DDRS Diploma

Course Overview

The flagship Digital Dispute Resolution Specialist Diploma developed by ADR ODR International — equipping professionals with the skills to operate in AI-driven, online, and technology-enabled dispute environments.
 
The Digital Dispute Resolution Skills (DDRS) Diploma is a comprehensive programme designed to equip lawyers, mediators, arbitrators, and dispute resolution professionals with the practical and technological skills required for modern dispute resolution.
Developed by ADR ODR International, the programme brings together training in mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and online dispute resolution, preparing professionals to operate confidently in both traditional and digital dispute resolution environments.
Participants completing the diploma gain multidisciplinary expertise and join a global community of professionals leading the evolution of dispute resolution practice. 
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Course Aims

The DDRS Diploma is built on the principle that the future of dispute resolution requires a multi-disciplinary and technology-enabled approach.
The programme combines several internationally recognised professional certifications into one structured pathway, enabling participants to develop expertise across the core pillars of dispute resolution.

Upon completion, participants will have the skills to:
• Manage disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and online processes
• Navigate digital dispute resolution platforms
• Apply modern dispute resolution techniques in cross-border environments
• Integrate technology and AI tools into dispute resolution practice
The programme is designed for lawyers and professionals seeking to future-proof their careers in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

Course Details

The DDRS Diploma consists of four core professional training programmes.

1. Civil / Commercial Mediation Training

Duration: 6 Days

This internationally recognised mediation training programme prepares participants to conduct civil and commercial mediations effectively.

Topics Covered

• Historical development of ADR

• The theory and psychology of conflict

• The mediator’s code of conduct

• The five stages of mediation

• Communication and mediation skills

• Cross-cultural mediation

• Negotiation within mediation processes

• Introduction to online mediation

• Role plays and practical mediation exercises

Assessment

• 190-minute mediation role play

• 3-hour open book written assessment


Certification

ADR ODR International Accredited Civil/Commercial Mediator

Recognised by the International Mediation Institute (IMI) and UK Civil Mediation Council (CMC). 

2. Fundamentals of Negotiation

Duration: 2 Days

This programme develops essential negotiation and conflict management skills required for effective dispute resolution.

Topics Covered

• Understanding conflict and conflict resolution

• Core negotiation principles

• Negotiation strategies and styles

• Cross-cultural negotiation dynamics

• Introduction to electronic negotiations

Assessment

90-minute negotiation role play exercise

Certification

Certified Negotiator accredited by ADR ODR International. 

Course Details

3. Associate Arbitrator Training
Duration: 2.5 Days
This course introduces participants to the key principles and procedures governing international arbitration.

Topics Covered
• Foundations of international arbitration
• UNCITRAL Model Law
• The New York Convention
• Arbitration agreements
• Arbitration procedure
• Arbitral awards and enforcement
• The role of national courts in arbitration

Assessment
2-hour written assessment

Certification
Associate Arbitrator accredited by ADR ODR International. 

4. AI and Online Dispute Resolution Specialist
Duration: 1 Day
This course focuses on the growing role of technology and digital platforms in dispute resolution.

Modules
• Introduction to Online Dispute Resolution
• Practising online mediation skills
• Technology-enabled dispute resolution processes
• Personalised feedback from ODR specialists

Certification
Online Dispute Resolution Specialist certification. 

Certifications Awarded
Upon successful completion of the DDRS Diploma, participants will receive five professional certifications:
1. ADR ODR International Accredited Civil / Commercial Mediator
2. ADR ODR International Accredited Associate Arbitrator
3. Online Dispute Resolution Specialist
4. Certified Negotiator
5. Digital Dispute Resolution Specialist (DDRS) Diploma
These certifications demonstrate comprehensive expertise in dispute resolution within both traditional and digital environments.

International Academic Recognition

Participants completing the DDRS Diploma may also earn academic credits toward the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in International Business Disputes offered by the University of Lausanne.
Successful completion can contribute toward LLM studies, providing a pathway from professional training to advanced academic qualifications. 

Who Should Enroll
The DDRS Diploma is designed for:
• Lawyers and legal practitioners
• Mediators and arbitrators
• Corporate dispute resolution professionals
• Compliance professionals and regulators
• Professionals interested in technology-enabled dispute resolution

Course Dates

  • 25th to 30th January 2027  & 8th to 13th February 2027
  • 7th to 12th June 2027 & 14th to 19th June 2027
  • 6th to 11th September 2027 & 13th to 18th September 2027