Welcome to Young California Arbitration (Young CalArb). We are sponsored by California Arbitration and dedicated to fostering the next generation of lawyers in international arbitration.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to empowering and engaging young professionals under 40 and law students with a keen interest in international arbitration.
At Young CalArb, we believe that the future of international arbitration in California lies in the hands of our promising young professionals. Our mission is to provide a dynamic platform that nurtures their growth and strengthens their network within the arbitration community. To this end, we organize a variety of events, workshops, and networking opportunities tailored for our young members. Through these initiatives, we aim to cultivate a shared understanding of best practices, stimulate constructive dialogues, and inspire innovation in international arbitration.
We are committed to advancing the cause of California Arbitration in developing and promoting California as a hub for international arbitration. Our vision is to shape a progressive future for international arbitration in California.
Young CalArb Steering Committee
Co-Chairs
Steering Committee Members
Join Us
Are you a young practitioner or a law student, and a member of California Arbitration? We invite you to join Young CalArb. Fill out the form here to register and start your journey with us in shaping the future of international arbitration in California.
Additionally, if you have questions, thoughts, or are interested in getting more involved, we would love to hear from you. Our Young CalArb Committee is always open for fresh ideas and collaborations. Feel free to reach out to the Young CalArb Co-Chairs directly – your active participation is instrumental to our shared success.
Young CalArb is now a Permanent Contributor to the Kluwer Arbitration Blog
Since 2022, Young CalArb has proudly collaborated with the Kluwer Arbitration Blog, providing a platform for our members to publish articles. Through these contributions, Young CalArb members have provided updates on the latest arbitration-related developments in California, including landmark cases and significant events like the annual California International Arbitration Week. This ongoing initiative aims to enhance the visibility of California’s arbitration community and inform the global audience about key arbitration updates in California. Now, Young CalArb is excited to announce that it is a permanent contributor to the blog.
If you are a member of Young CalArb and are interested in publishing an article on the Kluwer Arbitration Blog, please reach out to our Co-Chairs, Katie Connolly and Tuyana Molokhoeva. Send us a writing sample and a topic suggestion, if you have one. We also welcome CalArb members who have a topic they would like to write about, who would like to partner with a Young CalArb member for an article, to reach out to Tuyana and Katie to be paired with a Young CalArb member.
You can explore the articles published in collaboration with Young CalArb here. Some notable topics covered by our members include:
- 2023 Year in Review: A Look at International Arbitration in California by Katie Connolly, Courtney Dolinar-Hikawa (Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP), and Tuyana Molokhoeva (Quandary Peak Research), January 29, 2024
- McConnell v. Advantest America, Inc.: California Court of Appeal Finds Subpoena of Nonparties for Production/Appearance at Discovery Hearing Exceeds Arbitrator’s Power by Anlin Ye (Pepperdine Caruso School of Law), January 17, 2024
- Coinbase v. Bielski: Uniform Automatic Stay in Interlocutory Arbitrability Appeals Across the 12 U.S. Federal Circuits by Ibrahim Ati (American Bar Association), December 20, 2023
- California International Arbitration Week 2024: Navigating Technology Disputes in the Modern Era by Alisha Sharma (Devlin Law Firm) and Tuyana Molokhoeva (Quandary Peak Research), May 12, 2024
- California International Arbitration Week 2024: AI in ADR: Building Consensus Around The Path Forward by Rabia Batool (California Arbitration Membership Committee) and Scarlet Tunney, May 12, 2024
- California International Arbitration Week 2024: The Latest Developments of International Arbitration in China—Focus on Sino-U.S. Commercial Dispute Resolution by Anlin Ye (Pepperdine Caruso School of Law), April 12, 2024
- California International Arbitration Week 2024: Strategies for Navigating Trade Wars and Cross-Border Dispute Resolution by Tuyana Molokhoeva (Quandary Peak Research), April 11, 2024
Upcoming Events
CCA’s 2025-2027 Associates Mentorship Program
Apply by April 21, 2025, for the College of Commercial Arbitrators (CCA) Associates Mentorship Program. The CCA has designed its two-year Associates Mentorship Program to share the CCA’s highest ethical standards and professional conduct, along with our innovative best practices, with arbitrators from varied backgrounds who currently: (1) have an active or developing domestic and/or international commercial ADR practice with less than five consecutive years of experience as a commercial arbitrator, and (2) are committed to learning and developing the skills needed to provide meaningful, high quality professional services through a career in the field of commercial arbitration. APPLY HERE
Past Events
Day in the Life of an Arbitration Practitioner
On November 18, 2024, attendees learned about a day in the life of an arbitration practitioner in Los Angeles. The event was held in collaboration with the UCLA Law School International & Comparative Law Program and featured CalArb members TJ Auner, associate attorney at Jones Day; Giorgio A. Sassine, associate attorney at Musick Peeler; and Tuyana Molokhoeva, general counsel at Quandary Peak.
Los Angeles Happy Hour
On October 8, 2024, Young CalArb hosted a happy hour at the Citizen Public Market Rooftop in Los Angeles. Participants enjoyed food and drinks from one of Citizen Public Market’s many vendors and joined us on the rooftop for an evening of networking with young practitioners and law students. All CalArb and Young CalArb members were welcome.
The Future Speaks: Young Practitioner Perspectives on the International Arbitration of Tomorrow
Held on September 12, 2024, a panel of dynamic young international arbitration practitioners, including Young CalArb’s own Katie Connolly, explored their vision for the future of international arbitration in 2034and beyond. Panelists covered a wide range of critical topics, providing insights into how upcoming changes and innovations will shape the field, with the objective of inspiring future conversations.
California Chronicles: Exploring International Arbitration with Steve Smith
Stanford Law School hosted a fireside chat on May 6, 2024, exploring the origins of international arbitration in California with Mr. Steven L. Smith (CalArb board member and of counsel, Jones Day, San Francisco), one of the world’s leading international arbitration lawyers with expertise in energy, oil and gas, mining, defense, chemical, and life sciences industries. Mr. Smith was a Lecturer in Law at Stanford Law School for many years, where he taught international commercial arbitration. He is a longstanding member of the ICC’s Leaders Group in the United States, a Board of Directors of California Arbitration, has served in the past as the Chair of the ABA’s International Arbitration Committee and as a member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration in Paris.
2024 Mentorship Program “The Lifecycle of an Arbitration”
The Mentorship Program is an initiative of California Arbitration (CalArb)’s Membership & Diversity Committee, with the purpose of educating young practitioners and students about the practice of arbitration and providing the opportunity to interact with seasoned mentors from among CalArb’s membership. The Mentorship Program is in line with CalArb’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for its members in all interactions throughout the international ADR community.
The inaugural CalArb Mentorship Program is designed around the lifecycle of an arbitration, covering topics that include tribunal appointments, common jurisdictional challenges, and evidentiary matters, through to rending an award, and led by CalArb members The web-based interactive learning sessions will take place across a 3-month period beginning on September 15, 2024 (registration closed on April 1, 2024).
TRIVIA NIGHT at California International Arbitration Week
March 14, 2024, 5:00-7:00 pm – Harborview Restaurant & Bar (4 Embarcadero Center, Street Level, San Francisco)
The event was held at the end of California International Arbitration Week and generously hosted by Daar & Newman, Gary Benton Arbitration, and Welch ADR.
A Day in the Life of an International Arbitration Practitioner (Pepperdine)
February 15 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in Malibu
Young CalArb hosted an insightful discussion about life as an attorney practicing commercial international arbitration. Attendees heard from TJ Auner, an associate with Jones Day; Peter Durning, senior counsel with The Boeing Company; and Barbara Reeves, a practicing arbitrator and mediator. The panel was moderated by Stepan Sultanov, an LLM student at Pepperdine.
A Day in the Life of an International Arbitration Practitioner (Berkeley)
January 26, 2024 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – At Berkeley Law School
Young CalArb presented a “day in the life” event to introduce law students and attorneys to the work of international arbitration practitioners. This panel at Berkeley Law School included CalArb Board Member Marcus Salvato Quintanilla, Young CalArb Co-chair Katie Connolly, and Rob Shives.
A Day in the Life of an International Arbitration Practitioner (Stanford)
January 26, 2024 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – At Stanford Law School
Young CalArb presented a “day in the life” event to introduce law students and attorneys to the work of international arbitration practitioners. This panel at Stanford University included CalArb President Dana Welch, Matthew Reed, and John Muse-Fisher.
Arbitration & ADR Networking Happy Hour
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 5:00-7:00 p.m. – Ace Hotel Rooftop, 929 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
Young CalArb, ICC YAAF, and SVAMC-YP held a networking happy hour in Los Angeles. This event was open to members and prospective members alike who are interested in arbitration and ADR. This casual event provided young practitioners and law students with an opportunity to build their networks and make connections in a welcoming, relaxed setting.
March 20, 2023 – Pepperdine University, “A Day in the Life of an International Arbitration series
This insightful panel discussion was organized by Pepperdine Caruso Law School International Arbitration Society (PIAS) in collaboration with Young CalArb. Giorgio Sassine, an associate at Musick, Peeler & Garrett, co-chair of Young CalArb; Tuyana Molokhoeva, general counsel at Quandary Peak Research and co-chair of Young CalArb; and Donald Smiley, a commercial and entertainment arbitrator with AAA and ICDR-IFTA, engaged in a comprehensive dialogue about the role of international arbitration practitioners in California. The conversation delved into the essential steps needed to break into the field. The panelists provided a thorough understanding of the sector and shared effective strategies to pave a successful career path during law school, including participating in moot court and internships and pursuing an LLM degree.
March 17, 2023 – “Arbitrating Technology Disputes: Present Realities, Future Possibilities”
Young ICCA and Young CalArb joined forces on 17 March 2023 to host an event titled “Arbitrating Technology Disputes: Present Realities, Future Possibilities.” This event was held in Los Angeles as a part of the buzzing California International Arbitration Week.
A stellar panel including independent arbitrator Lexi Menish, Dr. George Edwards from Quandary Peak, Los Angeles, Han Ah Lee from Lee & Ko, South Korea, John Muse-Fisher from Arnold & Porter, San Francisco, and Giorgio Sassine from Musick, Peeler & Garrett, tackled the increasingly important subject of technology disputes. They brought to light the current and future landscape of such disputes, illustrating the advantages and adaptability of arbitration in resolving these intricate issues. Topics covered the benefits of arbitration such as specialized knowledge of arbitrators, procedural flexibility, and confidentiality, as well as its potential concerns or downsides, along with possible future issues like investment disputes involving tech companies, space law, AI, and NFTs. A detailed report about the event is available on Young ICCA website.
February 24, 2023 – University of San Diego, Career in International Arbitration
Young CalArb hosted an informative event titled “Career in International Arbitration” as part of the Willem C. Vis Pre-Moot at the University of San Diego, held from February 24-26, 2023. The panel of speakers included Katie Connolly from Norton Rose Fulbright, Giorgio Sassine from Musick Peeler, and Gabi Lopez Stahl from White & Case, with Charlotte Klinger from Pepperdine University moderating the discussion. This event provided insights into developing a career in international arbitration, offering practical advice from experienced professionals in the field.
February 7, 2023, 5:15 PM, UC Law San Francisco, “Career in International Arbitration”
Town Hall Style event provided an insider’s view into the practice of international arbitration and how it differs from domestic litigation. Junior and senior practitioners working at law firms, arbitral institutions, and in-house counsel shared diverse experiences and offered guidance about how students can begin preparing for a career in this dynamic and truly global field.
November 2, 2022, USC Gould School of Law, “A Day in the Life of an International Arbitration Practitioner”
November 2, Young CalArb hosted the first event in a series “A Day in the Life of an International Arbitration Practitioner” at USC Gould School of Law. The event was organized in collaboration with the USC Gould Dispute Resolution Society. Our distinguished speaker and CalArb Member Brody Greenwald (White & Case) spoke about his career path, the specifics and perks of international arbitration as an area of practice and the skill set one should have in order to succeed in the field. The discussion also touched upon some hot topics in international commercial and investment arbitration, such as corruption and diversity. It was a great event and we have received a lot of positive feedback from law students. The discussion was moderated by the Young CalArb Co-Chairs, Giorgio Sassine and Tuyana Molokhoeva.
