NOTABLE CLIPS FROM THE ICC-YAF CONFERENCE by Chinecherem Ubaka

Just in case you missed it!

The International  Chamber of Commerce -Young Arbitrator Forum (ICC-YAF) organized her annual conference on the 16th of March, 2018 and of course it was hosted by the ADR society,  at the Ago Ajomo Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka. The theme was SO YOU WANT TO BE AN INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATOR?

During the general session, Mr. Folahan Ajayi, gave us a basic rundown of the academic qualifications needed to be an international arbitrator. Please note that arbitration is not restricted to the legal profession.

For the lawyers, you obviously need your L L.B and B.L. degrees and if you are capable an LL. M with specialization in arbitration is not a bad idea. You also need to take the professional courses with the CIARB, UK branch as well as attend seminars and conferences. Internships too go a long way in enhancing our knowledge and affording us the opportunity to learn pragmatically.

For the non- lawyers, your degree, professional courses with the CIARB coupled with attending seminars and conferences.

Mr. Folahan went ahead to open our eyes to international paid internships of about 1m per month or so if I heard him correctly. All you need to do is to APPLY! you can take advantage of unpaid ones as well as domestic internships.

We were served with a spicier sauce during the question and answer sessions. The Panelist namely

a. Mr Isaiah Bozimo

b. Mr. Folahan Ajayi

c. Mrs Obosa Akpata

d. Prince Alex-Iwu

e. Mr. Amid Mohammed

Noteworthy amongst their various answers are

1. Be visible. Find out what works for you and carve a niche.

2. In writing emails to professionals whether for job, internship or mentorship, Be diligent enough to know who exactly you are addressing. No “dear sir/madam” please.

3. From their stories, Diligence pays.

4. Be humble. No big grammars. They know you are inexperienced. Don’t form Mr. Know all. Remember first impression counts.

5. As a student, now is the best time of your life. Utilize it!

After the question and answer session, it was time to network one on one with the professionals.