Season 1 of the Push for Parity series focused on securing and managing first arbitral appointments. The first panel, moderated by Caroline Croft and Elizabeth Chan, focused on obtaining advice from senior representatives of leading arbitral institutions including Delphine Ho (SIAC), Madeline Kimei (Tanzania Institute of Arbitrators), Dr Gabrielle Ruscalla (ICC), and Wing Shek (LCIA) on securing first appointments.

The speakers were generous with their advice including on refining CVs prior to sending these to institutions, building ones profile within the arbitration community and on seeking experience as counsel and as tribunal secretary. They also provided helpful insight into how institutions select arbitrators from their arbitrator lists, and on how best to gain inclusion on those lists. 

The second panel, moderated by Maguelonne de Brugiere and Abayomi Okubote, focused on gaining the insights from practitioners on how best to secure first arbitral appointments. Panellists included Krystle Baptista Serna (KBS Arbitration), Ruth Byrne (King & Spalding), Dr Mariel Dimsey (CMS Hasche Sigle, Hong Kong LLP) and Angharad Parry (Twenty Essex).

These leading practitioners were open about their own experience, and stressed the need to embrace networking, to learn from others and take advice broadly. Particular emphasis was given to networking with arbitral institutions and engaging with their activities as well as developing a personal brand. The key message however, was one of patience and perseverance. 

The third panel, moderated by Lindsay Gastrell, was a conversation with Dr Sylvie Behohi Ebongo (HBE Avocats), Christina G Hioureas (Foley Hoag), Dr Michele Potestà (Lévy KaufmanKohler) and Dr Katherine Simpson (Simpson Dispute Resolution) about arbitrating first cases. Advice to those managing their first appointments was to be prepared and be robust. Difficult issues should be faced squarely and fairly, with detailed reasoning provided in support of any decision.

Participants were advised to start writing their arbitral decision early (for example by setting out the parties' respective positions), and to add to the award as the matter developed. Panellists also advised against using any jargon, and stressed that clear communications are of paramount importance throughout the case. For those whose first appointment is not as a solo arbitrator, focus should also be given to developing a positive working relationship with co-arbitrators. 

The last panel of the series, moderated by Marta García Bel and Isabel San Martín, focused on the many different pathways to becoming an arbitrator. The panellists, Dr Crina Baltag (Stockholm University), Chiann Bao (Arbitration Chambers), Dyalá Jiménez (DJ Arbitraje) and Thomas Sprange QC (King & Spalding) shared their very different and diverse pathways to becoming arbitrators, from private practice to academia.

Despite their different backgrounds, there was some consistent advice given: to work on developing a package of skills, in particular the exercise of good judgement, people skills and efficient case management.

All acknowledged that timing and luck do play a role and opportunities can arise when you least expect them. It is important not to rush your career, but also to be in a position to capitalize on opportunities when they arise. In terms of experience, the recommendation was to build up substantive expertise (whether through research, publications or by working on cases) and it was acknowledged that acting both as arbitrator and counsel can assist in becoming a better arbitrator.