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TOP 10 RECOMMENDATIONS TO LAW STUDENTS SEEKING A CAREER IN ARBITRATION - BY AABHAS PAREEK APD
I. CONSISTENCY IS THE KEY
No one can succeed overnight. To be successful in any domain, one needs to inculcate a sense of discipline/consistency. Whatever you do, try to do it with conviction. Life will test you on days when you feel like giving up, but if you still do that particular task, you win. By improving 1 per cent every day consistently, we can become 37 times better off by the end of the year. Arbitration is a technical field. It requires regular analytical study. You will only be able to analyze something if you are consistent in its study.
II. SUPPLEMENT
As per my own experience, specialisation in Arbitration alone is not a sustainable career option. If you have not specialised in an area of law, whatever you read is going to be of little significance. Like litigation, arbitration is just another form of disputes resolution. You would hardly get interesting assignments just by reading the theory or procedure of litigation. Supplement your interest in arbitration with another domain of law so as to enhance and diversify your career prospects.
III. READ, READ, AND READ
Bare reading into something is not going to make a difference. If you do not read the right literature or do not keep note of it, it will all go to waste. What is important is systematic reading. Create a system that leads you. I have created multiple documents on my computer which I update as soon as I read something interesting. Let us presume that you read an article on Emergency Arbitration in India, which will automatically redirect you to the Amazon v. Future (Civil Appeal No. 4492-4493 of 2021) case-law. Likewise, that case-law will lead you to some other case-law / concept, so on and so forth. This chain-reading is going to inculcate a deeper understanding of the concept of arbitration and will not feel like a drag. In a matter of time, you will have a rich database of digital information at your disposal.
IV. HAVE A VISION
Before embarking on any journey, it is necessary to have a clear vision of what you want to ultimately achieve in your career. No goal is unachievable just because your peers think so. Set a target, keep your head down, and start working towards achieving it. It is better to have set goals instead of drifting aimlessly.
IV. NETWORK
Your network is your net worth, more so for an arbitration practitioner. Gone are the days when one had to attend multiple seminars and other events, just to create a network. The advent of technology has made everything more accessible. You can connect with fellow professionals and industry leaders with just a click of a button. The use of digital tools, such as LinkedIn and Prime Dispute, can help accelerate growth. Throughout my career, I have connected with many people from across the industry, who have provided me with their valuable insights helping me forge my career ahead in this field. Do not hesitate in reaching out to someone you look up to.
VI. ACCREDITATION
There is no straight-jacket formula to succeed in the field of arbitration. Something which might have worked for me, may not work for someone else. However, there are certain tools that can enhance the chances of growth. Various professional organisations such as Prime Dispute, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), AIADR, etc. offer world-class professional training, membership and accreditation programmes. These organisations provide exciting opportunities to its members. For instance, Prime Dispute regularly keeps in touch with its members and offers various services to its members thereby helping them upscale their careers.
VII. FIND A MENTOR
I believe that all of us are born talented. What we lack is direction. That is where a mentor comes in. I was lucky enough to get a mentor in the form of a well-established senior international arbitrator. It was only through her continued support and guidance that I could achieve unbelievable things. The international arbitration community has a limited number of people and the best thing about it is that it is a closely-knit community. People are very co-operative and helpful. If you need my help, I am just around the corner (metaphorically speaking).
VIII. POLISH DRAFTING SKILLS
Every professional is as good as her/his drafting skills. Whether as an arbitration lawyer or as an arbitrator, you will be required to draft various documents. As an arbitrator, you will be required to draft a procedural order, an award, etc. While as an arbitration lawyer, you will have to draft submissions. Therefore, focusing on the craft of effective drafting is going to set you apart from your peers.
IX. MONITOR YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITY
Make sure that there is no apparent or perceived bias on your part. Monitor your social media activity and try not to indulge too much in discussions based on radical topics. Any lapse on your part could result in a serious perception built against you which could very well affect your future appointment prospects.
X. IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS
In order to become a top professional, you will have to develop excellent communication skills. It is a very important skill that an arbitrator must possess in order to effectively listen to the parties in dispute and obtain satisfactory results. A good arbitrator must be patient, flexible and a good listener. One does not learn these skills overnight. It needs years of time and practice to master it. It’s never too late. Start working on it from the minute go and you will improve over a period of time.
I. CONSISTENCY IS THE KEY
No one can succeed overnight. To be successful in any domain, one needs to inculcate a sense of discipline/consistency. Whatever you do, try to do it with conviction. Life will test you on days when you feel like giving up, but if you still do that particular task, you win. By improving 1 per cent every day consistently, we can become 37 times better off by the end of the year. Arbitration is a technical field. It requires regular analytical study. You will only be able to analyze something if you are consistent in its study.
II. SUPPLEMENT
As per my own experience, specialisation in Arbitration alone is not a sustainable career option. If you have not specialised in an area of law, whatever you read is going to be of little significance. Like litigation, arbitration is just another form of disputes resolution. You would hardly get interesting assignments just by reading the theory or procedure of litigation. Supplement your interest in arbitration with another domain of law so as to enhance and diversify your career prospects.
III. READ, READ, AND READ
Bare reading into something is not going to make a difference. If you do not read the right literature or do not keep note of it, it will all go to waste. What is important is systematic reading. Create a system that leads you. I have created multiple documents on my computer which I update as soon as I read something interesting. Let us presume that you read an article on Emergency Arbitration in India, which will automatically redirect you to the Amazon v. Future (Civil Appeal No. 4492-4493 of 2021) case-law. Likewise, that case-law will lead you to some other case-law / concept, so on and so forth. This chain-reading is going to inculcate a deeper understanding of the concept of arbitration and will not feel like a drag. In a matter of time, you will have a rich database of digital information at your disposal.
IV. HAVE A VISION
Before embarking on any journey, it is necessary to have a clear vision of what you want to ultimately achieve in your career. No goal is unachievable just because your peers think so. Set a target, keep your head down, and start working towards achieving it. It is better to have set goals instead of drifting aimlessly.
IV. NETWORK
Your network is your net worth, more so for an arbitration practitioner. Gone are the days when one had to attend multiple seminars and other events, just to create a network. The advent of technology has made everything more accessible. You can connect with fellow professionals and industry leaders with just a click of a button. The use of digital tools, such as LinkedIn and Prime Dispute, can help accelerate growth. Throughout my career, I have connected with many people from across the industry, who have provided me with their valuable insights helping me forge my career ahead in this field. Do not hesitate in reaching out to someone you look up to.
VI. ACCREDITATION
There is no straight-jacket formula to succeed in the field of arbitration. Something which might have worked for me, may not work for someone else. However, there are certain tools that can enhance the chances of growth. Various professional organisations such as Prime Dispute, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), AIADR, etc. offer world-class professional training, membership and accreditation programmes. These organisations provide exciting opportunities to its members. For instance, Prime Dispute regularly keeps in touch with its members and offers various services to its members thereby helping them upscale their careers.
VII. FIND A MENTOR
I believe that all of us are born talented. What we lack is direction. That is where a mentor comes in. I was lucky enough to get a mentor in the form of a well-established senior international arbitrator. It was only through her continued support and guidance that I could achieve unbelievable things. The international arbitration community has a limited number of people and the best thing about it is that it is a closely-knit community. People are very co-operative and helpful. If you need my help, I am just around the corner (metaphorically speaking).
VIII. POLISH DRAFTING SKILLS
Every professional is as good as her/his drafting skills. Whether as an arbitration lawyer or as an arbitrator, you will be required to draft various documents. As an arbitrator, you will be required to draft a procedural order, an award, etc. While as an arbitration lawyer, you will have to draft submissions. Therefore, focusing on the craft of effective drafting is going to set you apart from your peers.
IX. MONITOR YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITY
Make sure that there is no apparent or perceived bias on your part. Monitor your social media activity and try not to indulge too much in discussions based on radical topics. Any lapse on your part could result in a serious perception built against you which could very well affect your future appointment prospects.
X. IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS
In order to become a top professional, you will have to develop excellent communication skills. It is a very important skill that an arbitrator must possess in order to effectively listen to the parties in dispute and obtain satisfactory results. A good arbitrator must be patient, flexible and a good listener. One does not learn these skills overnight. It needs years of time and practice to master it. It’s never too late. Start working on it from the minute go and you will improve over a period of time.
COMMERCIALITY FOR GRADUATES: WHY IS IT KEY ?
Developing commercial awareness can take time but experience within industry will help. Gaining an understanding of the business environment and being able to look at situations from a commercial aspect will provide you with a solid foundation.
Developing commercial awareness can take time but experience within industry will help. Gaining an understanding of the business environment and being able to look at situations from a commercial aspect will provide you with a solid foundation.
- Join LinkedIn groups which are industry focused and engage as much as possible;
- Stay updated about global business news by reading business publications, e-industry newsletters, listening to the BBC business and staying up to date using social media;
- Develop your own opinion about current affairs and don't be afraid to ask senior industry leaders questions;
- Pick two organisations that you are interested in and follow their progress over the year. Start to think about the business challenges the employer faces. A good way to achieve this is to read papers (maybe the Financial Times), choose two companies from the FTSE 100 and follow their progress over a year or if you prefer look at SMEs;
- Research the wider issues that affect the industry you want to go into, and does the organisation's vision, mission, values and ethical practices connect with yours;
- Connect with businesses in your local area and see if they are willing for you to attend meetings or conferences;
- Industry want individuals who understand the basic in how to avoid and manage disputes in business. Join as a Trainee member or as an APD member and start the learning journey.
