Supreme Court Justice N Kotiswar Singh says Gen Z lawyers are more open to mediation and may embrace it as a career with proper training.
Justice N Kotiswar Singh has highlighted the potential of younger lawyers to strengthen India’s mediation ecosystem, saying Gen Z lawyers may be particularly receptive to alternative dispute resolution.
Supreme Court Justice N Kotiswar Singh has observed that lawyers belonging to Generation Z may be more open to mediation than lawyers from older generations. He said younger members of the legal profession are likely to take mediation seriously if they receive appropriate training and are shown that it can provide a viable and rewarding career.
The observation assumes significance at a time when mediation is increasingly being recognised as an important mechanism for resolving disputes outside traditional courtroom litigation. India’s legal system has been placing greater emphasis on alternative dispute resolution methods, particularly mediation, to encourage parties to settle disputes in a consensual and efficient manner.
Justice Kotiswar Singh’s remarks point towards the importance of introducing younger lawyers to mediation not merely as an additional legal skill but as a professional avenue in its own right.
Gen Z Lawyers And Changing Attitudes
According to Justice Singh, younger lawyers may approach mediation differently from members of earlier generations. Gen Z professionals have entered the legal profession at a time when technology, flexible professional practices and alternative approaches to dispute resolution have become increasingly prominent.
The Justice suggested that this generation could be more receptive to mediation if the profession demonstrates its practical value. Proper training, therefore, could play an important role in helping young lawyers understand the techniques involved in negotiation, communication and facilitated settlement.
For mediation to attract more young professionals, however, awareness of its career potential would also be important. If lawyers see mediation as a credible professional pathway, rather than simply an adjunct to litigation, more young practitioners may be encouraged to develop specialised expertise in the field.
Mediation As An Alternative To Litigation
Mediation differs fundamentally from conventional adjudication. In litigation, a judge determines the dispute and delivers a binding decision in accordance with law. Mediation, on the other hand, involves a neutral third party assisting disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable settlement.
The mediator does not ordinarily impose a decision on the parties. Instead, the process focuses on communication, negotiation and identifying solutions acceptable to both sides.
This makes mediation particularly relevant in disputes where preserving relationships may be important. Commercial disputes, family matters, employment disagreements and other civil conflicts can sometimes benefit from a settlement-oriented approach.
The growth of mediation can also potentially contribute to reducing the burden on courts. When disputes are resolved through settlement rather than prolonged litigation, judicial resources can be directed towards matters that require adjudication.
Importance Of Professional Training
Justice Singh’s emphasis on training highlights one of the key requirements for developing a strong mediation ecosystem. Legal knowledge alone does not necessarily equip a lawyer to function effectively as a mediator.
Mediation requires a different set of skills, including active listening, communication, negotiation, conflict management and the ability to understand the interests underlying a dispute.
Structured training can help young lawyers acquire these skills and understand the ethical and professional responsibilities associated with mediation.
At the same time, creating greater awareness about career opportunities could encourage lawyers to invest in specialised mediation training. A profession becomes more attractive when young practitioners can see a clear pathway for developing expertise and building sustainable professional opportunities.
Changing Legal Profession
The comments also reflect the broader evolution of the legal profession. Traditionally, litigation has occupied a central position in legal practice, with courtroom advocacy often viewed as one of the most prominent career paths for lawyers.
The increasing importance of mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution is gradually expanding that landscape. Lawyers are now required to understand not only how to argue a case but also when a negotiated settlement may better serve a client’s interests.
For younger lawyers, familiarity with mediation could therefore become an important component of modern legal practice. It can complement litigation skills while offering an alternative way of assisting clients in resolving disputes.
Building A Stronger Mediation Culture
The success of mediation ultimately depends not only on legislation and institutional mechanisms but also on the willingness of lawyers and litigants to use the process effectively.
Young lawyers could play an important role in building such a culture. Their greater familiarity with changing professional models and their openness to acquiring new skills may help mediation become more deeply integrated into mainstream legal practice.
Justice Kotiswar Singh’s observation therefore highlights both an opportunity and a responsibility. If Gen Z lawyers are provided with proper training and meaningful professional opportunities, they could become an important force in expanding the use of mediation in India.
The comments underline a broader message for the legal profession: the future of dispute resolution may require lawyers to look beyond the courtroom and develop skills that facilitate dialogue, negotiation and consensual settlement.
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