SAMA Roundtable: Building Next Gen Dispute Resolution Professionals in India

• SAMA hosted a roundtable discussion on 'Building the Next Generation of Dispute Resolution Professionals' on August 20 in Bengaluru.
• The event brought together Deans, ADR professors, and faculty from law schools across Karnataka and neighboring states to explore the future of dispute resolution careers.
• Shahzar Hussain, Senior Consultant at Vahura, delivered a keynote address on how legal hiring is evolving and what skills students need to succeed in emerging careers.
• The roundtable discussion highlighted the growing importance of ADR, legal-tech skills, and practice-readiness among graduating law students.

Hussain's keynote highlighted the growing importance of ADR, legal-tech skills, and practice-readiness among graduating law students.

SAMA hosted a roundtable discussion on 'Building the Next Generation of Dispute Resolution Professionals' on August 20 in Bengaluru. The event brought together Deans, ADR professors, and faculty from law schools across Karnataka and neighboring states to explore the future of dispute resolution careers. The evening's agenda included a keynote address by Shahzar Hussain, Senior Consultant at Vahura, who shared insights on how legal hiring is evolving and what skills students need to succeed in emerging careers.

Hussain's keynote highlighted the growing importance of ADR, legal-tech skills, and practice-readiness among graduating law students. He also discussed the expanding opportunity landscape across various sectors, including litigation, judiciary, policy, legal tech, mediation, ODR, and case management.

The roundtable discussion was part of SAMA's efforts to foster collaboration between academia and industry. By bringing together experts from law schools and the legal profession, SAMA aimed to identify areas for improvement in dispute resolution education and training. The event also provided a platform for discussing the role of Indian Mediation Week 2026 (its 10th edition) and the Student Ambassador Programme in shaping the next generation of dispute resolution professionals.

The discussion was facilitated by SAMA's Case Managers, who shared their experiences and insights on how to build successful careers in dispute resolution. The event concluded with an open discussion and dinner, allowing attendees to connect across institutions and explore potential collaborations.

The roundtable discussion has significant implications for lawyers and compliance officers who are interested in staying up-to-date on the latest developments in dispute resolution practices. The event highlighted the importance of ADR skills, legal-tech expertise, and practice-readiness among law students. As India's legal industry continues to evolve, it is essential for professionals to be aware of the changing landscape and adapt their skills accordingly.

The Indian Mediation Week 2026 and the Student Ambassador Programme are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of dispute resolution professionals. Lawyers and compliance officers should watch these developments closely, as they may impact dispute resolution practices and career development in India.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for updates on the Indian Mediation Week 2026 and the Student Ambassador Programme, which may impact dispute resolution practices and career development in the country.

Source: Original reporting via SAMA