About The Conference
- The Pro Bono Club, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, is organising the Justice V.K. Dixit Memorial National Conference & Paper Presentation on the theme “Reimagining Access to Justice: Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism & Pro Bono Legal Services” on 02 May 2026.
- Historically, access to justice has been defined by physical proximity to courts and the availability of legal representation. However, in today’s dynamic legal landscape, justice must transcend geographical, procedural, and economic barriers, through both institutional and alternative mechanisms.
- The contemporary discourse on access to justice is undergoing a transformative shift; at the core of this transformation lies the growing prominence of pro bono legal services, which serve as the moral foundation of the legal profession. Despite its deep-rooted presence in Indian legal tradition, pro bono work remains largely unstructured and sporadic. Equally significant is the role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms which are no longer merely an “alternative.” ADR is increasingly being recognised as a primary and efficient pathway to dispute resolution. Nevertheless, critical questions remain regarding its inclusivity, accessibility, and effectiveness.
Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate law students
- Research scholars and Doctoral Candidates in law and allied disciplines.
- Corporate professionals and Legal practitioners
- Academicians and Faculty Members
Submission Process and Guidelines
- The submission process for the Conference is structured in the following stages:
- Step 1: Abstract Submission: All interested participants are required to submit their abstracts through the prescribed Google Form within the stipulated deadline.
- Step 2: Review & Acceptance: All abstracts will undergo a blind review process.The best 24 abstracts will be shortlisted for submission of the paper and presentation at the Conference.
- Step 3: Registration and Fee Payment: Authors of selected abstracts will receive an acceptance email along with a registration link. They are required to complete the registration process and pay the prescribed fee within the stipulated timeline to confirm their participation.
- Step 4: Final Paper Submission: Upon successful registration and fee payment, authors of selected abstracts will receive a separate email containing the paper submission link. Final papers must be submitted in accordance with the prescribed guidelines within the stipulated deadline. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
Final Paper Submission Guidelines
- Word limit: 3000–3500 words (excluding footnotes)
- For more Final Paper Submission Guidelines, kindly refer to the attached Brochure.
Important Dates
- Last Date for Abstract Submission: 17th April, 2026
- Communication of Abstract Acceptance: 19th April, 2026
- Last Date of Registration for Paper Presentation: 21st April, 2026
- Last Date for Registration (Conference Attendees): 25 April 2026
- Final Paper Submission: 27 April 2026
- Conference Date: 02 May 2026
Registration Fee
- Law Students (UG/PG): ?750 (Single) / ?1100 (Co-authored)
- Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow UG/PG Students: ?550 (Single) / ?900 (Co-authored)
- Research Scholars/Academicians/Practitioners: ?1000 (Single) / ?1500 (Co-authored)
- Attendees: ?399
- (Fee includes Conference Kit (entry pass, theme literature, bare acts), Morning Refreshment, Lunch and High Tea, and Certificate of Participation / Presentation)
Awards
- Best Paper / Best Presentation: ?5,000 Cash Prize + Trophy + Certificate of Achievement.
- Runner-Up Paper / Runner-Up Presentation: ?3,000 Cash Prize + Trophy + Certificate of Achievement.
- Certificates of Presentation to all author(s) present for the presentation round.
- Certificate of Participation to all registered attendees.
- Digital Book of Abstracts to all participants/attendees.
Submission Guidelines
- Abstract length: 250–300 words
- Co-authorship (maximum 2 authors) is permitted
- Original and unpublished work only, which clearly states the research problem, methodology, and core arguments
- Plagiarism limit: 10%; AI-generated content not permitted
