by Gladwin Issac, Associate, S&R Associates, Mumbai, India

Alexander Leventhal, Co-Founder of Rising Arbitrators Initiative (RAI) and Of Counsel at Quinn Emanuel in Paris speaks to Patrícia Kobayashi, General Secretary of the Center for Arbitration and Mediation of the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CAM-CCBC) in the next instalment of RAI’s “Interview the Institution” Series.

In this brief interaction with Alex, Patrícia discusses Brazil’s continued surge as an attractive seat of arbitration, CAM-CCBC’s role in pioneering the growth of alternative dispute resolution in the country, and the broad range of sectors and industries that CAM-CCBC services. Patrícia describes the arbitrator appointment process at CAM-CCBC and the criteria that the Center takes into account while making appointments. She also highlights the recent appointment trends at the Center that are indicative of its renewed focus on fostering inclusion and diversity in international arbitration. While Patrícia admits that “there’s no formula” to receive your first appointment, she recommends that upcoming arbitrators join initiatives like the RAI and get to know the community and understand their needs well, in order to prepare themselves for a lasting career in this field.

Watch the full recording of the interview on the RAI website, available here.