VMSCL, Miramar is proud to have hosted yet another successful edition of Lex Infinitum 2021 that was held in collaboration with the Association for International Dispute Resolution (AIDR). Lex provides opportunities to law students across the world to showcase their Mediation and Negotiation skills.
What is indeed unique about this 6th edition of the international Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) competition is that, it was held entirely online via the Zoom platform owing to the current COVID-19 pandemic that has struck the globe.
The competition was conducted from 21st to 27th February 2021 and was bigger and better with a whopping 36 negotiating teams and 18 mediators that participated from 38 top Law colleges wherein 13 were International teams and 10 National Law schools with a prize money of Rupees 1,05,000 up for grabs!
All the participants had the unique opportunity to interact with trained mediators and negotiators as well as fellow participants from diverse cultures, which was in itself, an exceptional experience.
The Inaugural Ceremony:
Lex Infinitum 2021 was officially declared open on February 22nd, 2021 in online mode via the Zoom platform.
The ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Justice Sujata Manohar, Retired Supreme Court Judge and Former NHRC member who was the Chief Guest for the same.
The inaugural further witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Dattaraj V. Salgaocar, President, Devi Sharvani Education Society who delivered the welcome address, while Dr. G. Shaber Ali, Principal, V.M. Salgaocar College of Law and Thomas Valenti, Director, AIDR who also addressed the ceremony.
This was followed by the Lex Infinitum overview that was provided by Reuben Pinto, President, Lex Infinitum followed by the unveiling of the prestigious Lex Infinitum trophies in the form of a trailer that was streamed online.
The Chief Guest, Retired Justice Sujata Manohar then addressed the ceremony by enlightening the audience on the vitality and relevance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in legal practice.
The ceremony concluded with Dr. Mrunmayi M. Vaidya, Director, Lex Infinitum delivering the vote of thanks, while it was compered by Rhea Almeida, Vice President, Lex Infinitum 2021.
Knowledge Sessions& Mediation Musings:
Lex Infinitum 2021 flagged off with Knowledge Sessions that were held virtually from 18th to 20th February 2021 wherein experts namely Catherine Davidson, Charles La Fond, Josephine Reyes, Greg Bond, Thomas Valenti and Damali Peterman. These Knowledge Sessions were thrown open to all who have interest in getting a grasp of the art of Negotiation that was delivered by some of the best Negotiators and Mediators known across the globe.
Additionally, Lex 2021 also witnessed Mediation Musings – ‘Hammer out a deal, not ethics’, ethical dilemmas in ADR on 19th February 2021 from 6.45pm – 7.45pm (IST) on the ZOOM platform.
This year also witnessed participation from international teams hailing from countries such as Singapore, England, New York, Ireland, California, Brazil, Poland, Sri Lanka, Russia, Belgium, Nigeria and many more, besides multiple teams from across India as well.
The Valedictory Ceremony:
The Valedictory Ceremony of Lex Infinitum 2021 was once again executed virtually via the Zoom platform on 27th February. The Chief Guest for the said ceremony was Prof. Dr. Srikrishna Deva Rao, Vice Chancellor, National Law University, Delhi.
The ceremony kicked off with a musical rendition by few of the talented students of the institution. This was followed by the Welcome address that was delivered by Shri. Bhaskar Nayak, Vice Chairman, Managing Committee, Devi Sharvani Education Society and an address given by Dr. Mrunmayi Vaidya, Director, Lex Infinitum 2021 and Tanmay Pandey, AIDR Representative.
Thereafter, the Lex Infinitum 2021 Report was read out by Reuben Pinto, President, Lex Infinitum, 2021. This was followed by an address by the Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Srikrishna Deva Rao which was then followed by the much-awaited prize distribution ceremony.
The Prize Winners at Lex Infinitum 2021 are as follows:
- Winners of Lex Infinitum 2021- Negotiation: Jagiellonion University, Poland.
2. Runners Up- Negotiation: National University of Singapore.
3.Winning Mediator: National University of Singapore.
- Runners Up- Mediator: Buffalo School of Law, New York.
5. The Spirit of Lex Award: AshaniPerera, Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology, Colombo, Sri Lanka
The Valedictory ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks that was proposed by Prof. Dr. G. Shaber Ali, Principal, V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, who personally extended his gratitude to the Experts, Organising Committee, and volunteers for making this virtual edition of Lex Infinitum 2021 a majestic accomplishment!
VMSCL sincerely hopes to resume its offline mode of the global competition by this time, next year and cannot wait to host its participants right here in our wonderful state of Goa. This virtual edition of Lex has been a novel experience for all and despite all of the hurdles faced, the institute is grateful to have successfully pulled off the competition and upheld its reputation as hosts to one of the best ADR competitions in the world, that being, Lex Infinitum!
