IMADRI Institute

Global Knowledge Hub

A curated directory of continuing education resources, professional associations, certification bodies, and regulatory frameworks for mediation and ADR practitioners in each IMADRI market. IMADRI will also offer its own seminars and training programs — coming soon.

9 Countries
40+ Resources
IMADRI Seminars Coming Soon
🇺🇸

United States

Miami, FLNew York, NYLos Angeles, CA
Regulatory Body
Florida Dispute Resolution Center (DRC); Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR)

The United States has a mature ADR ecosystem governed by state and federal frameworks. Florida has no government licence requirement for private mediators, making it one of the most accessible states for international dispute resolution practice. The Florida Dispute Resolution Center and the Association for Conflict Resolution provide standards, training, and continuing education.

Association

American Bar Association — Dispute Resolution Section

The premier national organization for dispute resolution professionals. Offers CLE programs, publications, and the Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators.

Association

Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR)

National membership organization for mediators, arbitrators, and conflict resolution practitioners. Hosts annual conferences and regional training programs.

Certification

International Mediation Institute (IMI)

Global independent standard-setter for mediator competency. IMI Certification is recognized internationally and is the credential IMADRI recommends for cross-border practice.

Association

Florida Dispute Resolution Center

Florida's primary state-level body for ADR standards, mediator certification (for court-connected matters), and continuing education. Private mediators are not required to hold state certification.

Training

JAMS Pathways

Continuing education and advanced training programs from one of the largest ADR providers in the US. Covers commercial, employment, and international mediation.

Training

Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution (Pepperdine)

One of the top-ranked dispute resolution programs in the US. Offers LL.M., M.D.R., and certificate programs in dispute resolution.

IMADRI icon markIMADRI in United States

In-person sessions are available in Miami, Florida. Our mediator is available via Zoom for clients across all US locations.

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South Africa

Cape Town
Regulatory Body
South African Association of Mediators (SAAM); Department of Justice and Constitutional Development

South Africa has a well-developed mediation framework anchored by the South African Association of Mediators (SAAM) and the Court-Annexed Mediation Rules introduced in 2014. The country is a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa and a critical hub for US-Africa commercial dispute resolution.

Association

South African Association of Mediators (SAAM)

The primary professional body for mediators in South Africa. Provides accreditation, training standards, and a national mediator register.

Training

Conflict Dynamics

Leading South African training provider offering accredited mediation courses, advanced skills programs, and workplace mediation certification.

Training

Centre for Conflict Resolution (CCR)

Cape Town-based organization offering training in negotiation, mediation, and conflict transformation with a focus on African contexts.

Association

AFSA (Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa)

Administers commercial arbitration and mediation in Southern Africa. Provides rules, panels, and training for commercial dispute resolution.

Regulation

Court-Annexed Mediation Rules (2014)

South Africa's framework for court-referred mediation in civil matters. Understanding these rules is essential for practitioners appearing before South African courts.

IMADRI icon markIMADRI in South Africa

In-person sessions are available in Cape Town. IMADRI serves as a gateway for US-Africa commercial disputes and Sub-Saharan African client intake. Zoom sessions are available for clients across Africa and the Middle East.

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Italy

Rome
Regulatory Body
Ministero della Giustizia (Ministry of Justice); Organismi di Mediazione (Registered Mediation Bodies)

Italy has one of the most developed mandatory mediation systems in Europe, introduced by Legislative Decree 28/2010. Mediation is compulsory before litigation in many civil and commercial matters. Rome serves as IMADRI's in-person meeting location for transatlantic (US-EU) disputes.

Association

Camera di Mediazione e Conciliazione di Roma

Rome's primary mediation chamber, registered with the Ministry of Justice. Provides mediator lists, training, and case administration for civil and commercial matters.

Training

SIMI (Scuola Italiana di Mediazione Istituzionale)

Leading Italian mediation training school offering 50-hour foundational courses and advanced specialization programs recognized by the Ministry of Justice.

Association

ADR Center Italy

International ADR provider with a strong Italian presence. Offers training, case management, and cross-border mediation services in English and Italian.

Regulation

Legislative Decree 28/2010 (Mandatory Mediation)

Italy's foundational mediation law requiring pre-litigation mediation in banking, insurance, leasing, real estate, and other civil matters.

Training

Università degli Studi di Roma — ADR Programs

Graduate and continuing education programs in dispute resolution and international commercial law at Rome's major universities.

IMADRI icon markIMADRI in Italy

In-person sessions are available in Rome. Our mediator is fluent in Italian and brings deep cross-cultural expertise, providing a unique bridge for US-EU commercial disputes. Zoom sessions are available for clients across Europe and the Mediterranean.

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Ghana

Accra
Regulatory Body
Ghana Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (GHANADR); Judicial Service of Ghana

Ghana is West Africa's leading hub for commercial dispute resolution, with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act (Act 798, 2010) providing a comprehensive framework for mediation and arbitration. Accra is increasingly the preferred seat for US-Africa commercial disputes.

Association

Ghana Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (GHANADR)

The primary ADR institution in Ghana, established under the ADR Act 798. Provides mediation and arbitration services and maintains a register of accredited neutrals.

Regulation

ADR Act 798 (2010)

Ghana's comprehensive ADR legislation governing mediation, arbitration, and customary arbitration. Essential reading for practitioners working in Ghana.

Association

Ghana Bar Association — ADR Committee

The GBA's ADR committee promotes mediation training and practice standards among Ghanaian legal professionals.

Training

GIMPA (Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration)

Offers dispute resolution training programs and continuing legal education for practitioners in Ghana and West Africa.

Training

African Arbitration Academy

Pan-African training and capacity-building organization focused on arbitration and mediation across the continent.

IMADRI icon markIMADRI in Ghana

In-person sessions are available in Accra. IMADRI serves US companies operating in West Africa and Ghanaian businesses with US commercial relationships. Zoom sessions are available for clients across West Africa.

🇸🇬

Singapore

Singapore
Regulatory Body
Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC); Ministry of Law Singapore

Singapore is the leading international dispute resolution hub in Asia, home to the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) and the Singapore Convention on Mediation (2019). It is the preferred seat for cross-border commercial disputes in the Asia-Pacific region.

Association

Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC)

Asia's premier international mediation institution. Provides world-class case management, a panel of top international mediators, and training programs.

Association

Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC)

Established in 1997, the SMC provides mediation services for commercial disputes and offers accreditation and training for mediators.

Regulation

Singapore Convention on Mediation (2019)

The United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation — a landmark treaty that makes mediated settlement agreements enforceable across signatory states.

Association

Maxwell Chambers

World-class dispute resolution complex in Singapore housing SIMC, SIAC, ICC, and other leading institutions. Provides hearing facilities and support services.

Training

NUS Law — Centre for International Law

Offers advanced training in international dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration, and hybrid processes.

IMADRI icon markIMADRI in Singapore

IMADRI's Singapore Asia-Pacific Hub is planned for expansion. Singapore's status as a signatory to the Singapore Convention makes it an ideal seat for IMADRI-mediated settlements that require international enforceability. IMADRI is actively recruiting a Regional Executive Manager for Singapore.

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Philippines

Manila
Regulatory Body
Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR); Integrated Bar of the Philippines

The Philippines has a strong mediation culture supported by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004 (R.A. 9285) and the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) under the Department of Justice. Manila is a growing hub for US-Philippines commercial disputes.

Association

Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR)

The Philippine government body responsible for promoting ADR and accrediting ADR providers and practitioners under R.A. 9285.

Association

Philippine Dispute Resolution Center (PDRC)

The leading private ADR institution in the Philippines, providing mediation and arbitration services for commercial disputes.

Regulation

Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004 (R.A. 9285)

The foundational Philippine law governing mediation, arbitration, and other ADR processes. Practitioners must be familiar with its provisions.

Association

Integrated Bar of the Philippines — ADR Committee

The IBP's ADR committee promotes mediation training and practice standards among Filipino legal professionals.

Training

Asian Institute of Management (AIM)

Offers executive education and professional development programs in negotiation and dispute resolution for business professionals.

IMADRI icon markIMADRI in Philippines

In-person sessions are available in Manila. The Philippines' large diaspora in the US and strong bilateral trade relationship make it a natural market for IMADRI's culturally matched mediation services. Zoom sessions are available for clients across Southeast Asia.

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Australia

MelbournePerth
Regulatory Body
Resolution Institute; National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS)

Australia has a sophisticated ADR framework with the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS) providing consistent standards across all states. The Resolution Institute and LEADR are the primary professional bodies. Melbourne and Perth serve as key hubs for US-Australia and Asia-Pacific commercial disputes.

Association

Resolution Institute

Australia and New Zealand's leading dispute resolution professional body, formed from the merger of LEADR and IAMA. Provides accreditation, training, and a national mediator register.

Certification

National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS)

Australia's national framework for mediator accreditation, setting minimum training, assessment, and continuing education standards for all accredited mediators.

Association

Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA)

Australia's international arbitration and mediation institution, providing case management and panel services for cross-border commercial disputes.

Training

Monash University — Dispute Resolution Programs

Offers graduate and continuing education programs in dispute resolution, negotiation, and international commercial law.

Association

Law Institute of Victoria — ADR Resources

Provides CLE programs, practice resources, and referral networks for Victorian legal practitioners in dispute resolution.

IMADRI icon markIMADRI in Australia

In-person sessions are available in Melbourne and Perth. Our mediator completed graduate studies in Melbourne, providing deep familiarity with the Australian legal and business landscape. Zoom sessions are available for clients across Australia and the Pacific.

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Belize

Belize City
Regulatory Body
Belize Bar Association; Supreme Court of Belize

Belize is an emerging market for dispute resolution in Central America, with a common law legal system inherited from British tradition. Its strategic location and English-speaking population make it a natural bridge between North American and Central American commercial interests.

Association

Belize Bar Association

The professional body for legal practitioners in Belize. Provides guidance on ADR practice and continuing legal education.

Association

Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

The final appellate court for CARICOM member states. Provides guidance on commercial dispute resolution in the Caribbean region.

Regulation

CARICOM — ADR Framework

The Caribbean Community's framework for commercial dispute resolution, relevant for cross-border matters involving Belize and other CARICOM states.

Training

IMI — International Mediator Training

IMI-certified training programs accessible online for Belizean practitioners seeking international mediation accreditation.

IMADRI icon markIMADRI in Belize

In-person sessions are available in Belize City. The country's English common law system and growing commercial sector make it a natural market for IMADRI's culturally matched mediation services. Zoom sessions are available for clients across Central America.

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Argentina

Buenos Aires
Regulatory Body
Centro de Mediación del Ministerio de Justicia; Colegio de Abogados de Buenos Aires

Argentina has one of the most developed mediation systems in Latin America, with mandatory pre-litigation mediation established by Law 24.573 (1995) and its successor Law 26.589 (2010). Buenos Aires is the primary hub for US-Latin America commercial disputes.

Association

Centro de Mediación del Ministerio de Justicia

Argentina's national mediation center under the Ministry of Justice, overseeing mandatory pre-litigation mediation and mediator registration.

Regulation

Law 26.589 (Mandatory Mediation)

Argentina's comprehensive mandatory mediation law requiring pre-litigation mediation in civil and commercial matters. Essential for practitioners in Argentina.

Association

Colegio de Abogados de Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires Bar Association providing CLE programs, ADR training, and professional resources for Argentine legal practitioners.

Association

CEMARC (Centro de Mediación y Arbitraje Comercial)

Leading commercial ADR institution in Argentina providing mediation and arbitration services for domestic and international commercial disputes.

Training

Universidad de Buenos Aires — Derecho

Offers graduate programs and continuing education in dispute resolution, negotiation, and international commercial law.

IMADRI icon markIMADRI in Argentina

In-person sessions are available in Buenos Aires. Argentina's mandatory mediation system and large US commercial presence make it a high-priority market. Daniel L. Glennon's Spanish fluency provides a direct bridge for US-Argentina disputes. Zoom sessions are available for clients across Latin America.

🇮🇳

India

MumbaiNew DelhiBengaluru
Regulatory Body
Mediation Council of India (established under the Mediation Act 2023); Ministry of Law and Justice

India has a rapidly growing ADR ecosystem anchored by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act (1996, amended 2019) and the Mediation Act (2023), which established a statutory framework for mediation for the first time. India is home to one of the world's largest diaspora communities and is a critical hub for US-India commercial and cross-border family disputes. The Indian diaspora in the United States — estimated at over 4.4 million — represents a significant client segment for IMADRI's culturally matched services.

Association

Mediation Council of India

Statutory body established under the Mediation Act 2023 to promote and regulate mediation in India. Responsible for registration of mediators and mediation service providers.

Training

Indian Institute of Arbitration & Mediation (IIAM)

Leading ADR institution in India offering mediation training, certification, and dispute resolution services. Recognized by the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Association

SAMA (Settlement and Mediation Agency)

India's first online dispute resolution platform, accredited by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Specialises in commercial and consumer disputes.

Regulation

Mediation Act 2023

India's landmark legislation establishing a statutory framework for mediation, including pre-litigation mediation, online mediation, and enforcement of mediated settlement agreements.

Training

ICICI Centre for Soft Skills & Mediation

Provides mediation training and certification programs aligned with the Mediation Act 2023 standards for Indian practitioners.

Certification

International Mediation Institute (IMI) — India Chapter

IMI Certified Mediators in India are recognised internationally. The IMI credential is the standard IMADRI recommends for cross-border US-India practice.

IMADRI icon markIMADRI in India

IMADRI serves the US-India commercial corridor and the Indian diaspora community in the United States. Virtual sessions are available for clients across all Indian cities. In-person sessions can be arranged in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru through IMADRI's partner network. Hindi and English are both supported. India's Mediation Act 2023 makes mediated settlement agreements enforceable as court decrees, providing strong legal backing for IMADRI-facilitated resolutions.

Updated Weekly

This Week Across the Web

Each week, IMADRI automatically discovers and curates the most relevant articles, research, and resources from across the global ADR community — organised by topic and scored for relevance and credibility.

Continuing Education

Global Continuing Education Directory

A curated selection of the world's most respected continuing education providers for mediation and ADR professionals. These organizations offer certification programs, CLE credits, advanced training, and professional development pathways recognized across jurisdictions.

University
Global / USA
Visit

Harvard Program on Negotiation (PON)

Harvard Law School's flagship negotiation and mediation training program. Offers the Harvard Mediation Intensive, executive education courses, and a vast library of free articles, case studies, and teaching materials on negotiation and dispute resolution.

✦ Harvard Mediation Intensive — next session June 2026

University
Global / USA
Visit

Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution — Pepperdine

Consistently ranked the #1 dispute resolution program in the United States. Offers an LL.M., M.D.R., and Certificate in Dispute Resolution, plus intensive MCLE programs on mediation, arbitration, and negotiation open to practitioners worldwide.

✦ Annual Summer Institute — intensive multi-day programs

Certification
Global
Visit

International Mediation Institute (IMI)

The world's leading independent standard-setter for mediator competency. IMI Certification is recognized across jurisdictions and is the credential IMADRI recommends for practitioners seeking international credibility. Offers a directory of IMI-certified training programs worldwide.

✦ IMI Certification — the global gold standard for mediators

Professional Body
Global / UK
Visit

CEDR — Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution

The UK's leading ADR institution and one of the most respected globally. CEDR offers a five-day Mediator Skills Training program leading to CEDR Accreditation, plus advanced courses in commercial mediation, negotiation, and conflict management. Fully IMI-certified.

✦ CEDR Accreditation — recognized in 70+ countries

Professional Body
USA / Global
Visit

Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR)

The primary US professional membership organization for mediators, arbitrators, and conflict resolution practitioners. ACR offers webinars, an annual conference, section-specific training (family, workplace, community, international), and a professional credentialing pathway.

✦ Annual Conference + year-round webinar series

Professional Body
USA / Global
Visit

American Arbitration Association — Education

The AAA's education arm offers free and paid CLE programs on mediation ethics, arbitration procedure, AI in dispute resolution, and commercial ADR practice. Includes online courses, live webinars, and in-person events for both new and experienced practitioners.

✦ Free CLE webinars for AAA members and non-members

Professional Body
USA / Global
Visit

JAMS — Training & Professional Development

JAMS, the largest private ADR provider in the world, offers training programs, a Fellowship Program for emerging ADR professionals, and educational resources on commercial, employment, and international mediation and arbitration.

✦ JAMS Fellowship Program — 12-month immersive ADR training

Professional Body
Africa / Global
Visit

South African Association of Mediators (SAAM)

South Africa's primary professional body for mediators. SAAM sets accreditation standards, offers training pathways for both family and commercial mediators, and is the gateway credential for practitioners seeking to work in the Sub-Saharan African market. Directly relevant to IMADRI's Cape Town office.

✦ SAAM Accreditation — required for South African practice

Online Platform
USA / Online
Visit

ADR Academy — Continuing Education (ADRA)

A dedicated online continuing education platform for ADR professionals. ADRA offers self-paced courses for mediators, arbitrators, attorneys, mental health providers, and educators — covering ethics, advanced techniques, cultural competency, and specialized practice areas.

✦ Self-paced online CE credits — flexible for busy practitioners

Certification
Asia-Pacific / Global
Visit

Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI)

The credentialing body for mediators in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region. SIMI's accreditation scheme is recognized internationally and is essential for practitioners handling US-Asia commercial disputes. Offers a tiered credentialing pathway from Registered Mediator to Specialist Mediator.

✦ SIMI Credentialing — gateway to Asia-Pacific ADR markets

IMADRI Recommends IMI Certification

For practitioners seeking to work across borders, IMADRI recommends pursuing International Mediation Institute (IMI) Certification as the global benchmark credential. IMI Certification is jurisdiction-neutral, internationally recognized, and signals the highest standard of competency to clients, courts, and institutions worldwide.

Learn about IMI Certification
IMADRI Institute

IMADRI Continuing Education Programs

IMADRI is developing a series of original continuing education programs for mediators, arbitrators, attorneys, HR professionals, and corporate counsel. Each program is designed to qualify for CE/CLE/CME credit and will be offered both in-person and via Zoom. The following ten programs will be published over the next ten months.

CE Credit Approval Pathway

IMADRI is pursuing approval as a continuing education provider through the International Mediation Institute (IMI), the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR), and select state bar CLE programs. Each program below is designed to meet the core topic requirements mandated by these bodies: mediator ethics, cultural competency, advanced facilitation techniques, cross-border practice, and specialized dispute contexts. Programs will carry IMI Continuing Mediation Education (CME) credit upon approval.

01
April 2026
TBA

Culturally Matched Mediation™: The Five-Role Bridge Team Model

An introduction to IMADRI's proprietary methodology for cross-cultural dispute resolution. Covers the structural roles of primary mediator, cultural liaisons, and translators, and how the model guarantees nuanced understanding beyond language.

✦ 3 CME hours — Advanced Facilitation

02
May 2026
TBA

Mediator Ethics in Cross-Border Practice: Navigating Dual Loyalties and Conflicts of Interest

A deep dive into ethical obligations when mediating disputes across jurisdictions with differing professional standards. Covers IMI, ACR, and ABA Model Standards, with case studies from US-Africa and US-EU commercial disputes.

✦ 3 CME hours — Ethics (required topic)

03
June 2026
TBA

Cultural Competency in Mediation: Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian Contexts

Practical training on cultural norms, communication styles, negotiation expectations, and power dynamics in disputes involving parties from the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia. Designed to meet the cultural competency CME requirement.

✦ 2 CME hours — Cultural Competency (required topic)

04
July 2026
TBA

US-Africa Commercial Dispute Resolution: Frameworks, Enforceability, and Practice

A practitioner's guide to resolving commercial disputes between US and African businesses. Covers applicable arbitration and mediation frameworks (OHADA, SIAC, ICC), enforcement of agreements under the New York Convention, and IMADRI's Cape Town practice.

✦ 3 CME hours — Specialized Practice Area

05
August 2026
TBA

Online and Virtual Mediation: Best Practices, Technology, and Ethics

A comprehensive guide to conducting effective mediations via Zoom and other platforms. Covers platform selection, managing multi-party sessions across time zones, document sharing protocols, and the evolving ethics of virtual ADR practice.

✦ 2 CME hours — Online Mediation (required topic in FL, CA)

06
September 2026
TBA

Trauma-Informed Mediation: Working with Conflict-Affected and Displaced Families

Specialized training for mediators working with parties who have experienced war, displacement, or loss. Covers trauma-informed communication, safety planning, power imbalances, and the unique dynamics of diaspora family and property disputes.

✦ 3 CME hours — Specialized Practice Area

07
October 2026
TBA

Transatlantic Commercial Mediation: US-EU Frameworks and the Singapore Convention

A practice-focused program on mediating commercial disputes between US and European businesses. Covers the EU Mediation Directive, the Singapore Convention on Mediated Settlement Agreements, and enforcement mechanisms across jurisdictions.

✦ 3 CME hours — International Practice

08
November 2026
TBA

Workplace Mediation and Employment Disputes: Protecting Employers and Employees

A practical program for HR professionals, employment counsel, and mediators handling workplace conflicts. Covers harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, and multi-party workplace disputes, with a focus on culturally diverse workforces.

✦ 3 CME hours — Workplace / Employment

09
December 2026
TBA

AI, Technology, and the Future of Dispute Resolution: Ethical and Practical Considerations

An emerging-issues program on the intersection of artificial intelligence and ADR. Covers AI-assisted mediation tools, algorithmic bias in dispute resolution, data privacy in virtual proceedings, and the ethical obligations of mediators in a technology-driven landscape.

✦ 2 CME hours — Ethics / Technology

10
January 2027
TBA

Agreement Drafting in International Mediation: From Settlement to Enforceability

A technical program on drafting mediated settlement agreements that are enforceable across borders. Covers the Singapore Convention, choice of law clauses, currency and jurisdiction provisions, and common drafting errors in cross-border commercial settlements.

✦ 3 CME hours — Advanced Practice / Drafting

To be notified when IMADRI programs launch and to register interest in CE credit approval:

[email protected]
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