Last Friday, November 15, 2024, the ICC YAAF: Becoming an arbitrator conference took place at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, sponsored by the Jabłoński Koźmiński & Partners Law Firm and the Sołtysiński Kawecki & Szlęzak Law Firm.

 This unique event is organized by the forum of young arbitration practitioners of the world’s largest arbitration organization (institution), @ICC, based in Paris. Meetings are held regularly; this time, the marvelous Kraków and the oldest Polish university were chosen.

The guests were welcomed on behalf of the Faculty of Law and Administration of the Jagiellonian University by dr hab. Andrzej Olaś , prof. UJ (co-director of the ICC Comprehensive Training on Arbitration Practice at JU), who also made introductory remarks.

The opening lecture on the topic was delivered by Prof. Patricia Shaughnessy (Stockholms universitet).

Następnie, odbył się panel dyskusyjny z sesją Q&A moderowany przez Piotra Paprotę (ICC YAAF Representative for Europe and Central Asia; Senior Associate w Kancelarii GESSEL) z udziałem ekspertów-praktyków arbitrażu:

• Dr. Elena Koch – Deputy Counsel, ICC International Court of Arbitration
• Peter Rižnik – Independent Arbitrator, Rižnik Disputes
• Anna Tujakowska – Senior Counsel, Sołtysiński Kawecki & Szlęzak
• Łukasz Wydra, PhD – Partner at Jabłoński Koźmiński and Partners Law Firm, Leader of the Arbitration Practice

The speakers spoke about careers in arbitration, primarily based on their experiences. Among other things, they discussed:

• first appointments as arbitrators,
• paths leading to the role of arbitrator,
• methods of investigating conflicts of interest,
• ways of managing an arbitration dispute,
• atypical cases from arbitration practice at the beginning of an arbitrator’s career,
• continuous improvement of skills,
• the importance of relationships and reputation in the international environment.

We want to express our gratitude to dr hab. Andrzej Olaś , prof. UJ and Piotr Paprota for inviting us to participate in this unique initiative for both the arbitration community and the participants. While remaining in the pleasant post-conference atmosphere, we are full of hope for fruitful cooperation in the future.