Distinguished Participants,
It is with immense pleasure that we extend to you a warm welcome to a revolutionary approach to professional training in the field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) at the School of Alternative Dispute Resolution (SADR). Your presence in this course marks the beginning of an exciting journey that is poised to transform the landscape of ADR practitioner training.
Traditionally, training programs in Mediation, Mediation Advocacy, and Arbitration have been conducted as separate and distinct courses. This approach has inadvertently led to a scenario where individuals trained in one aspect of ADR may have limited knowledge of the practices and skills associated with other ADR methods. For instance, an arbitrator may possess little or no understanding of the intricacies involved in mediation or the representation skills required for mediation advocacy.
In real-world ADR practice, clients who seek your assistance don’t typically categorize their challenges as suitable for arbitration, mediation, or other ADR processes. They simply walk into your professional offices and begin sharing their unique stories and conflicts. It becomes your responsibility as a professional to assess and determine the most suitable ADR approach for their specific situation.
This parallels the experiences of lawyers who, upon hearing their clients’ stories, must ascertain which area of law the issues fall under. Consequently, lawyers receive comprehensive training covering various areas of law, such as criminal law, commercial law, land law, and more, to effectively represent their clients across a wide legal spectrum.
Our certificate course in alternative dispute resolution is meticulously designed to encompass all essential ADR skills. Our overarching goal is to equip you with the knowledge and accreditation to become a well-rounded ADR professional, capable of effectively addressing any dispute resolution need that arises.
In many quarters, the substantial growth of ADR as a viable alternative or complement to the traditional legal system often goes unnoticed. The emergence of the Multi-Door Courthouse system has significantly elevated the status of ADR institutions, placing them second only to the centuries-old conventional courts. We firmly believe that a body of practice principles will inevitably evolve in this evolving field, and it is institutions like the School of Alternative Dispute Resolution that will provide the skilled workforce needed to support these new dimensions of justice.
In our commitment to pioneering change, we have also introduced complementary legal courses that are invaluable to the practice of any dedicated ADR professional. These introductory courses in contract law and tort law are tailored to provide fundamental principles essential for the work of an ADR practitioner, regardless of whether they hold a legal background.
As we embark on this transformative journey together, we invite you to embrace the full spectrum of ADR skills and knowledge that our program offers. We are confident that you will emerge as accomplished ADR professionals, well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of clients seeking alternative dispute resolution.
Once again, we extend our warmest welcome to SADR, where we are dedicated to shaping the future of dispute resolution professionals.
– Director