The Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CADR), in association with the Moot Court Club of Government Law College, Ernakulam, has announced the inaugural edition of the All India Client Consultation Competition 2026. The competition will be held from November 27 to 29, 2026, at Government Law College, Ernakulam, Kerala.
The competition aims to provide law students with a practical platform to develop client-interviewing, counselling, legal reasoning, ethical decision-making and teamwork skills. Unlike conventional moot court competitions, participants will be assessed on their ability to understand a client’s concerns, identify relevant legal issues and explain appropriate courses of action in a simulated professional consultation.
About the Organisers:
Government Law College, Ernakulam, established in 1874, is one of India’s historic institutions for legal education and the oldest law college in Kerala.
The Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CADR) promotes awareness, research and practical training in dispute-resolution mechanisms, including mediation, arbitration, conciliation and negotiation. Through this competition, the Centre seeks to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the practical demands of legal practice.
About the Competition:
The competition simulates a lawyer–client consultation. Each team will comprise two student counsels who will interview a client, gather relevant information, identify legal issues and explain possible legal options while maintaining professional and ethical standards.
Each session will last 35 minutes, comprising:
- 25 minutes: Client interview and consultation.
- 10 minutes: Post-consultation discussion, including an outline of the facts gathered, legal issues identified and further legal work required.
Judges may ask questions or provide feedback after the session. The official language of the competition is English.
Eligibility:
The competition is open to students pursuing either a three-year LL.B. or a five-year integrated LL.B. programme at law colleges, law schools, universities and university departments of law in India recognised by the Bar Council of India.
The following eligibility conditions apply:
- Each team must consist of two students from the same institution.
- Each eligible institution may register a maximum of two teams.
- Students pursuing postgraduate degrees in law and students enrolled in law through correspondence courses are not eligible.
- Participation is limited to the first 24 teams to register successfully.
Interested teams should register early, as registration may close before the announced deadline if all available slots are filled.
Areas of Law:
The client problems may involve the following areas:
- Contract Law
- Family Law
- Property Law
- Law of Torts, including motor vehicle-related matters
Participants are also expected to possess a basic understanding of Constitutional Law and relevant procedural laws applicable to the issues raised in the client problem.
Competition Format and Rounds:
The competition will consist of four rounds:
- Preliminary Round
- Quarter-Final Round
- Semi-Final Round
- Final Round
Teams will progress based on their scores in the preceding rounds. The judging panels will comprise practising advocates, judges, law professors and other professionals with relevant expertise. Each judging panel will include at least one practising advocate.
The organisers will circulate an Office Memorandum on November 18, 2026, outlining the general nature of the client problem and the subject matter of the consultation. Registered teams must acknowledge receipt within two days.
Important Dates
| Particulars | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | October 22, 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration | November 15, 2026 |
| Circulation of Office Memorandum | November 18, 2026 |
| Registration and Inauguration | November 27, 2026 |
| Preliminary and Quarter-Final Rounds | November 28, 2026 |
| Semi-Final and Final Rounds; Valedictory Function | November 29, 2026 |
Registration may close before November 15 if all 24 team slots are filled. Participants must report to the college on November 27 at 3:00 PM for registration and the inaugural function.
Registration Fee:
The registration fee is ₹3,000 per team. After successful submission of the registration form, the organisers will communicate payment instructions and the payment deadline to registered teams by email.
The fee is non-refundable.
Registration Form: https://forms.gle/YeFiSFHbKwxiZA1i6
Accommodation will not be provided by the organisers. Participants seeking recommendations for nearby lodges or hotels may contact the Organising Committee.
Prizes and Awards:
The competition offers a total prize pool of ₹58,000, along with trophies and certificates.
| Award | Prize |
|---|---|
| Best Team | ₹30,000 + Trophy |
| Runners-Up | ₹15,000 + Trophy |
| Second Runners-Up | ₹5,000 + Trophy |
| Best Counsel | ₹5,000 + Trophy |
| Second-Best Counsel | ₹3,000 + Trophy |
The Best Counsel and Second-Best Counsel awards will be determined based on the individual scores obtained by participants during the Preliminary Rounds. All participants will receive certificates of participation.
Assessment Criteria:
Teams will be assessed on their ability to:
- Establish a professional and comfortable atmosphere.
- Communicate effectively and listen actively.
- Identify the client’s concerns, objectives and relevant facts.
- Analyse legal issues and explain possible solutions.
- Help the client make an informed decision.
- Maintain ethical conduct and professional standards.
- Coordinate responsibilities effectively as a team.
- Conduct a meaningful post-consultation discussion.
- Conclude the interview appropriately.
These criteria place emphasis on client-centred legal practice rather than courtroom advocacy alone.
Rules and Participant Requirements:
Participants must comply with the competition rules concerning confidentiality, conduct and permitted materials.
- Participants must treat information received during consultations as confidential.
- Competition-specific notes, research materials and other preparatory materials are not permitted during the rounds, although participants may take notes during the client interview.
- Participants may be required to deposit mobile phones during designated rounds or while in the waiting area.
- Recording, photographing, sharing or communicating information about the Office Memorandum or client problem through electronic devices is prohibited.
- Teams must not communicate with other competing teams about the client problem or proceedings until the relevant round has concluded.
- Participants must appear in the prescribed formal attire. Advocates’ gowns and bands are not permitted.
Violations may lead to disqualification in accordance with the competition rules.
Contact Details:
For registration and competition-related queries, participants may contact:
Email: glce.cadr@gmail.com
Student Coordinators:
- Yedukrishnan P. N. — 9544178791
- Anna Mariya Biju — 8086635149
Coordinator: Dr. Liny Jose K., Associate Professor
Joint Coordinators:
- Smt. Reshma H. G., Assistant Professor
- Mr. Aneesh R., Assistant Professor
For more info refer the official brochure
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