Interviews
#ThePrivateCaucus:Conversations in Confidence Interview Series: Prof. Dr. Navin G Ahuja, Mediator, Arbitrator, Legal Scholar, Published Author & Public Speaker
In this #ThePrivateCaucus:Conversations in Confidence interview, we feature Prof. Dr. Navin G Ahuja, Mediator, Arbitrator, Legal Scholar, Published Author & Public Speaker.
Prof. Dr. Navin G. Ahuja is a mediator, arbitrator, legal scholar, published author and public speaker with over 20 years of commercial experience and a Doctorate in Juridical Science specialising in ADR. He brings practical commercial insight to international arbitration, mediation and legal education, combining industry experience with legal scholarship.
Read the full interview below:
Q: When developing the case scenarios for the inaugural Maxwell Challenge, what were some of the key considerations you kept in mind to ensure they were both realistic and educational?
One of the key considerations in developing the case scenario was ensuring it had a strong commercial focus. Drawing from my 20 years in international trade, I aimed to create a situation that reflects real-world business challenges. Often, lawyers tend to focus more on legal nuances rather than the commercial implications of a dispute. By highlighting the commercial side, I wanted to provide participants with a deeper understanding of how to approach negotiations and mediation from a business perspective.
Q: Looking back on the drafting process, what was one aspect of the case scenarios or competition format that you think will provide the greatest learning opportunity for students?
The greatest learning opportunity for participants lies in the emphasis on communication and active listening. If you don’t listen to the other party, it’s challenging to understand their underlying interests. Transitioning from a fixed position to recognizing what truly matters requires attentive engagement. However, this process isn’t straightforward. Participants come from various legal and cultural backgrounds, which means their expressions of giving and taking can vary significantly from what one might be accustomed to. This diversity makes the mediation process truly international and enriches the learning experience.
Q: What advice would you give to students as they prepare for the inaugural Maxwell Challenge?
My advice for students is that preparation is vital. There are no shortcuts to success. You can find many resources in libraries and online, and the real learning happens when you roll up your sleeves and engage deeply with the materials. Practice with your teammates to build confidence and refine your skills. Consider recording yourself during practice sessions as watching and listening to yourself can provide valuable insights into your delivery and body language.
