Commercial Mediation Conclave India 2026 highlights law firms' evolving role
The Commercial Mediation Conclave India 2026, held on 18 September at India International Centre in New Delhi, brought together judges, mediators, lawyers and dispute-resolution professionals to discuss mediation's role in resolving commercial disputes.
A key session focused on the evolving role of law firms in commercial mediations. Moderated by Ajay Thomas, an independent arbitrator and mediator, panelists including partners from DSK Legal and a senior advocate from Delhi High Court examined how lawyers advise clients on settlement and the need for a shift from traditional litigation-oriented approaches.
Speakers emphasised that the Mediation Act, 2023 has positioned mediation as a core pillar of India's dispute-resolution framework. Law firms, they noted, are well-placed to advise clients on when mediation may be appropriate and help strengthen the process through training and structured approaches.
