The inaugural meeting of USCIB’s Young Arbitrators Forum, held on March 1 at the New York City offices of Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP, attracted nearly 100 participants from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Uruguay, Costa Rica and the Netherlands. John Fellas, a partner of Hughes Hubbard, served as the chair of the event.

Participants heard members of the ICC International Court of Arbitration and distinguished practitioners in the field of international dispute resolution describe their experiences and provide strategies for those who wish to pursue careers in this field.

ICC Director of Arbitration and ADR Lorraine M. Brennan joined Counsel to the ICC Court Secretariat Jennifer Kirby in discussing how ICC arbitrators are nominated and what steps aspiring lawyers can take to become more involved in this field. They also described what kinds of expertise and arbitration experience are especially sought after.

Three leading members of the international arbitration community shared their experiences, providing advice and strategies for those wishing to advance their careers in international dispute resolution. Gerald Aksen, one of the world’s leading arbitrators and a former vice chair of the ICC Court, reflected on his early work in securing U.S. ratification of the New York Convention, which governs respect for international arbitral rulings. He also gave advice to this new generation of potential arbitrators on how to build a successful career in the field.