes, rules, and case precedents pertinent to various ADR forms. Learn to use university library resources and online legal databases efficiently to extract and synthesize information. Focus on understanding how ADR provisions are interpreted by Indian courts.
Tools & Resources
University library, online legal research platforms (Indian Kanoon, LexisNexis India, Westlaw India), legal research methodology guides, faculty guidance
Career Connection
Competent legal research is the bedrock of effective legal practice. This skill is vital for drafting legal documents, advising clients, and preparing for future research-oriented projects or employment.
Intermediate Stage
Excel in Practical Training and Mock ADR Sessions- (Semester 2)
Maximize participation in all practical training components, especially mock arbitration, mediation, and conciliation sessions. Take on diverse roles (counsel, mediator, arbitrator, party) to gain hands-on experience and develop problem-solving skills in realistic scenarios. Actively seek and incorporate feedback.
Tools & Resources
Role-play scripts, case studies provided in class, video recordings for self-assessment, feedback from faculty and senior practitioners, workshops
Career Connection
Direct practical experience is invaluable for bridging the gap between theory and practice. This fosters confidence, develops negotiation and communication skills, and is a strong differentiator on resumes for internships and entry-level positions in ADR.
Master Legal Drafting for ADR Documents- (Semester 2)
Dedicate significant effort to mastering the drafting of essential ADR documents such as arbitration agreements, terms of reference, mediation settlement agreements, and arbitral awards. Focus on precision, clarity, legal compliance, and adherence to prescribed formats.
Tools & Resources
Model drafting templates, drafting manuals for legal documents, feedback on drafted assignments from faculty, legal software if available
Career Connection
Proficient legal drafting skills are highly sought after in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government bodies. This skill directly translates into enhanced employability in roles requiring document preparation for dispute resolution.
Undertake an Impactful Research Project- (Semester 2)
Choose a pertinent and contemporary topic within ADR for the research project/dissertation. Conduct rigorous, original research, synthesize findings, and present them in a well-structured, academically sound report. Aim for depth and critical analysis.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology guides, citation and referencing tools, academic mentorship, access to recent legal scholarship and reports on ADR
Career Connection
A well-executed research project showcases analytical abilities, independent thought, and specialization. It can serve as a portfolio piece, aiding in applications for higher studies, specialized roles, or potential publication, significantly boosting career prospects.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor Degree in Law of Mangalore University or any other University recognized as equivalent thereto.
Duration: 1 year (2 semesters)
Credits: 32 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGDADR 401 | Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution and Arbitration | Core | 4 | Concept and Nature of Dispute Resolution, ADR Movement in India and Global Context, Arbitration: Nature, Scope, Principles, Arbitration Agreement, Parties, Composition of Arbitral Tribunal, Arbitral Proceedings, Awards, Enforcement, International Commercial Arbitration |
| PGDADR 402 | Conciliation, Negotiation and Lok Adalat | Core | 4 | Conciliation: Meaning, Nature, Scope, Conciliation Process and Role of Conciliator, Negotiation: Types, Strategies, Techniques, Lok Adalat: Concept, Legal Services Authorities Act, Jurisdiction, Powers, Awards of Lok Adalat, Permanent Lok Adalat |
| PGDADR 403 | Mediation and Other Forms of ADR | Core | 4 | Mediation: Meaning, Principles, Process, Role of Mediator, Mediation Skills, Ethics, Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), Expert Determination, Early Neutral Evaluation, Mini-Trial, Med-Arb, ADR in specific contexts (Family, Consumer) |
| PGDADR 404 | Legal and Ethical Dimensions of ADR | Core | 4 | Legal Framework for ADR in India, ADR and Indian Constitution, Ethical Principles for ADR Practitioners, Confidentiality and Neutrality, Professional Standards and Conduct, Challenges and Future of ADR |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGDADR 405 | Drafting of Arbitration Agreements and Awards | Core | 4 | Principles of Legal Drafting, Structure and Contents of Arbitration Agreement, Model Arbitration Clauses, Drafting of Applications in Arbitration Proceedings, Drafting of Arbitral Awards, Enforcement and Challenge of Awards |
| PGDADR 406 | Practical Training and Clinical Aspects of ADR | Core | 4 | Role Play and Mock ADR Sessions, Observation of ADR Proceedings (where possible), Case Studies in Arbitration, Conciliation, Mediation, Client Counselling Skills, Interviewing Techniques, Professional Ethics in Practice |
| PGDADR 407 | Research Project/Dissertation | Core | 4 | Research Methodology for Legal Studies, Identification of Research Problem, Literature Review, Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation, Specific ADR Topic Research |
| PGDADR 408 | Viva-Voce | Core | 4 | Comprehensive understanding of ADR concepts, Application of ADR principles to real-world scenarios, Clarity on legal provisions of ADR, Presentation and defense of research project, Ethical considerations in ADR practice, Problem-solving skills in ADR |
