Application: ICC YAAF Representative 2026-2028

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ICC YAAF is looking for motivated young arbitration and ADR practitioners to become its new regional representatives for the 2026-2028 mandate.

The ICC Young Arbitration and ADR Forum (ICC YAAF) is a global network and community of more than 45,000 practitioners spread across seven regional chapters (Africa, Middle East, North Asia, South Asia, Europe & Central Asia, Latin America and North America). Its mission is to bring together young lawyers and in-house counsel to strengthen ties among younger members of the international arbitration and ADR community and provide networking opportunities.

With the support of our Regional Representatives, ICC YAAF organises “local” initiatives that raise awareness among young generations of the different methods of dispute avoidance and resolution to help create a growing environment for international business. ICC YAAF helps ICC meet its mission to make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere.

Such ICC YAAF events are most often hosted by a law firm. They are short, interactive and are usually followed by networking drinks or another social activity. In the past years, such events have been held virtually and hybrid, with no real geographical frontiers, also attracting larger numbers.

The term for all ICC YAAF Regional Representatives is two and a half years, and the new Representatives will start their mandate in July 2026 and will have an overlap until the next ICC YAAF Global Conference linked to the ICC United Kingdom annual conference on 13 October 2026 in London. This event will mark the official handover from current to new ICC YAAF Representatives.

We are looking for candidates who:

  • are highly motivated and interested in promoting the work of ICC and ICC YAAF;
  • are active in the field of international arbitration and/or mediation and alternative international commercial dispute resolution;
  • are ready and available to take charge of the logistical organisation of events and organise at least two events per year in their assigned country/region;
  • consult and communicate regularly with their Head of Chapter, the GCC when needed, and ICC’s National Committees; 
  • assist in the promotion and development of the Regional Chapter’s network of young practitioners including lawyers, arbitrators, in-house counsel, business people, members of the judiciary etc.;
  • take initiatives in developing benefits and opportunities for ICC YAAF members;
  • are available to serve for a term of two-and-a-half years;

Please note: ICC YAAF Regional Representatives work voluntarily and must fund their own involvement with ICC YAAF. ICC does not pay any travel or other expenses.

 

Requirements: 

1. Share your CV (maximum 2 pages)

2. Share your cover letter (1 page only) highlighting: 

  • whether you have already been a speaker or a moderator at a conference (what type?)
  • whether you have been involved in the organisation of an event (how large?)
  • whether you are or have been a member of an organisation/association linked to arbitration or dispute resolution (Which? Since when? In what capacity?) 

3. Complete the application form. 

 

TESTIMONIAL QUOTES

Claudia Salomon, President, ICC International Court of Arbitration
ICC YAAF Representative for North America, 2008-2011

"YAAF has a special place in my heart and was essential to the development of my career. I served as Chair of then YAF, when it was only in the United States. It was how I began to get involved with ICC, where I developed various skills and strengthened my network."

Valeria Galindez, Partner, Galíndez Arb
ICC YAAF Representative for Latin America, 2009-2011

"In 2009, I was nominated alongside Cecilia Flores (Mexico) and Xavier Andrade (Ecuador) as one of the first ICC YAAF representatives from Latin America — and it felt like opening doors for a new generation. More than the title, it was about people and connections. Those connections led to my first appointment as an arbitrator and shaped my path as an independent arbitrator. Grateful for an experience that truly changed my career"

Alessa Pang, Partner, WongPartnership LLP
ICC YAAF Representative for South Asia, 2019-2021
"Being an ICC YAAF Representative gave me the opportunity to engage with a diverse and dynamic international arbitration community. Through organising events and collaborating on initiatives, I built strong professional relationships within the arbitration space that have continued well beyond my mandate."

           Greg Lourie, Counsel at Schellenberg Wittmer / former ICC Counsel          ICC YAAF Representative for Europe & Central Asia, 2021-2022
"Becoming an ICC YAAF Rep was a career-defining experience for me. It's not just a position; it's a gateway to a global community where your voice matters. Through YAAF, I gained invaluable skills, expanded my network, and opened doors to new opportunities. I wholeheartedly recommend young arbitration practitioners to apply and contribute to shaping the future of international arbitration."

                           Sherif Akl, Regional Director, Middle East, ICC DRS                             ICC YAAF Representative for Middle East, 2021-2023
"My role as a YAAF representative provided a pivotal platform for my professional growth and leadership development. Engaging with international arbitrators exposed me to diverse legal frameworks, cultural nuances and complex business dynamics. As a representative you develop critical skills in event management and you serve as a bridge between the ICC, young professionals and seasoned arbitrators. Your role is pivotal in fostering the development of young practitioners."

 John Lewis, Partner

 ICC YAAF Representative for Middle East, 2019-2021
"As an ICC YAAF Representative, it’s great to have been able to pay it forward. Not only did the role provide me with the opportunity to collaborate and engage with a community of fantastic practitioners and fellow ICC YAAF members; it also allowed me to support and guide young practitioners embarking on their own journey into the world of international arbitration."

                       Chloe De Jagger, Senior Associate, Pinsent Masons                          ICC YAAF Representative for Africa, 2021-2024
“Serving as an ICC YAAF Representative was an extraordinary opportunity to deepen my engagement with the international arbitration community and to experience the ICC from a far closer vantage point. It was genuinely transformative: it sharpened my perspective on the work of the ICC Court, elevated my professional profile, and created opportunities—including my appointment as an ICC Court Member—that continue to shape my professional journey.” 

Zaynab Penot, Founding Partner, Averroes Law
ICC YAAF Representative for Middle East, 2021-2024
"As a YAAF member, I've found a vibrant community of passionate individuals dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration. Joining the next chapter promises not only personal and professional growth but also the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic network that shapes the future of diverse fields."  

              Héctor Anaya Mondragon, Partner, Gritwood Dispute Resolution S.C             ICC YAAF Representative for Latin America, 2019-2021
"ICC YAAF represents to me a great opportunity to advance your career in arbitration. Together with extraordinary practitioners across the globe, ICC YAAF Members become a family with similar backgrounds and experiences pursuing a common goal. Certainly to be an ICC YAAF Representative for Latin America has been one of the greatest experiences of my professional life."