CERTIFICATION IN THE ADR SPHERE AND THE INFLUENCE OF THE ADR SOCIETY by Idowu Anuoluwapo

Certification is referred to as the formal attestation of certain achievements and characteristics in a field of study or practice. The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) stands to protect the interest of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practitioners. It was founded on the 1st of March, 1915 and granted a royal charter in 1979 by Queen Elizabeth (II) and also became registered as a charity in the United Kingdom in 1990. The institute is based across 147 countries and one of its aims and objectives is to support the career advancement and development of the members, proving them the necessary tools to compete in the ever-changing global market and also offer practical opportunities to develop their expertise. By providing this teaching and learning process, CIArb puts the operations of dispute resolution practitioners on a larger screen and exposes their operations to appeal to a large audience thereby propagating the gospel and at the same time, creating more opportunities for the members.

There are several levels of membership of The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators which includes from the student to the Associate level (ACIArb), Member (MCIArb), Fellow (FCIArb), and finally Chartered Arbitrator (C.Arb). The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators is among the 147 countries in which the institute is based. It is the first of its kind, being the first Arbitration institute in Nigeria founded in 1979. In a bid to focus and achieve the promotion of advocacy, capacity building, and research, the institute takes up roles like membership, fellow training, consultation, etc. There is also a Young Arbitrators Network, seminars and conferences.

The membership benefits of the Nigerian Institute include access to the institute library, journals, newsletters, listing, and networking opportunities. It is comprised of stakeholders in different sectors, noting that 35% of the members are non-lawyers. Finally, it can boast of over 5000 trained professionals and 4000 active members.

ICMC stands for the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators. It is regarded as one of the biggest contributors to the gathering of ADR practitioners. The body trains prospective candidates and proclaims the gospel of Mediation and Conciliation by advising and encouraging organizations to adopt mediation and Conciliation as a primary means for dispute resolution. Just like the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, the membership is not limited to legal practitioners but also includes bankers, members of the police force, and other people from different walks of life that are interested in being a member. Also, it provides for various cadres of membership, namely; Associate Member, Member, and Fellow.

WHERE DOES THE UNILAG ADR SOCIETY COME IN?

The ADR society in the University of Lagos is a student body that propagates the expansion and knowledge of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in contrast to the litigation process. The society also provides knowledge on the development pace at which industries are going and the need for settlement of complexities which may occur, using ADR mechanisms.

The UNILAG ADR society organises annual meetings. One of which is the ADR Tea time. The ADR Tea time is the inaugural program for each session whereby seasoned practitioners welcome new members into the society. ADR Meet is another annual meeting organised by the ADR society. This is the most exclusive and elite programme organised by the faculty of law. Seasoned arbitrators are usually in attendance to enlighten students interested in ADR about the practical aspect of ADR mechanisms. It also involves an arbitration moot tussle between the brightest minds of student arbitrators with games and prices to be won. The ADR journal is also launched during the ADR Meet. At the closing of the program, certificates of attendance are issued as well as certificates for those who participated in the ADR moot and excelled at it. There are also bi-weekly meetings that involve practical training on ADR mechanisms with the possibility of refreshments after each meeting. The society has a lot of activities lined up for each academic year. Most times, the subject matter remains the same but with different themes and dynamics to make it stand out while still remaining special. This academic session is not going to be an exception for different reasons. Ranging from the present executives to the level of dedication to work and the plans already in place.

Guess what? You can also get certification by participating in competitions. Not only do you get to represent the society in the university, but you also get the opportunity to represent Nigeria at international rounds. The competitions include, the Foreign Direct Investment Arbitration Moot, Willem C. Vis Commercial Arbitration Moot, Lagos Court of Arbitration-Young Arbitrators Network (LCA-YAN) International Commercial Arbitration Moot competition, and so on. These competitions provide a good opportunity to network with national and international seasoned arbitrators and most times, they have good cash prices attached. Participation is only open to members of the society. Now unto the secret package!! The opportunity to intern in top firms. Yes! The ones you have in mind (at this point it is safe to say that I have the ability to read minds). However, the twist is I will not let out the names (remember I called it the secret package earlier). Why don’t you get the ball rolling, purchase the form to start this beautiful ride and also tick it off your wish-list. It is getting too long and Santa has given out all the gifts.

Word on the street is that going through the ADR society gives you training before taking the certification exams coupled with training materials to facilitate personal reading. As an ADR society member, you can also participate in ICMC at a subsidized rate and trust me, it is huge. The essence of certification is that it is seen as a mirror or knowledge indicator to gauge your level of knowledge on the ADR techniques and mechanisms.

At this point, you should be aware that you are missing a lot if you are not a member of the UNILAG ADR society.