Mediation
Ethics in ADR
Understand ethical challenges in ADR, including neutrality, confidentiality, informed consent, and professional competence.
- Beginner
- English
- 2 Weeks
- 6 lessons
What you will learn?
Recognize ethical dilemmas in ADR
Maintain neutrality and confidentiality
Obtain informed consent appropriately
Uphold competence and professionalism
Who this course is for
Mediators seeking ethical clarity in practice
Students of ADR developing foundational skills
Legal professionals engaging in alternative dispute processes
Arbitrators and conciliators committed to ethical standards.
Prerequisites
None
Willingness to engage in reflective learning
Interest in ethical dimensions of dispute resolution
Commitment to professional integrity in ADR practice.
Why this course
It Introduces ethical principles that guide ADR professionals, It Explains how to maintain neutrality and confidentiality, It Prepares practitioners for handling real-world ethical dilemmas, It Enhances credibility and trust in ADR processes, It Strengthens decision-making under ethical pressure, It Builds confidence for professional practice in mediation and arbitration.
Course content
Objective
Understand the foundations of ethics and their importance in maintaining trust and fairness in ADR.
Key topics
Explain why ethics are critical in ADR practice
Identify universal ethical principles
Recognise ethical frameworks in mediation and arbitration
Understand the consequences of ethical breaches
Analyse the role of trust in ADR processes
Apply ethical codes to real scenarios.
Week 1
Lesson 1
Preview available
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Analyze an ethics scenario and write a short “what would you do” response with reasons.
Objective
Learn how to preserve neutrality and impartiality throughout the ADR process.
Key topics
Define neutrality and impartiality
Identify risks of perceived bias
Apply strategies to maintain fairness in decision-making
Recognise conflicts of interest early
Implement disclosure practices effectively
Avoid behaviours that compromise neutrality.
Week 1
Lesson 2
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Draft a concise procedural note (issues, positions, evidence) for a hypothetical arbitration scenario.
Objective
Master confidentiality and consent practices to protect integrity in ADR proceedings.
Key topics
Understand confidentiality obligations in ADR
Draft confidentiality agreements appropriately
Ensure parties provide informed consent before proceeding
Manage exceptions to confidentiality lawfully
Address confidentiality breaches proactively
Balance transparency with privacy obligations.
Week 1
Lesson 3
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Draft a short Notice of Arbitration (or procedural document) and share for peer review.
Objective
Develop strategies for maintaining competence and fulfilling professional responsibilities in ADR roles.
Key topics
Identify standards of competence for ADR professionals
Assess readiness to undertake complex disputes
Implement continuous learning for skill development
Avoid practising beyond competency limits
Recognise when referral to another professional is required
Uphold professional integrity in challenging situations.
Week 2
Lesson 4
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Draft a concise procedural note (issues, positions, evidence) for a hypothetical arbitration scenario.
Objective
Build decision-making skills for resolving ethical dilemmas effectively.
Key topics
Analyse real-world ethical challenges in mediation and arbitration
Apply ethical principles to conflicting obligations
Manage client pressure without compromising ethics
Document decisions for accountability
Seek guidance from institutional codes
Avoid shortcuts that undermine integrity.
Week 2
Lesson 5
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Analyze an ethics scenario and write a short “what would you do” response with reasons.
Objective
Reinforce learning through practical case studies and real-world simulations.
Key topics
Review case-based scenarios highlighting ethical issues
Participate in interactive discussions on best practices
Apply ethical standards to simulated ADR sessions
Evaluate decisions against professional codes
Learn from peer and expert feedback
Create a personal ethics action plan.
Week 2
Lesson 6
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Complete a short case study worksheet and summarize your decision/recommendation.
Description
Ethics form the backbone of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), ensuring processes remain fair, transparent, and credible. Professionals engaged in mediation, arbitration, and negotiation frequently encounter ethical dilemmas involving neutrality, confidentiality, informed consent, and competence. Mishandling these issues can undermine trust and compromise outcomes.
This course introduces ADR practitioners to the core ethical principles governing practice. Participants will explore common ethical challenges, including conflicts of interest, disclosure obligations, cultural sensitivities, and impartiality in decision-making. Through case studies and practical scenarios, the course equips learners with strategies to navigate complex ethical situations confidently.
By the end of this programme, participants will not only understand the ethical frameworks underpinning ADR but also develop practical tools to maintain integrity and professionalism in every engagement.
This course introduces ADR practitioners to the core ethical principles governing practice. Participants will explore common ethical challenges, including conflicts of interest, disclosure obligations, cultural sensitivities, and impartiality in decision-making. Through case studies and practical scenarios, the course equips learners with strategies to navigate complex ethical situations confidently.
By the end of this programme, participants will not only understand the ethical frameworks underpinning ADR but also develop practical tools to maintain integrity and professionalism in every engagement.
Instructor
Mian Sheraz Javaid
Develop Practical Skills to Mediate Disputes Effectively.
Sheraz draws from his rare dual expertise as an engineer and barrister to offer elite training in contract drafting. These programs are crafted for professionals who draft or review complex contracts and seek to enhance clarity, enforceability, and risk control across jurisdictions and sectors.
