On Friday, 3 July 2026, the International Mediation Institute is once again bringing an exciting program and networking opportunity within the IBA-VIAC CDRC Mediation and Negotiation Competition in Vienna, connecting the international mediation community with local lawyers and users. Expect vibrant discussions within a panel of experienced mediation professionals, followed by a networking reception.
Assessors and coaches partaking in CDRC Vienna are invited, as well as IMI Certified and Qualified Mediators, local and regional mediators, mediation supporters, and professionals wishing to exchange and network to advance mediation locally and internationally. The International Mediation Evening for Professionals is kindly hosted by CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Vienna.
Date & Time:
Friday, 3 July 2026
In-person: Doors open at 5:30 PM; Event begins at 6:00 PM CEST
Online: Event begins at 6:00 PM CEST
Venue:
CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz, Gauermanngasse 2, 1010 Wien, Austria
Kindly note that the in-person event has limited seats, and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The event is verified by CEDR for continuing professional development (CPD) and continuing legal education (CLE).
The Panel
Following the success of our 2025 panel on effective mediation advocacy skills, this year we are shifting the lens to explore the deeper, structural dynamics of the mediation room. Read our reflection on last year’s event, which focused on the evolving role of mediation advocacy, skills development, mindset shifts, and institutional support:
While lawyers are indispensable to the dispute resolution process, their traditional adversarial training can sometimes clash with the collaborative nature of mediation. The panel will dismantle the traditional boundaries of counsel, mediator, and client while walking through the lifecycle of a mediation, tackling difficult questions at every stage:
- The Preparation Phase: The panel will analyze how counsel can adapt legal evaluations specifically for mediation, test client settlement authority, and leverage pre-mediation conferences for strategic alignment.
- The Negotiation Phase and the Principal-Agent Problem: Speakers will dissect the optimal division of roles between client and counsel, navigating the delicate boundaries of lawyer intervention and managing sub-optimal dynamics.
- The Drafting and Settlement Phase: Discussion will center on drawing precise lines between the mediator and counsel regarding who bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the legal and practical viability of the final agreement.
Join us as we shift the lens to the mechanics of a “perfect” mediation, bridging the gap between traditional legal advocacy and effective dispute resolution strategy!
Programme:
| 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm | Registrations and networking (in-person) |
| 6:00 pm – 6:05 pm | Welcoming words by Daniela Karollus-Bruner and Sonja Otenhajmer, CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH |
| 6:05 pm – 6:10 pm | Welcoming words by Ivana Ninčić Österle, Executive Director of the International Mediation Institute |
| 6:10 pm – 6:15 pm | Welcoming words by Thomas John MCIArb, CDRC Director |
| 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm | Panel Discussion: Perspectives on the Role of Lawyers in Mediation Moderator: – Tat Lim, IMI Certified Mediator, IMI Board Chair, Singapore Panelists: – Amelie Huber-Starlinger, Mediator, Member of the VIAC Mediation Advisory Board, Austria – Beatrice Herrmann, IMI Certified Mediator, Accredited Associate Mediator with SMC, Accredited Member of FSM and SCCM), Certified Executive Coach (ICF ACC), Switzerland – Sarah Tarar, Mediation Practitioner, Founder of the ICDRL and CEO of ADR ODR International Pakistan – Stephen Walker, IMI Certified Mediator, Expert Civil and Commercial Mediator based in London, Ranked in Tier 1 in both Chambers and the Legal 500 and in the Hall of Fame, UK |
| 7:15 pm – 7:30 pm | Q&A |
| 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm | Networking Reception / Online Networking until 8:30 pm |
As you countdown to the event, enjoy the snapshots from last year’s evening:
About the CDRC Mediation and Negotiation Competition
The 2026 edition of the CDRC Mediation and Negotiation Competition in Vienna takes place from Thursday, 2 July 2026 to Tuesday, 7 July 2026 in Vienna, Austria. CDRC Vienna is the leading global consensual dispute resolution moot competition, attracting top students annually to Vienna. By benefitting greatly from the experience and knowledge of and guidance from the world-leading consensual dispute resolution experts, competitors can develop and hone their skills, experience, and brilliance in international commercial mediation. The Event invites students to compete as negotiators and mediators, and welcomes professionals to divulge their experience as expert assessors. It is a joint initiative of the International Bar Association–Vienna International Arbitral Centre.
The Competition is proudly supported by the International Mediation Institute.
