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Distinguished Speakers

Bringing together the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Hon’ble judges of the Supreme Court of India, chief justices and judges of high courts, leading legal practitioners and international ADR experts. 

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant

Chief Justice of India

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manmohan

Judge, Supreme Court of India

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arun Palli

Judge, Supreme Court of India

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya

Chief Justice, High Court of Delhi

Hon’ble Ms. Justice Prathiba M. Singh

Judge, High Court of Delhi

Hon'ble Mr. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani

Judge, High Court of Delhi

Hon'ble Ms. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna

Judge, High Court of Delhi

Hon’ble Ms. Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju

Judge, High Court of Karnataka

Mr. Tushar Mehta

Solicitor General of India

Hon'ble Mr. Justice A.K. Sikri (Retd.)

Judge, Supreme Court of India (Retd.)
Judge, Singapore International Commercial Court

Hon'ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul

Judge, Supreme Court of India (Retd.)
Judge, Bahrain International Commercial Court

Hon'ble Judge Mr. Daniel Weinstein (Retd.)

Founder, JAMS & Weinstein International Foundation

Hon'ble Judge Mr. Fernando Hoffmann

Judge, Brazilian Labor Court

Hon'ble Judge Ms. Vanessa A. Zecher (Retd.)

Mediator & Arbitrator, USA

Dr. Sukhsimranjit Singh

JAMS Mediator | Founder, Singh Academy | Judicial Master Trainer

Mr. Lim Tat

Mediator | Managing Partner, Aequitas Law LLP, Singapore

Ms. Susheela Sarathi

Senior Advocate | Senior Mediator & Master Trainer, Bangalore Mediation Centre | Senior Trainer MCPC Supreme Court of India

Mr. Amal Kumar Ganguli

Senior Advocate, Supreme Court Of India

Mr. Rajeev Virmani

Senior Advocate, Supreme Court Of India

Mr. Ratan K. Singh

Senior Advocate and Arbitrator, Supreme Court Of India

Mr. J. Sai Deepak

Senior Advocate, Supreme Court Of India

Mr. Suman Jyoti Khaitan

Founder Advocate at Suman Khaitan & Co and Khaitan & Partners

Mr. Pravin Anand

Managing Partner, Anand and Anand

Mr. Hemant Singh

Founder & Managing Partner, INTTL Advocare

Mr. A. J. Jawad

Registrar, IAMC

Ms. Chitra Narayan

Mediator, Founding Partner, FCDR

Mr. Suhail Nathani

Managing Partner, Economic Laws Practice

Mr. Rahul Narayan

Partner, Chandhiok & Mahajan

Ms. Prachi Mehta

Mediator, Founder, The Adr Group (Tag)

Mr. Amarjit Singh Chandhiok,

Senior Advocate, President, Maadhyam – International Council For Conflict Resolution

Ms. Charanya Lakshmikumaran

Executive Partner, LKS

Ms. Orit Asnin

Mediator, Israel

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Hon'ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant

Hon’ble Justice Surya Kant is the 53rd Chief Justice of India and one of the nation’s most distinguished jurists, widely recognized for his contributions to constitutional law, judicial administration, legal aid, and access to justice. Born on 10 February 1962 in Hisar, Haryana, he graduated from Government Post Graduate College, Hisar, in 1981 and earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984.

He began his legal career at the District Court in Hisar before moving to Chandigarh in 1985 to practice before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. During his years at the Bar, he developed extensive expertise in Constitutional, Service, and Civil Law and represented numerous universities, statutory bodies, corporations, banks, and the High Court itself. In recognition of his exceptional legal abilities, he was appointed Advocate General of Haryana on 7 July 2000, becoming the youngest person to hold the office. He was designated as a Senior Advocate in March 2001 and subsequently elevated as a Permanent Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on 9 January 2004.

Throughout his judicial career, Justice Surya Kant has remained deeply committed to legal education, judicial reforms, and legal aid initiatives. He served as a Member of the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and contributed to the work of the Indian Law Institute through various committees. Demonstrating his dedication to academic excellence, he earned a Master of Laws degree from Kurukshetra University in 2011, securing First Class First position.

On 5 October 2018, he assumed office as Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh before being elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 24 May 2019. During his tenure at the Supreme Court, he served as Executive Chairman of NALSA and Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee. On 24 November 2025, he was sworn in as the Chief Justice of India, continuing his distinguished service to the Constitution, the judiciary, and the rule of law.

Hon’ble MR. Justice Manmohan

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manmohan is a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, widely recognised for his distinguished judicial career and significant contributions to constitutional law, intellectual property jurisprudence, and the protection of fundamental rights. An alumnus of Modern School, Hindu College, and the Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, he enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1987. Prior to his elevation to the Bench, he practised extensively before the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court in civil, criminal, constitutional, taxation, arbitration, and intellectual property matters.

Designated as a Senior Advocate in 2003, Justice Manmohan appeared in several high-profile cases, including matters involving the Dabhol Power Company, General Electric’s John F. Welch Technology Centre, the Hyderabad Nizam’s Jewellery Trust, and the Claridges Hotel dispute. He also participated in numerous national and international legal seminars and conferences, contributing to discussions on contemporary legal issues.

Justice Manmohan was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court in 2008 and became a Permanent Judge in 2009. During his tenure, he authored several landmark judgments that strengthened constitutional rights and expanded access to justice. His notable decisions recognised the State’s obligation to provide essential medicines for economically weaker patients with rare diseases, upheld every child’s right to digital education during the COVID-19 pandemic, established a uniform protocol for the rescue and rehabilitation of child trafficking victims, and affirmed a child’s right to use the mother’s surname in official documents. He has also delivered pioneering judgments on Standard Essential Patents, dynamic injunctions against online piracy, trademark damages, and international investment treaties, which continue to influence Indian jurisprudence.

Justice Manmohan served as the Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court from November 2023 before being appointed Chief Justice on 29 September 2024. He was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 5 December 2024, where he continues to contribute to the development of Indian law and justice.

Hon’ble MR. Justice Arun Palli

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arun Palli is a Judge of the Supreme Court of India. With a distinguished legal career spanning over three decades, he is widely respected for his judicial integrity, balanced approach to adjudication, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

Born on 18 September 1964 to Smt. Sarla and Justice Prem Kishan Palli, Justice Palli belongs to a family with a rich legal legacy spanning generations. His great-grandfather, Late Shri Lachchman Dass Palli, and grandfather, Late Shri Lajpat Rai Palli, were eminent members of the District Bar, Patiala, while his father, Justice Prem Kishan Palli, was a Senior Advocate before his elevation as a Judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

Justice Palli graduated in Commerce and obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from Panjab University, Chandigarh, in 1988. He began his legal practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where he built a distinguished practice across civil, criminal, constitutional, revenue, industrial, and labour laws.

He was appointed Additional Advocate General for the State of Punjab in September 2004 and served until March 2007. In recognition of his standing at the Bar, he was designated as a Senior Advocate by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in April 2007. He also served as Amicus Curiae in several significant matters and appeared before the Supreme Court of India, the Delhi High Court, and the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

Justice Palli was elevated as a Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on 28 December 2013. In October 2023, he was nominated to the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). He was appointed Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in April 2025 and elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 1 June 2026. He assumed office after taking the oath on 2 June 2026.

Hon’ble MR. Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya is the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court and a distinguished jurist known for his significant contributions to constitutional, civil, and administrative law. Widely respected for his judicial acumen, integrity, and commitment to the rule of law, he has played an important role in strengthening the administration of justice in India.

Born on 16 June 1965 in Village Muskarai, District Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, Justice Upadhyaya pursued his legal education at Lucknow University, obtaining his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 1991. He enrolled as an Advocate on 11 May 1991 and commenced legal practice under the guidance of his father, Shri R.A. Upadhyaya, a distinguished practitioner before the Board of Revenue. He also trained under eminent legal luminaries Shri Mohd. Arif Khan, Senior Advocate, and Shri S.K. Kalia, Senior Advocate.

Justice Upadhyaya primarily practiced on the Civil and Constitutional sides before the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, Lucknow Bench, where he earned a strong reputation for his advocacy skills and deep understanding of public law. In recognition of his professional standing, he was appointed Chief Standing Counsel for the State of Uttar Pradesh in May 2007 and served in that role until his elevation to the Bench.

On 21 November 2011, he was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court and became a Permanent Judge on 6 August 2013. During his tenure, he delivered several notable judgments and contributed significantly to the development of legal jurisprudence. He later became the Senior Judge of the Lucknow Bench on 28 March 2023.

Justice Upadhyaya was appointed Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court in July 2023 before assuming office as Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court on 21 January 2025. As the head of one of India’s most influential High Courts, he continues to promote judicial efficiency, institutional excellence, and access to justice while upholding the highest constitutional values.

Ms. Justice Prathiba M. Singh

Hon’ble Ms. Justice Prathiba M. Singh is a distinguished Judge of the Delhi High Court and one of India’s most influential figures in the field of Intellectual Property Law. Renowned for her contributions to intellectual property jurisprudence, commercial law, and judicial reform, she has played a transformative role in shaping India’s modern intellectual property framework.

Justice Singh completed the five-year law programme from University Law College, Bangalore, graduating as the First Rank holder of Bangalore University. During her student years, she represented India at the prestigious Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Chicago, USA. She later received the prestigious ODASSS Scholarship from the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust to pursue an LL.M. at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. After enrolling with the Bar in 1991, she established herself as one of India’s leading intellectual property practitioners.

Prior to her elevation to the Bench, Justice Singh was the Managing Partner of Singh & Singh, where she built a distinguished practice in intellectual property law, commercial litigation, arbitration, telecommunications, media law, regulatory matters, and constitutional litigation. She regularly appeared before the Supreme Court of India, the Delhi High Court, the Intellectual Property Appellate Board, and other specialized tribunals and authorities.

Her expertise led to several important public appointments, including serving as Amicus Curiae for reforms in the Copyright Office and as a member of committees examining intellectual property legislation and patent examination procedures. She was also a member of the Government of India’s IPR Think Tank, which drafted India’s first National Intellectual Property Rights Policy.

Elevated as a Judge of the Delhi High Court in 2017, Justice Singh has continued to make landmark contributions to intellectual property jurisprudence. She played a pivotal role in establishing the Delhi High Court’s Intellectual Property Division and developing specialized procedural rules for intellectual property and patent litigation. Widely respected for her scholarship, judicial leadership, and commitment to legal innovation, she continues to shape the future of intellectual property law in India.

Hon’ble MR. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani is a distinguished Judge of the Delhi High Court, widely respected for his contributions to constitutional law, criminal jurisprudence, media law, and public interest litigation. A first-generation lawyer, he has built an exceptional legal career marked by intellectual rigor, professional excellence, and a deep commitment to public service and access to justice.

Born in New Delhi in 1965, Justice Bhambhani completed his schooling at Springdales School and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Physics with a specialization in nuclear physics from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. Inspired by Nani Palkhivala’s We, The People, he pursued a legal career and obtained his LL.B. degree from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, in 1992.

Enrolling at the Bar in 1992, he began practice under the guidance of a senior advocate before establishing his independent practice in 1994. Over the next two decades, he developed a highly regarded practice before the Supreme Court of India, the Delhi High Court, and other courts across the country. He became particularly known for his expertise in media law, criminal law, constitutional law, and commercial disputes, handling matters involving privacy rights, free speech, broadcasting, telecommunications, copyright, juvenile justice, education law, and constitutional challenges.

Justice Bhambhani has also been actively involved in legal education and judicial training, serving as a resource person for institutions including the National Judicial Academy and various judicial academies and law schools. A strong advocate for legal aid and social justice, he undertook substantial pro bono work and assisted courts as Amicus Curiae in several public-interest matters that contributed to significant legal and social reforms.

He was designated as a Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court in 2014 and elevated as a Judge of the Delhi High Court in 2018. Through his judicial work, he continues to uphold constitutional values, fairness, and the rule of law.

Hon’ble MS. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna

Hon’ble Ms. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna is a distinguished Judge of the Delhi High Court, widely respected for her contributions to judicial administration, mediation, and dispute resolution. With over three decades of judicial experience, she has served in a wide range of civil and criminal jurisdictions, earning recognition for her expertise in matrimonial law, commercial disputes, criminal justice, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Born on 18 June 1965, Justice Krishna completed her LL.B. from the Campus Law Centre and LL.M. from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. She joined the Delhi Judicial Service in 1992 and was promoted to the Delhi Higher Judicial Service in 2003. During her distinguished judicial career, she presided over numerous civil and criminal courts, adjudicating matters relating to matrimonial disputes, motor accident claims, offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, money laundering, terrorism-related legislations including POTA and TADA, and other complex statutory matters.

A pioneer in institutional mediation, Justice Krishna served as the first Director of the Delhi Dispute Resolution Society (DDRS) under the Government of NCT of Delhi, the country’s first state-sponsored institution dedicated to pre-litigation and community mediation. She is a trained mediator and Master Trainer with the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC) of the Supreme Court of India, having completed her Training of Trainers programme with CEDR, United Kingdom, in 2007. Since then, she has trained judges, lawyers, and mediators across India, significantly contributing to the growth of mediation.

Justice Krishna also served as Director (Academics), Delhi Judicial Academy, where she played an important role in judicial education and capacity building. She was elevated as a Permanent Judge of the Delhi High Court on 28 February 2022. Widely admired for her judicial acumen, commitment to access to justice, and leadership in mediation, she continues to make significant contributions to the development of Indian jurisprudence and court-annexed dispute resolution.

MS. Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju

It gives me great pleasure, both as a member of Maadhyam – International Council for Conflict Resolution and as a Judge of the High Court, to know that Maadhyam is organising the International ADR Conference 2026 on the theme “ADR Pathways to Legal Harmony.”

Alternative Dispute Resolution has emerged as an integral component of the modern justice system. By providing efficient, collaborative, and cost-effective mechanisms for resolving disputes, mediation and arbitration complement the judicial process, promote access to justice, and foster an amicable resolution of conflicts.

My association with mediation has been greatly enriched through the various programmes organised by Maadhyam, particularly the opportunity to be part of the Indian delegation to the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University, USA, in 2018. That experience further strengthened my conviction that institutionalised mediation holds immense promise as an effective mechanism for dispute resolution, fostering dialogue, preserving relationships, and facilitating enduring and mutually acceptable settlements.

I commend Maadhyam for its sustained commitment to advancing mediation and arbitration through training, research, capacity building, and international collaboration. By bringing together the judiciary, legal profession, academia, and the global ADR community, the Conference provides a valuable forum for the exchange of ideas and the strengthening of ADR frameworks.

I congratulate Maadhyam and all those associated with this commendable initiative. I am confident that the Conference will make a meaningful contribution to the advancement of ADR and the promotion of legal harmony, and I extend my best wishes for
its success.

Mr. Tushar Mehta

Mr. Tushar Mehta is one of India’s most distinguished legal practitioners and currently serves as the Solicitor General of India, the second-highest law officer of the country. Widely recognized for his expertise in constitutional, administrative, and public law, he has played a pivotal role in representing the Union of India before the Supreme Court in several landmark cases of national importance.

Born on 11 September 1964 in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Mr. Mehta completed his legal education at L.A. Shah Law College, Gujarat University. During his academic career, he demonstrated exceptional scholastic excellence, earning five prestigious gold medals in various branches of law. After enrolling with the Bar Council of Gujarat in 1987, he commenced practice before the Gujarat High Court and quickly established a reputation as a highly accomplished advocate in constitutional, administrative, taxation, and service law matters.

In recognition of his professional standing, he was designated as a Senior Counsel by the Gujarat High Court in 2008 and subsequently served as the Additional Advocate General for the State of Gujarat. In 2014, he was appointed Additional Solicitor General of India, representing the Union Government in significant constitutional and policy matters before the Supreme Court and various High Courts. On 10 October 2018, he was appointed Solicitor General of India, a position he continues to hold with distinction.

As Solicitor General, Mr. Mehta has appeared in numerous landmark constitutional matters involving federal governance, national security, public policy, digital regulation, electoral issues, and fundamental rights. His advocacy in several high-profile cases has contributed significantly to the development of contemporary constitutional jurisprudence in India.

Beyond the courtroom, he is a sought-after speaker at legal conferences, universities, and professional forums, where he addresses issues relating to constitutional governance, judicial administration, arbitration, and legal ethics. With a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, Mr. Tushar Mehta continues to be one of the most influential figures in Indian law, contributing to the strengthening of constitutional institutions and the rule of law.

Hon’ble MR. Justice A. K. Sikri (Retd.)

Hon’ble Justice A. K. Sikri (Retd.) is a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and former Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana High Court, widely regarded as one of India’s most eminent jurists. With a distinguished legal career spanning over four decades, he has made significant contributions to constitutional law, commercial law, intellectual property, arbitration, labour and service law, competition law, and public policy. An outstanding scholar, he graduated as a Gold Medalist from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, securing first position in both his LL.B. and LL.M. examinations.

Justice Sikri began his legal practice in 1977 and was designated a Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court in 1997. He was elevated as a Judge of the Delhi High Court in 1999, served as its Acting Chief Justice, and was appointed Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana High Court in 2012 before his elevation to the Supreme Court of India in 2013. During his tenure on the Supreme Court, he authored several landmark judgments on constitutional governance, privacy, arbitration, competition law, intellectual property, taxation, labour law, and human rights, many of which have had a lasting impact on Indian jurisprudence.

Internationally respected for his expertise, Justice Sikri was named among the World’s 50 Most Influential Personalities in Intellectual Property by Managing Intellectual Property in 2007. Since his retirement, he has served as an international arbitrator and mediator, sitting in proceedings under leading institutional rules, and has been associated with several global dispute-resolution initiatives.

Justice Sikri has been awarded the Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow. He continues to contribute to legal education and judicial reform through his association with the National Judicial Academy, the International Law Association (India Branch), the Committee on Restatement of Law, and leading academic and professional institutions, remaining an influential voice in the advancement of justice, arbitration, and the rule of law.

Hon’ble MR. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul (Retd.)

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul (Retd.) is a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and one of the country’s most distinguished jurists, renowned for his contributions to constitutional law, commercial jurisprudence, arbitration, technology law, and judicial reform. With a legal career spanning over four decades, he is widely respected for his progressive jurisprudence, commitment to access to justice, and landmark judgments on fundamental rights, privacy, free speech, and governance.

Born on 26 December 1958, Justice Kaul studied at Modern School, New Delhi, graduated in Economics (Honours) from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, and obtained his LL.B. from the Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi in 1982. After enrolling with the Bar Council of Delhi, he developed an extensive practice before the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court, specializing in commercial, constitutional, corporate, banking, finance, taxation, telecommunications, infrastructure, and administrative law. He served as an Advocate-on-Record of the Supreme Court from 1987 to 1999 and was designated a Senior Advocate in 1999.

Justice Kaul was elevated as a Judge of the Delhi High Court in 2001, served as its Acting Chief Justice, and subsequently became the Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana High Court in 2013 and the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court in 2014. He was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 17 February 2017, where he authored several landmark judgments on constitutional rights, electoral reforms, technology, arbitration, environmental protection, and access to justice.

Following his retirement in December 2023, Justice Kaul has continued to contribute to the legal profession as an arbitrator, mediator, and speaker at national and international forums. Widely admired for his intellectual depth, judicial integrity, and visionary approach, he remains an influential voice in the advancement of the rule of law and dispute resolution in India and globally.

Hon. MR. Daniel Weinstein

Hon. Daniel Weinstein (often referred to as Judge Danny Weinstein), is one of the most respected mediators in the United States and a pioneer in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Internationally recognized for mediating complex commercial, civil, multi-party, and public policy disputes, he has played a significant role in shaping modern mediation practices worldwide. Prior to his distinguished career as a mediator, Judge Weinstein served on the San Francisco court bench before stepping down in 1989 to devote his efforts to mediation and arbitration. He subsequently became one of the founding members of JAMS, one of the world’s largest private dispute-resolution organizations.

Over the course of several decades, Judge Weinstein has successfully mediated thousands of disputes involving businesses, governments, organizations, and individuals, helping parties achieve effective resolutions outside lengthy and costly litigation processes. His commitment to peacebuilding extends beyond dispute resolution through the establishment of the Weinstein International Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting mediation, conflict-resolution education, and peacebuilding initiatives across the globe. His outstanding contributions to the ADR field have earned him numerous prestigious recognitions, including the International Advocate for Peace Award from the Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution in 2014, recognition as an ADR Champion by the National Law Journal in 2017 and 2018, and the Peacemaker Award from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in 2020, the institute’s highest honor.

In 2021, Judge Weinstein was appointed Distinguished Mediator in Residence at Pepperdine University’s Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, where he continues to contribute to the advancement of mediation education and practice. A highly regarded educator, mentor, and speaker, he regularly teaches and lectures on mediation and conflict resolution throughout the United States and internationally. Widely recognized as a leading mediator for high-stakes and complex disputes, Judge Danny Weinstein’s work as a mediator, educator, and peacebuilder has had a lasting influence on the global ADR community.

Hon. MR. Fernando Hoffmann

Hon. Fernando Hoffmann is a distinguished Brazilian Labor Court Judge, mediator, educator, and internationally recognized specialist in mediation, negotiation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). He currently serves as the Presiding Judge of the 22nd Labor Court of Curitiba within the Regional Labor Court of Paraná (TRT-9), where he has played a key role in advancing mediation, conciliation, and judicial innovation within Brazil’s labor justice system.

Judge Hoffmann began his judicial career in 1997 after securing first rank in Brazil’s highly competitive Labor Judiciary examination among more than 2,000 candidates. Over the years, he has served in various judicial, administrative, and educational capacities, contributing significantly to the promotion of consensual dispute resolution mechanisms that improve access to justice and reduce litigation.

 

Committed to professional excellence, he pursued advanced studies in mediation, negotiation, and dispute resolution at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, USA. He has also participated in several international programs focused on mediation, legal writing, and dispute resolution, strengthening his expertise in both domestic and cross-border conflicts.

His areas of specialization include labor mediation and conciliation, collective bargaining negotiations, pre-litigation dispute resolution, judicial administration, and court modernization. He is widely recognized for promoting collaborative approaches to conflict resolution and for developing systems that enable parties to resolve disputes efficiently before formal litigation. As coordinator of Paraná’s first “Justice 4.0” labor-court innovation unit, he helped integrate technology and modern management practices into judicial processes.

A leading advocate for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mediation and court systems, Judge Hoffmann regularly lectures for judicial academies, universities, and professional organizations. Through his work, he continues to advance mediation, judicial innovation, and effective dispute resolution both in Brazil and internationally.

MS. Judge Vanessa A. Zecher (Ret.)

Hon. Vanessa A. Zecher (Ret.) is a distinguished American mediator, arbitrator, former judge, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) professional based in California. She joined JAMS in 2024 after more than thirteen years of service on the Santa Clara County Superior Court and now serves as a mediator, arbitrator, court-appointed neutral, and temporary judge. Recognized for her expertise in family law, business and commercial disputes, employment matters, and real property conflicts, Judge Zecher is known for helping parties resolve complex disputes through efficient and practical dispute-resolution processes.

Judge Zecher earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Santa Clara University in 1984 and her Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1987. She served on the Santa Clara County Superior Court from 2011 to 2024, holding several leadership positions, including All-Purpose Judge in the Family Law Division, Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division and Felony Trial Courts, and Assistant Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division. During her judicial tenure, she presided over a wide range of complex matters and gained a reputation for her balanced, solution-oriented approach to justice.

Before joining the bench, Judge Zecher founded and managed the Law Offices of Vanessa A. Zecher and previously served as a partner at Ravel & Zecher. She also worked as Deputy County Counsel for Santa Clara County, developing extensive experience in litigation, negotiation, and public service.

Her areas of expertise include high-net-worth divorce proceedings, child custody and visitation disputes, domestic violence matters, property division, premarital agreements, spousal and child support, employment disputes, and complex family law mediation and arbitration.

Judge Zecher has been recognized in Doyle’s Guide 2025 as a Leading Family Law Private Judge in California. She has also served on the California Judges Association Ethics Committee, including as Chair, and has been an active lecturer in judicial education programs. Respected for her integrity and professionalism, she continues to make significant contributions to the field of dispute resolution.

MR. Dr. Sukhsimranjit Singh

Dr. Sukhsimranjit Singh is an internationally acclaimed mediator, legal scholar, educator, and dispute-resolution expert whose work has significantly contributed to the global advancement of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Based in USA, he serves as the Judge Danny Weinstein Managing Director of the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and Professor of Law and Practice at Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law. He also serves as Director of the LL.M. Programs in Dispute Resolution, a JAMS Neutral and Mediator, and a Board Member of the Weinstein International Foundation.

Originally from Punjab, India, Dr. Singh earned his B.A. and LL.B. from the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), followed by an LL.M. in Dispute Resolution from the University of Missouri. He later completed a postgraduate fellowship at the Hamline University Dispute Resolution Institute and earned a Ph.D. from National Law University Delhi, focusing on comparative Indo-American approaches to dispute resolution. Early in his career, he clerked for Justice R. C. Lahoti, former Chief Justice of India.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr. Singh has mediated disputes and trained professionals across the United States, India, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Brazil, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, China, Australia, and several other countries. His expertise includes international mediation, cross-cultural dispute resolution, faith-based mediation, negotiation, conflict management, and organizational dispute resolution. An accomplished academic and author, he has taught at leading institutions including Pepperdine University, USC Gould School of Law, Willamette University, Hamline University, National Law University, and Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law. He has also authored numerous scholarly publications and contributed extensively to mediation education worldwide.

His contributions have earned international recognition, including designation as a GIAN Scholar by the Government of India and Honorary Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators. Widely regarded as a leading voice in international ADR, Dr. Singh continues to advance dialogue, collaboration, and peaceful conflict resolution across cultures and legal systems.

MR. Tat Lim

Mr. Tat Lim is a highly respected mediator, arbitrator, and dispute-resolution professional based in Singapore, recognized internationally for his contributions to mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). With over fifteen years of experience, he has built a distinguished reputation for resolving complex disputes and advancing professional mediation standards across jurisdictions.

A founding member of Maxwell Mediators, one of Singapore’s premier mediation chambers, Mr. Lim is accredited as both a mediator and arbitrator by several leading dispute-resolution institutions. He has successfully mediated a wide range of disputes, including commercial, international commercial, governmental, regulatory, community, and public-interest matters. His ability to facilitate constructive dialogue and achieve practical, sustainable outcomes has earned him the trust of parties from diverse sectors and backgrounds.

Beyond his mediation practice, Mr. Lim is deeply committed to mediation education and professional development. He has trained and mentored mediators, lawyers, and dispute-resolution professionals around the world and has collaborated with institutions across multiple jurisdictions to design, deliver, and assess mediation training programmes. His work has contributed significantly to the development of mediation skills, accreditation frameworks, and best practices internationally.

Mr. Lim holds several influential leadership positions within the global ADR community. A 2017 Weinstein JAMS International Fellow, he currently serves as Chair of the Advisory Committee of the International Bar Association (IBA) Mediation Committee. He is also Chair of the Society of Mediation Professionals (Singapore) and a Board Member of the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC).

His areas of expertise include commercial disputes, construction, employment, healthcare, intellectual property, technology, telecommunications, real estate, sports, and public-sector conflicts. Recognized by leading legal directories such as The Legal 500 and Who’s Who Legal: Mediation, Mr. Lim continues to make a significant impact on the advancement of mediation worldwide.

Ms. Susheela Sarathi

Ms. S. Susheela is a distinguished Senior Counsel, accomplished author, mediator, trainer, and Amicus Curiae with over three decades of experience in the legal profession. Practicing before the High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru, she is widely recognized for her significant contributions to the advancement of mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in India. Through her work as a legal practitioner, educator, mediator, and trainer, she has played a vital role in promoting consensual dispute resolution and strengthening mediation awareness among legal professionals and the wider community.

A leading advocate of mediation, Mrs. Susheela has authored several influential publications, including Mediation Reader’s Handbook, Change Through Mediation, and Madhyasthike Odugara Kaipidi, a mediation guide published in Kannada. These works reflect her commitment to making mediation knowledge accessible to practitioners, students, and the public while fostering a culture of dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.

Mrs. Susheela is a trained mediator and mediation trainer associated with the Bangalore Mediation Centre and the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC) of the Supreme Court of India. Over the years, she has trained advocates, judicial officers, and professionals from diverse sectors in mediation and conflict-resolution techniques, contributing significantly to the growth of India’s ADR ecosystem.

A passionate educator, she has been actively involved in Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes, mentoring future mediation trainers and helping expand the reach and quality of mediation education across the country. Her efforts have strengthened mediation capacity-building and institutional development in India.

In recognition of her legal expertise and professional standing, Mrs. Susheela was appointed Amicus Curiae by the Karnataka High Court in 2025 in the suo motu proceedings arising from the Bengaluru stampede case. Widely respected for her legal acumen, practical insights, and commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, she continues to be an influential figure in promoting justice, dialogue, and effective conflict resolution throughout India.

MR. Amal Kumar Ganguli

Mr. Amal Kumar Ganguli is a distinguished Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India and one of the country’s most respected legal luminaries, with over five decades of experience at the Bar. Renowned for his expertise in constitutional law, commercial and corporate litigation, domestic and international arbitration, intellectual property, infrastructure, banking, and financial law, he has appeared in numerous landmark cases before the Supreme Court of India, High Courts, and arbitral tribunals. Designated as a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court of India in 1986, he has represented the Union of India, State Governments, public sector undertakings, multinational corporations, financial institutions, and leading private enterprises in several high-profile disputes.

In addition to his distinguished litigation practice, Mr. Ganguli is an accomplished arbitrator with extensive experience in both domestic and international commercial arbitration. He has served on numerous arbitral tribunals and is associated with leading arbitral institutions, contributing significantly to the growth of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution in India.

Mr. Ganguli has held several prestigious leadership positions in the international legal community. He has served as Vice President of the Asian Society of International Law, a Governing Board Member of the Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA), and has been actively associated with prominent organizations including the International Bar Association (IBA), LAWASIA, and the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA). His contributions have strengthened international legal cooperation and the development of cross-border dispute resolution.

A respected legal scholar and thought leader, Mr. Ganguli is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences on constitutional law, arbitration, and commercial litigation. Widely admired for his exceptional advocacy, legal scholarship, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law, he continues to be an influential figure in India’s legal profession and the global dispute-resolution community.

MR. Rajeev K. Virmani

Mr. Rajeev K. Virmani is a distinguished Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India and one of the country’s leading practitioners in litigation, arbitration, mediation, and commercial dispute resolution. With more than four decades of legal experience, he has built an outstanding practice spanning constitutional law, commercial and corporate disputes, domestic and international arbitration, mediation, infrastructure, intellectual property, banking and finance, regulatory law, and public law. He regularly appears before the Supreme Court of India, High Courts, tribunals, and arbitral forums across the country, representing leading corporations, financial institutions, government bodies, and private clients in complex, high-value disputes.

Mr. Virmani began his legal career with Khaitan & Co. in 1981 before commencing independent practice in 1983. In recognition of his professional excellence and contributions to the legal profession, he was designated as a Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court in 2009. A Gold Medalist in Law, he also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science and has completed the Oxford Advanced Management and Leadership Programme (OAMLP), reflecting his commitment to academic and professional excellence.

An internationally accredited mediator, Mr. Virmani is a Senior Mediator and serves as the Organising Secretary of the Delhi High Court Mediation and Conciliation Centre (Samadhan), where he has played a pivotal role in strengthening court-annexed mediation and promoting consensual dispute resolution. He is also regularly appointed by courts as a mediator in complex commercial disputes.

A passionate legal educator, Mr. Virmani has been a Lead Trainer in the Indo-British Advocacy Skills Programme since 2002, mentoring over 8,000 advocates across India in advocacy, ethics, and courtroom skills. Widely respected for his legal acumen, leadership, and commitment to mediation, he continues to make significant contributions to the advancement of dispute resolution and the administration of justice in India.

MR. Ratan K. Singh

Shri Ratan K. Singh is a distinguished Senior Advocate and one of India’s foremost authorities on construction law, infrastructure disputes, and arbitration. With nearly three decades of experience, he has built an exceptional practice in construction and engineering disputes, commercial litigation, and domestic and international arbitration. He regularly appears before the Supreme Court of India, High Courts, arbitral tribunals, and international dispute-resolution forums, representing government bodies, public sector undertakings, multinational corporations, contractors, and infrastructure developers in high-value and complex disputes.

A pioneer in the field of construction law, Mr. Singh is the first Indian lawyer to be admitted as an International Member of Keating Chambers, London, one of the world’s leading sets specializing in construction and energy law. He is the Founder and Chairman of the India Chapter of the Society of Construction Law (UK) and serves as a Director of the India Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). He is also an empanelled arbitrator with leading institutions, including the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), the Delhi International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), and the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA).

Mr. Singh has advised and acted as counsel and arbitrator in disputes involving power generation, highways, airports, railways, oil and gas, telecommunications, mining, ports, renewable energy, real estate, and other major infrastructure projects. His expertise spans FIDIC contracts, EPC agreements, public procurement, project finance, and international construction arbitration.

An accomplished academic, he is an Honorary Professor of Construction Law and Construction Arbitration at Manipal Law School and Dhirubhai Ambani University, and a Visiting Faculty at O. P. Jindal Global University. The only Indian Fellow of the International Academy of Construction Lawyers, Mr. Singh is a widely respected author, educator, and speaker who continues to shape the development of construction law and arbitration in India and internationally.

MR. Jai Sai Deepak

Mr. Jai Sai Deepak is a designated Senior Advocate practising primarily before the High Court of Delhi, the Supreme Court of India, and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). He has built a distinguished practice in civil and commercial litigation with a strong focus on intellectual property, constitutional law, company law, insolvency, competition law, arbitration, and securities law. He also appears regularly before the Karnataka, Calcutta, Madras, and Kerala High Courts, and represents clients before specialized tribunals including the NCLT, NCLAT, and the Competition Commission of India.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University (2002–2006) and a bachelor’s degree in law from IIT Kharagpur (2006–2009). He began his legal career in July 2009 with Saikrishna & Associates, where he practiced civil and commercial litigation and was elevated to Associate Partner in 2015. In June 2016, he founded the Law Chambers of J. Sai Deepak, establishing his independent practice as counsel. On 29 November 2024, at the age of 39, he was designated as a Senior Advocate by the High Court of Delhi.

Mr. Sai Deepak regularly appears in high-stakes matters involving constitutional interpretation, regulatory disputes, corporate governance, and complex commercial issues. He has contributed to several landmark judgments across his core practice areas. He has served as Special Counsel for the State Government of Madhya Pradesh in proceedings relating to the inclusion of Madhya Pradesh within the Basmati Geographical Indication. Since August 2023, he has also been engaged as arguing counsel for the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) before the Supreme Court, High Courts, NCLT, and NCLAT.

In recognition of his professional achievements, he was awarded the Young Alumni Achiever’s Award by IIT Kharagpur in 2019. He is also a noted author, having written two bestselling books published by Bloomsbury: India That is Bharat: Coloniality, Civilisation, Constitution (2021) and India, Bharat and Pakistan: The Constitutional Journey of a Sandwiched Civilisation (2022).

MR. Suman Khaitan

Mr. Suman Jyoti Khaitan is the Founder and Managing Partner of Suman Khaitan & Co. and Khaitan & Partners, two full-service law firms headquartered in New Delhi with an extensive network of associates across major cities in India. A practising advocate since 1985, he has built a distinguished legal career spanning over four decades and is widely recognised for his expertise in corporate and commercial law.

His practice encompasses a broad spectrum of legal disciplines, including arbitration, aviation, banking, bankruptcy and insolvency, business restructuring, competition law, family settlements, infrastructure, insurance, intellectual property, litigation, overseas investments and acquisitions, power, real estate, mergers and amalgamations, demergers, takeovers, hive-offs, tax planning, telecommunications, and trusts. He has advised leading Indian and international clients on complex legal, regulatory, and commercial matters.

Mr. Khaitan has played an active leadership role in India’s premier industry and legal institutions. He served as President of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in 2013 and has been a member of the Managing Committee of ASSOCHAM for over two decades. He currently serves as Chair of ASSOCHAM’s National Council on Legal Affairs & Regulatory Reforms. He is also associated with several distinguished organisations, including ICC India, the Confederation of Indian Bar, the Indian Council of Arbitration, the International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution, and the Society of Indian Law Firms.

A member of the Supreme Court Bar Association, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association, and the Delhi High Court Bar Association, among others, Mr. Khaitan is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences. He is frequently invited by parliamentary committees, industry bodies, and electronic media to share his views on important legal, regulatory, and public policy issues. He also serves as an Independent Director on the boards of listed companies.

MR. Pravin Anand

Mr. Pravin Anand is one of India’s most distinguished Intellectual Property (IP) lawyers and is internationally recognized for his pioneering contributions to the development of IP jurisprudence. With more than four decades of legal practice and involvement in over 2,500 cases, he is widely regarded as a leading authority in patents, trademarks, copyright, technology law, and innovation-related disputes. His work has played a transformative role in shaping intellectual property enforcement and litigation in India.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Mr. Anand has represented clients in numerous landmark cases that have significantly influenced India’s intellectual property landscape. His practice spans diverse sectors, including pharmaceuticals, technology, telecommunications, media and entertainment, consumer goods, and manufacturing. He has been instrumental in securing precedent-setting judgments involving patent protection, standard essential patents (SEPs), software innovation, trademark enforcement, and intellectual property remedies.

Mr. Anand is the author of Halsbury’s Laws of India on Intellectual Property and has contributed extensively to leading international IP publications. Beyond the courtroom, he has been a passionate advocate for intellectual property awareness and innovation. He founded the Raj Anand Moot Court Competition in 1997 and has developed several innovative educational initiatives, including Anaryst, an intellectual property board game; Brainchild, India’s first IP-themed play; Adventures of Mr. IP, an educational comic series; and IPONOMICS, a coffee table book promoting innovation and intellectual property awareness.

His contributions have earned him numerous prestigious honours, including the INTA President’s Award (2021), the AIPPI Award of Merit, and recognition as the Most Innovative Lawyer in Asia-Pacific by the Financial Times. Consistently ranked among the leading IP lawyers in Asia, he continues to contribute to global discussions on intellectual property policy through organizations such as INTA, APAA, and AIPPI. Widely respected for his legal excellence and strategic vision, Mr. Anand remains one of the most influential figures in intellectual property law.

MR. Hemant Singh

Mr. Hemant Singh is one of India’s foremost intellectual property litigators, a registered Patent Agent, and the Founder and Managing Partner of INTTL ADVOCARE, a leading intellectual property law firm. With a distinguished legal career spanning more than four decades since his admission to the Bar in 1984, he has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s intellectual property jurisprudence through his involvement in over 2,500 IP litigations before courts and tribunals across the country.

Mr. Singh’s practice encompasses the entire spectrum of intellectual property law, including trademarks, patents, designs, copyrights, trade secrets, geographical indications, competition law, and information technology law. Throughout his career, he has handled numerous complex and landmark disputes involving patent claim construction, trademark infringement, fair use, prior user rights, comparative advertising, anti-counterfeiting measures, and parallel imports. His advocacy has significantly contributed to the development and enforcement of intellectual property rights in India.

Representing a diverse international clientele, Mr. Singh advises and appears for several Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, consumer goods, telecommunications, software, electronics, media, automobiles, fashion, and life sciences. His ability to navigate complex commercial and intellectual property disputes has earned him the trust of multinational corporations and industry leaders worldwide.

Beyond litigation, he has made substantial contributions to intellectual property policy, legal scholarship, and international engagement. Notably, he represented the International Trademark Association (INTA) in its first-ever amicus curiae brief before the Supreme Court of India in a landmark case concerning parallel imports. Mr. Singh has served in several influential leadership roles, including President of the AIPPI India Group and Board Member of INTA. Consistently ranked among India’s leading IP practitioners by Chambers and Partners, Who’s Who Legal, WTR1000, and other global directories, he remains a respected thought leader whose work continues to strengthen intellectual property protection and innovation in India and beyond.

MR. A. J. Jawad

Mr. A.J. Jawad is a seasoned advocate, accredited mediator, arbitrator, and internationally recognized ADR trainer with over 35 years of legal experience and nearly two decades of specialized work in mediation. He is widely respected for his expertise in civil, commercial, international, matrimonial, and online dispute resolution, and is regarded as one of the senior mediation trainers in India.

Mr. Jawad serves as a Senior Mediator-Trainer with the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC) of the Supreme Court of India and the Tamil Nadu Mediation and Conciliation Centre (TNMCC), Madras High Court. Since becoming actively involved in mediation in 2007, he has conducted mediations and advanced training programmes for judges, lawyers, and mediation professionals across several Indian states. He has also designed and delivered Train-the-Trainer (ToT) programmes aimed at strengthening institutional mediation capacity and professional standards.

A passionate educator, Mr. Jawad has been invited to conduct workshops and faculty programmes at the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal, the Tamil Nadu Judicial Academy, and leading universities in India and the United Kingdom. He is a Global Faculty member of ADR ODR International (UK), a SIMI-accredited mediator, and an Accredited Digital Dispute Resolution Specialist (DDRS), reflecting his expertise in both traditional and technology-enabled dispute resolution.

Mr. Jawad is empanelled as a mediator with the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry and as an arbitrator with the Madras High Court, handling business, contractual, and cross-border disputes. He currently serves as Registrar, International Arbitration and Mediation Centre (IAMC), Hyderabad, where he contributes to the development of institutional arbitration and mediation in India and internationally.

MS. Chitra Narayan

Ms. Chitra Narayan is a distinguished lawyer, mediator, arbitrator, author, and academic whose work has significantly contributed to the growth of mediation and dispute resolution in India. Based in Chennai, she is an accredited mediator with the Tamil Nadu Mediation and Conciliation Centre (TNMCC) under the Madras High Court and the Founding Partner of the Foundation for Comprehensive Dispute Resolution (FCDR), Chennai. Widely respected for her expertise in mediation policy and practice, she has played a pivotal role in advancing institutional mediation and promoting consensual dispute resolution across the country.

Ms. Narayan completed her B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) from the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, and earned a Master’s degree in Law in Development from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, as a Chevening Scholar. Her academic background combines legal scholarship with a deep understanding of governance, policy, and dispute-resolution systems.

Prior to establishing her independent practice, she worked in corporate and commercial law with leading law firms. Since 2005, she has mediated a wide range of disputes, including family, workplace, and commercial conflicts, earning recognition as one of India’s leading mediation professionals. Her practical experience and policy expertise have made her an influential voice in the development of mediation in India.

In 2020, Ms. Narayan was appointed to a select group of mediators constituted by the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC) of the Supreme Court of India to assist in drafting proposed mediation legislation, reflecting her important role in shaping India’s mediation framework.

A committed educator, she serves as Visiting Faculty at Sai University, NLSIU Bengaluru, Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai, and the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs. She is also the author of Mediation Policy & Practice (2021) and has held editorial roles in several leading legal publications. Recipient of the inaugural Sriram Panchu National ImPACT Award in Mediation Research and Literature (2023), Ms. Narayan continues to advance mediation, access to justice, and effective dispute-resolution systems in India.

MR. Suhail Nathani

Mr. Suhail Nathani is widely recognized as one of India’s leading lawyers, with a distinguished practice spanning mergers and acquisitions, regulatory law, securities law, international trade, and competition law. He is highly regarded for his deep understanding of Indian business law and the regulatory challenges faced by foreign investors operating in India. Leading legal directories and client reviews describe him as an “exceptional lawyer and adviser” with a broad commercial perspective and a highly practical approach to complex legal issues.

Mr. Nathani has represented India in dispute settlement proceedings before the World Trade Organization (WTO), appearing before both the Panel and Appellate Body in Geneva. He has also served as counsel to key regulatory authorities, including the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). He has contributed to major policy and legislative developments, including participation in the CCI’s Working Group on Competition Policy, Advocacy and Advisory Functions, and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ Law Firm Working Group on the formulation of India’s merger control regulations. He has also worked with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) on drafting competition and consumer protection laws in Afghanistan, and with the Government of Maharashtra’s Charity Commissioner Task Force on reforms to the Bombay Public Trusts Act.

Mr. Nathani currently serves as Chairman of ASSOCHAM’s National Council on WTO, Trade & Investment, and chairs the Legal Committee of the European Union Chambers of Commerce in India as well as the Law Committee of the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is also a board member of listed companies in India and serves as Trustee of a leading mutual fund, as well as a board member of Taxand, the world’s largest independent tax organization.

In addition, he contributes to legal education and public policy as an Honorary Adjunct Professor at Jindal Global Law School, a member of the Apex Advisory Board at the Adani Institute of Infrastructure Law, and a board member of Somaiya Vidyavihar University and the Salaam Bombay Foundation, one of India’s leading NGOs.

MR. Rahul Narayan

Mr. Rahul Narayan heads the Dispute Resolution Practice of his firm and is a leading practitioner in complex litigation, domestic arbitration, and international commercial arbitration. He also advises clients across a broad spectrum of legal areas, acting for leading multinational and domestic corporations, public sector enterprises, investment funds, think tanks, and high-net-worth individuals.

His litigation practice is primarily focused on appellate advocacy. He regularly argues and briefs senior advocates before the Supreme Court of India, the Delhi High Court, and various other High Courts across the country, including Allahabad, Bombay, Calcutta, Gujarat, and Orissa. He also appears before appellate tribunals in matters relating to consumer law, money laundering, and electricity regulation. He qualified as an Advocate-on-Record of the Supreme Court of India in 2011, strengthening his expertise in Supreme Court practice and procedural strategy.

Mr. Narayan has extensive experience in complex commercial disputes, arbitration challenges, and regulatory litigation, including matters involving blacklisting, government tender conditions, taxation issues, criminal defence, and family disputes involving high-net-worth individuals. He has been involved in several significant matters, including successfully defending a High Court judgment quashing a government demand for additional premium on central Delhi land allotments and securing relief enabling a client to travel abroad after passport impoundment.

In arbitration, he has acted in domestic and international commercial arbitrations involving shareholder disputes, commercial transactions, maritime law, and construction contracts. He also regularly sits as an arbitrator and has completed advanced arbitration training conducted by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). He serves on the Scrutiny Panel of the Delhi International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) and is a member of the Research and Policy Committee of the ICC India Arbitration Group.

A law graduate of 2004, Mr. Narayan read for the B.C.L. at the University of Oxford and is also qualified in England and Wales. He previously worked with AZB & Partners, New Delhi, and Herbert Smith Freehills, London, bringing strong international experience to his practice.

MS. Prachi Mehta

Ms. Prachi Mehta is a highly regarded mediator, dispute-resolution professional, and ADR practitioner with over twelve years of experience facilitating settlements across India and the United States. Renowned for her ability to resolve complex and sensitive disputes, she has successfully mediated matters involving commercial and corporate conflicts, family and divorce disputes, employment issues, construction and real estate matters, insurance claims, property rights, securities disputes, and professional malpractice cases. She is particularly recognized for her expertise in handling disputes involving cross-cultural dynamics, multiple stakeholders, and emotionally charged situations.

Ms. Mehta began her journey in dispute resolution in California, where she participated in her first shadow mediation at JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services), one of the world’s leading dispute-resolution institutions. Since then, she has developed extensive experience in mediating complex family settlements, corporate disputes, and multi-party conflicts, helping parties achieve confidential and effective resolutions outside traditional litigation.

Committed to advancing the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Ms. Mehta has pursued specialized academic and professional training in mediation and conflict management. As a Visiting Researcher at Stanford University’s Gould Center for Conflict Resolution, she conducted research on innovative mechanisms to strengthen dispute resolution within India’s corporate sector. She also completed the Advanced Mediation Program at Harvard University, further enhancing her expertise in negotiation and mediation strategy.

Ms. Mehta is the founder of TAG, an initiative that brings together leading ADR professionals to promote mediation and collaborative dispute resolution. She has also made significant contributions to mediation training in India, including leading programmes for the first batch of Art of Living mediators. Associated with the District Courts in Delhi as a mediator since 2010, she continues to advance mediation through her practice, research, training initiatives, and advocacy, fostering a culture of dialogue, collaboration, and peaceful dispute resolution.

MR. Amarjit Singh Chandhiok

Amarjit Singh Chandhiok is a distinguished Senior Advocate (equivalent to Queen’s Counsel in England) with decades of exceptional legal practice in civil and commercial law, both in India and on international platforms. A certified international mediator accredited by the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI), and the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University, USA. He is also an International Honorary Senior Fellow of the Straus Institute. Amarjit is a qualified mediator and mediator trainer, with vast expertise in arbitration and mediation.

He is currently the President of Maadhyam – International Council for Conflict Resolution, and President-Elect of The Bar Association of India. He is also Chairman, Advisory Board, India Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association, USA, and Director, ICAI International ADR Centre (IIAC). His professional affiliations span prestigious global institutions: he is an Arbitrator at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIC), Member of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), Indian Council of Arbitration, Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Alliance Internationale des Jurists et Economistes, and the Russian Centre for Dispute Resolution of the BRICS Forum.

Mr. Chandhiok held several esteemed positions – Additional Solicitor General of India, Principal Counsel to the European Union Commission (the only Indian to be appointed to this role), President of INSOL India, and President of the Delhi High Court Bar Association (for an unprecedented six terms).

As a counsel and Arbitral Tribunal member, he has handled numerous arbitrations under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (IC), at Hong Kong, London, and Singapore, including representing the Government of India in the notable Enron Arbitration in London. His commercial matters experience spans trade, banking, finance, and commerce-related disputes in both domestic and international tribunals.

Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Chandhiok has been a sought-after speaker at global conferences, seminars, and workshops, and has been invited as an expert on Indian law by courts and tribunals in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.

MS. Charanya Lakshmikumaran

Charanya’s experience in the field of commercial and regulatory disputes spans over a decade, and she has experience handling a variety of commercial, constitutional, tax, and regulatory disputes, including high-stakes arbitrations.

She regularly appears before the Supreme Court of India, various High Courts, and focuses on competition and regulatory litigation before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). The distinguishing attribute of Charanya’s practice is the wide range of subject matters she handles. Charanya started her legal journey with Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan (LKS) in the year 2007. She started her practice in intellectual property and has experience in drafting patent applications, mapping patent claims, as well as in Plant Variety Protection laws. After two years of working in the IP division, Charanya moved to the firm’s tax practice and gained expertise in handling complex tax litigations in Customs, Excise, Service Tax, Anti-dumping, VAT, and Income Tax.

Apart from working at LKS, Charanya has worked in the chamber of K.K. Venugopal, the Attorney General for India. While at the chamber of Mr. Venugopal, she worked on a wide range of subjects, including Arbitration, PILs, Electricity Law, Competition Law, and Administrative Law. She has also assisted the Attorney General in landmark cases such as the inclusion of Right to Privacy as a fundamental Right in the Aadhaar dispute, Reservation in public employment, Right to education, as well as the recent challenge to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. She has also assisted him in advising various public sector undertakings and government Ministries. She is also a professional Indian Classical vocalist and performs at select events across India.

Charanya has been recognized as a Next Generation Partner by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2019 and 2020), and as one of the Top 15 Dispute Resolution Lawyers in India and among the Top 50 Disputes Lawyers in Asia by Asian Legal Business. She has also been featured in the ALB India Top Female Lawyers 2026 list by Asian Legal Business. Charanya is the sole member from India on the Cartel Committee of the Asia Competition Association.

Ms. Orit Asnin

Orit Asnin is an independent, full-time international commercial mediator. Previously a commercial lawyer, since 1999 she has focused exclusively on mediation and has conducted more than 6,000 domestic and cross-border mediations.

Orit is consistently recognized by leading Israeli and international professional rankings and directories. She is ranked by Chambers & Partners in Dispute Resolution: Arbitration & Mediation, recognized by Lexology as a Mediation Thought Leader, Lexology 2026 Client Choice Award for Mediation, and ranked by Dun’s 100 among Israel’s leading mediators.

She regularly mediates multifaceted and highly sensitive disputes involving multinational corporations, public entities, privately held companies, family businesses, partnerships, government and local authorities, investors, founders, boards of directors, and multi-party commercial relationships.

Her mediation work has involved parties from more than a dozen countries operating across different legal systems, business cultures, and decision-making frameworks, often in matters involving significant financial exposure, ongoing business relationships, multiple stakeholders, and substantial cross-cultural complexities.

Her practice focuses on complex, high-value business disputes across a wide range of industries, including construction and infrastructure, real estate, high-tech, biotech, media and slander disputes, class actions, insolvency, franchising, employment cases including sexual harassment, complex family business and inheritance matters.

In addition to resolving active disputes, Orit is frequently engaged at the early stages of emerging business tensions, helping founders, business partners, decision-makers from all sides of a deal or an ongoing project, and boards in deadlock situations, address conflict before it escalates into formal disputes or litigation.
Her work reflects the growing recognition of mediation not only as a dispute resolution process, but also as a strategic business tool.

Orit is known for helping parties and business decision-makers reach practical, comprehensive, commercially sound, and durable solutions that align legal and commercial interests while addressing human factors, organizational dynamics, and cross-cultural challenges.

Orit Asnin also serves as a Senior International Mediator with Sage Mediation Panel, Singapore. She is a Distinguished Fellow and Board Member of the International Academy of Mediators IAM and is actively involved in promoting mediation as both a strategic business tool and an effective dispute resolution process through international business, legal, and mediation forums worldwide.