WISTA UK and Quadrant Chambers join forces to host an informative session on developing a career as a female arbitrator.
We were privileged to have our panel chaired by commercial court judge Mrs Justice Cockerill, and to be joined by panellists, barrister and Head of Quadrant Chambers Poonam Melwani KC, barrister Ruth Hosking, and arbitrators Sara Gillingham Aukner FCIArb and Karina Albers FCIArb.
The panellists opened the session by explaining their backgrounds in maritime and law, highlighting the various routes to becoming an arbitrator. Karina started her career as a chartering manager at a ship broking house; Sara began her career in private practice before moving to a P&I Club and then to an in-house role with a dry bulk operator; and Poonam has worked as a barrister at Quadrant for 33 years and is happy to sit as an arbitrator part-time, Ruth acts as a part time arbitrator alongside her counsel practice.
Having a supportive community in the workplace is vital to personal development and growth, as well advancing commercial interests. The panel shared that while there are no formal mentorship programmes in place there are third-party, non-governmental associations. For example, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators has a mentoring programme for young members, ArbitalWomen association provides network for women in alternative dispute resolution and the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators in London that is an international centre for Arbitration and dispute resolution. There is support for diversity in arbitration through groups such as ArbitralWomen and the Equal Representation in Arbitration Pledge. As the dial is now moving with more women joining the sector, this is enabling a stronger network for everyone, which in turns supports diversity and gender equality.
As the panel identified various routes for becoming an arbitrator, they noted how without the lawyer background it can be harder and may be more onerous on your time, but it is possible and can also be an advantage in succeeding due to first hand industry knowledge. The most important element is to ensure you are growing your knowledge of the arbitration process through various means to digest information as effectively as possible. Ensure you read the latest news with trade and global media, learn about the latest awards and judgements, attend events, hear from experts, and discuss the technical and specific subject areas. They discussed that the experience of acting as an arbitrator can help as a barrister to think what arbitrator needs when presenting a case as counsel. It is vital to not always solely focus on the client but also what the arbitrator needs.
Many of us recognise the benefits of networking to support with your knowledge growth, but it is also incredibly beneficial to help you secure a role and be the most successful you can be. By actively participating in events and conferences, you are unlocking networking opportunities where you can be part of conversations, share your knowledge, ask questions, and build your own personal brand. Securing your first appointment can be difficult, but networking is one of the best ways to get appointment and it’s important to build out your own pipeline of new business.
In closing remarks, the panel shared some top tips…
- Stay within a specialism
- Familiarise yourself with the rules – institutional rulings such as LCIA and LMAA and cyber security to name a few
- Patience with dedication – be persistent and tenacious
- Grow and tap into your network
- Self-motivation – find things that help keep you motivated, i.e. KPI trackers, incentives, hobbies outside of work etc
- Keep a business development tracker of appointments and enquiries
- Don’t be afraid – lean into it, ask questions, and share your voice
- Find a USP – be an expert in a niche area i.e. trading, barristers, commercial arbitrator
- Go for it!
Diversity in the maritime law segment is certainty growing, and it’s thanks to women like those on our panel who share their roots and inspire more people to be part of our world.
Thanks to all our panellists and audience for attending this event. Please share any thoughts and follow us for more updates on our social media pages.
