For Lawyers To Double Up As Mediators, They Need To Acquire Different Skills; Listen Than Speak : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court observed that lawyers acting as mediators must cultivate distinct skills such as listening, empathy, and neutrality rather than argumentative advocacy. The Court noted that mediation requires a non-adversarial approach and the ability to facilitate dialogue rather than dominate it. Highlighting the importance of training, the Bench stated that mediation’s success depends on lawyers adapting to its collaborative spirit. The ruling underscores the evolving importance of ADR and the need for legal professionals to develop mediation-specific competencies to enhance access to justice.