Project M for Mediation (Project M) offers the Mediation Masterclass (the Masterclass), a comprehensive, hands-on training programme in mediation. The broader objective is to build a robust, state-wide network of competent mediation professionals. 

The Masterclass delivers six key learning outcomes* through 28 expertly designed sessions, conducted in a hybrid format**. Spanning 60 hours of live learning, the programme includes 29 hours of in-person engagement and 31 hours of interactive online sessions. In addition to core teaching modules, participants will benefit from guest lectures, engaging panel discussions, and six hands-on workshops. 

The Masterclass covers the theory, law, and practice of mediation. It is designed to train participants in all aspects of mediation and equip them—where necessary, with additional training—to take on one or more roles in the mediation ecosystem, including as a mediator, mediation advocate, teacher or coach, commentator, or as a lawyer guiding clients on appropriate dispute resolution processes. 

The Masterclass is designed for beginners in mediation—those with minimal prior understanding or experience in the field. 

All participants who meet the attendance requirements will be awarded a Certificate of Participation***. A full fee waiver**** will be extended to all 48 individuals admitted to the first batch of the Masterclass.

* See "Admissions" below. ** See "Learning Outcomes" below. *** See "Location" below. **** See "Certification" below. ***** See "Fees" below.

This Masterclass is a unique, high-value training programme offered entirely free of charge to all selected participants. Its key features include:

• A comprehensive and structured curriculum, with clearly defined learning outcomes*. 

• 60 hours of live instruction (28 sequential sessions over 12 weeks) for in-depth, step-by-step learning in the theory, law, and practice of mediation. 

• Hands-on training through 25+ hours of in-person workshops (across six sessions) to build essential mediation skills. 

• Hybrid format for convenience, with over half the sessions delivered online. 

• Learning from top experts** using immersive, practice-oriented teaching methods. 

• A Certificate of Participation*** upon successful completion (with an option to secure an Advanced Certificate in Mediation with Transcript). 

• Eligibility to enrol as an associate member of the proposed Mediation Society of Kerala (subject to terms), which allows access to future opportunities for professional development. 

• A full fee waiver****.

* See "Learning Outcomes" below. ** See "Faculty" below. *** See "Certification" below. **** See "Fees" below.

The first batch of the Masterclass is open only to junior lawyers (with less than seven years of post-qualification experience - counted from the date of passing the LLB) and senior law students (who have completed at least eight semesters at a recognised law school in Kerala). 

The subsequent batches will be open to a larger group, including legal professionals (lawyers, law teachers, and in-house lawyers), management and other professionals, law and management students, government servants, elected representatives, and businesspeople across Kerala. 

Applicants must:

• have a foundational understanding of law, and a working proficiency in both English and Malayalam;

• have access to a functional device (preferably a laptop) and a stable internet connection;

• commit to attend the entire course; and

• pledge a minimum of 3 hours of voluntary service* to Project M for Mediation in a mutually agreed role. Typically, this involves delivering an introductory lecture on mediation to a small group of students from a school or college. 

NOTE: The organisers can admit only a limited number of participants. Admission decisions will be based on the applicant’s academic and/or professional background, demonstrated commitment and capacity to contribute meaningfully to the objectives of Project M for Mediation, and considerations of diversity, including age, gender, and regional representation within Kerala.

The Masterclass aims to equip beginners in mediation with a deep understanding of the theory, law, and practice of mediation, with a focus on the following key areas: 

• Understanding Mediation 

Develop a clear understanding of the context, concept, features, and legal framework of mediation. 

• Choosing Mediation 

Learn when and how to choose mediation over other dispute resolution processes. 

• Drafting Mediation Agreements 

Gain the skills to draft valid and enforceable mediation agreements.

• Conducting Mediation

Understand the stages of mediation and how to effectively conduct a mediation. 

• Drafting Mediated Settlement Agreements 

Learn to draft mediated settlement agreements that are legally sound and enforceable. 

• Enforcing Mediated Settlement Agreements 

Explore how to enforce or challenge a mediated settlement agreement in court.

• Sessions & Schedule: View Full Schedule. 

Course Director & Principal Instructor 

Rajesh C. Muttath (view his profile) will be the Principal Instructor of the core teaching modules and the key facilitator of the workshops. 

He will employ a diverse range of teaching methods, including lectures, Socratic colloquies, panel discussions, role-plays, group discussions, debates, mini-moots, and problem-solving exercises. 

Expert Contributors 

The Masterclass brings together industry experts (view the full list and profiles) who will deliver keynote speeches, present guest lectures, serve as panellists, and offer insights during the core teaching modules. 

Jury & Workshop Facilitators 

Ms Shyja S (Special Secretary - Law), Dr Sindhu Soman (Vice Principal, SN Law College, Poothotta), and Adv Teena Cherian (Lawyer and Accredited Mediator) constitute the Jury, the final appellate authority on both academic and administrative matters of the Masterclass. They also serve as the facilitators of in-person workshops. 

Course Coordinator 

Dr Joby Bhaskar (Faculty Member, Govt Law College, Ernakulam) 

Participation Track: All participants who complete the Masterclass with a minimum of 90% attendance in both online and in-person segments will be awarded a Certificate of Participation. 

OPTIONAL 

Assessment Track: Participants have the option to apply for an Advanced Certificate in Mediation (with Transcript) in addition to the Certificate of Participation. The Government Law College, Ernakulam, the Certifying Institution, will award this certificate. 

To be eligible, participants must: 

• complete the Masterclass with at least 90% attendance in each segment (online and in-person); 

• successfully pass all three tiers of the assessment (workshop performance review, written examination and personal interview) with a minimum score of 50% in each; and 

• pay a processing fee of Rs 2,500 only. 

One retake of the assessment may be permitted within six months of completing the Masterclass, subject to a fee of ₹999.

* The Transcript will reflect the participant's performance in the assessment. ** The certificate shown in the image (left) is for illustrative purposes only.

VIEW Full Schedule. 

The Mediation Masterclass will be delivered over 12 weeks, from 10 September through 28 November 2025. 

For those opting for professional certification/ grading*, assessments will be held separately between 20 and 26 November 2025 (exact dates and times to be announced later), and will include a written examination and a personal interview.

* See "Certification" above.

All participants (a maximum of 48) admitted to the first batch of the Masterclass will be offered a full fee waiver*. 

* The current fee for an equivalent course in the Indian market is estimated to be between Rs 40,000 and 60,000. ** This full fee waiver does not apply to participants opting for the Assessment Track - they must pay the stipulated processing fee.

Why this full fee waiver? Project M for Mediation offers this otherwise expensive course free of cost (or at heavily subsidised cost) to attract committed individuals to the field of mediation and build an effective mediation ecosystem in Kerala. In return, selected participants pledge three hours of voluntary service to Project M, helping us spread awareness and deepen the culture of mediation. This model is made possible through the generous support of experts and partner institutions who provide their time and resources at minimal or no cost, driven by a shared commitment to the cause.

Online sessions will be conducted via Zoom, and in-person sessions will be held at the High Court of Kerala (for formal events) and at the Government Law College, Ernakulam (for workshops). 

The session links and/or exact venue details will be shared with participants closer to the respective dates.