Law College Dehradun, Faculty of Uttaranchal University, organized an International Webinar on the topic, ‘A Guide to Dispute Resolution Processes’ on 26th June, 2020 with Mr. David Boyle, Deans Court Chambers, Manchester, England, as the Keynote Speaker. Mr. Boyle, Barrister, is a thriving personality across a broad spectrum of complex, high value, high profile and unusual Multi Track claims. He has presided over seminars on all aspects of Personal Injury Law besides being a Visiting Lecturer at both Lancaster University and Liverpool John Moores University. He was the first Personal Injury Barrister ever appointed to the Bar Standards Board’s Associated Pool of Experts (APEX) in the year 2019, advising the BSB as to the appropriate conduct of Barristers practicing in Civil Law. He has specialization in Civil Fraud (both personal injury and policy related) and has expertise in accident reconstruction and cases of accidents abroad.
Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Bahuguna, Vice Chancellor/Dean, Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University extended his heartiest welcome to the Keynote Speaker Mr. Boyle, who commenced the session simplifying the various modes of ADR viz. Arbitration, Mediation, Joint Settlement Meeting and Negotiation. He shared a glimpse of his own chamber and a 25 year old glimpse of UK’s County Court Building that has been replaced by quick-lunch counters accentuating modes of Alternate Dispute Resolutions becoming a common practice in UK with the fact that ADR’s take place in the professional homes of lawyers. He briefly described a person’s general approach and stressed upon the reverse chronology of his approach in matters concerning Alternative Dispute Resolutions to reach a preferable outcome. Then he proceeded to discuss his own methodology in approaching an ADR Session with his ‘Rule of three’ for both the claimants and the defendants respectively.
The session advanced with Mr. Boyle distinctly explaining the modes of ADR wherein he put forth a presentation describing the characteristics along with the pros and cons of each process, with a special focus on the process of Negotiation as being the easiest of all other processes. He also stated that it was far more effective and personal. Moving further, he outlined the similarities between the processes of Mediation and Joint Settlement Meeting. Calling both of these as formal modes of ADR, he stated the only difference between the two is the presence of a Mediator in the former process. He also highlighted the value a Mediator has in a Mediation Process as the one being able to cut through the issues and differences between the parties and thus, bringing the right tempo to the process. Along with delineating the various processes, he also stressed on the approaches and preparations with regards to ADR giving key points for the same with special focus on managing expectations of clients. He also conversed about the psychology of ‘offers’ in an ADR Session wherein certain codes are utilized by the barristers to alter the decision that could benefit their client. Providing the attendees a clear insight on the possible outcomes of an ADR Session, Mr. David summarized the whole process in a nutshell.
The latter half of the event had the Keynote Speaker taking up doubts and queries of the audience. A diverse audience comprising students, professionals, academicians and eminent personalities from all over India and abroad was present. Mr. Boyle dealt with queries related to the ideal arbitration philosophy, qualifications for a perfect mediator/arbitrator and regarding future of ADR through online interface. He called the whole process of ADR as a client led approach. He also gave his take on the global pandemic of Covid-19 as something which has made us confront possibilities that were a far cry years ago.
The informative webinar concluded with an address delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Bahuguna, Vice Chancellor of Uttaranchal University and a formal Vote of Thanks to the dignitary by Prof. (Dr.) Poonam Rawat, Principal, Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University.
The International Webinar organized by Law College Dehradun witnessed over 650 active participants from reputed Universities across the nation.
