Written by - Ms. Naimeh Masumy (Research Fellow and dispute resolution expert)
International Women's Day has traditionally been celebrated to acknowledge the progress made towards achieving gender equality and to empower women. However, it has now gradually evolved into a day to celebrate the immense courage that women have demonstrated in embedding their unique narratives across various markets, transforming industries with their innovative perspectives, blending intuition and creativity to redefine the boundaries of possibility and progress. It is a day to honor their resilience and accomplishments – not just an opportunity to reflect on past marginalization, but a recognition of their ongoing contributions to shaping a more inclusive and dynamic world.
In the realm of arbitration, which is traditionally known for favoring the "male, pale, and stale," women have boldly stepped forward, overcoming systemic barriers to become trailblazers. They have been integral in shaping and influencing its principles and practices and pushing towards more inclusive and equitable processes.
While there are countless women who have been trailblazers in this field, this essay seeks to honor four extraordinary individuals whose continued endeavors have left an indelible mark on the industry for generations to come. Their pioneering efforts and unwavering determination have not only challenged the status quo but have also paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable arbitration world, inspiring future generations to continue their groundbreaking work. These remarkable women have emerged as the most innovative figures in the realm of arbitration, driving transformative changes and introducing fresh perspectives that enhance the discipline. These individuals address crucial issues, embrace emerging areas, and advocate to revamp the old mould and propose a pathway to enhance the system.
Amanda lee: international arbitration has traditionally been accessible to only a few, creating an elite niche within the industry, with high barriers to entry. Amanda Lee’s pioneering work has been a game changer, shattering these barriers and democratizing the field. Through her ‘Careers in Arbitration’ platform, she publicized arbitration opportunities to those previously marginalized due to lack of access or resources. Her efforts have expanded the arbitration talent pool and set a new benchmark for accessibility and diversity within the industry, proving that arbitration can and should be accessible to all. She did not stop at reshaping the diversity landscape; she launched a ground-breaking program focused on mental well-being, equipping industry professionals with the necessary toolkit to maintain and safeguard their health. This initiative underscores the importance of holistic wellness within the high-pressure arbitration field, highlighting her commitment to fostering a healthier, more supportive professional environment. Amanda Lee’s bold actions truly broke new ground, venturing where few in the arbitration world have dared to tread. By shining a spotlight on mental health, she not only challenged entrenched norms but also championed a revolutionary shift towards embracing holistic wellness, proving her mettle as a trailblazer in fostering a culture of health, empathy, compassion, and support.
Lucy Greenwood: Another trailblazer who has played a pivotal role in shaping arbitration is Lucy Greenwood. Her initiative, the Campaign for Greener Arbitration, was formed to ensure the longevity of arbitration practice by making it more attuned and responsive to the needs of the community at large. The Campaign for Greener Arbitration stands out as a unique initiative within the legal sphere, pioneering efforts to address environmental concerns within the arbitration process. While arbitration has traditionally focused on resolving disputes efficiently and fairly, this campaign adds a crucial dimension by emphasizing the importance of sustainability. By advocating for eco-friendly practices such as virtual hearings and reduced paper usage, the Campaign demonstrates a commitment to both environmental stewardship and effective dispute resolution. In doing so, it sets a precedent for other fields to consider the environmental impact of their operations and strive for more sustainable practices. By highlighting the importance of sustainable practices, Greenwood has not only contributed to the scholarly discourse but has also influenced practical changes within the industry.
Catherine Rogers: Next on our list of trailblazers is Catherine Rogers, whose Zealous efforts in redefining the arbitration field through her in-depth exploration of ethics and arbitration shed light on the intricate relationship that have often remained underexplored. By highlighting the importance of ethical considerations, Rogers has not only contributed to the scholarly discourse but has also influenced practical changes within the industry. Her writings and lectures have served as a catalyst for dialogue and reform, pushing for the adoption of standards that ensure fairness and integrity in arbitration proceedings.
Beyond her scholarly contribution, Rogers efforts have had a tangible impact on arbitration through her ground breaking platform of arbitrators intelligence. Her work has inspired a generation of arbitrators and legal practitioners to prioritize ethical considerations in their work, leading to a more principled and effective arbitration practice. Through her pioneering efforts, Catherine Rogers has truly changed the game, setting new ethical benchmark for the industry to follow.
Yasmin Mohammad: The final figure in our list is a legal disrupter; Yasamin attended a reputable university and started her career in a reputable law firm, building a strong network. However, she didn't see herself fitting into the hierarchical mold of traditional law firms. She believed that there was potential for innovation in the field of law itself. With this mindset, Yasamin decided to rebrand the traditional mold of legal identity to better reflect the evolution of arbitration and the innovative clients they represented. Yasamin recognized the viability of the third-party funding industry and the legal services industry. She saw the utility of this mechanism as an alternative business structure that could support the tumultuous legal services industry. The third-party funding industry is evolving to resemble a venture capital investment, blurring the line between law firms and third-party funders. Despite initial skepticism, this mechanism took the legal sector by storm. Legislative and arbitral decisions permitting and encouraging the use of this dispute resolution finance tool have led to a rise in the number of funded cases, resulting in a constantly evolving landscape of financing products and entities.Yasamin's commitment to breaking away from the traditional law firm mold has put her at the forefront of innovation in the legal industry and international arbitration. It demonstrates that continued efforts to be innovative can bring about changes in a field that may be burdened by old values and evolving demands. Yasamin understands that a lack of understanding of the term "innovation" is a barrier to bringing more creativity to the legal industry. For her, innovation means exploring creative ways to improve existing processes rather than creating something entirely new. According to Yasamin, the art of innovation is focusing on self-improvement and being open to new opportunities. She leveraged LinkedIn as a powerful social platform to increase awareness and reach a broader audience about the potential benefits of third-party funding. Through her advocacy for third party funding, Yasmin sought to revolutionised arbitration industry by introducing innovative financial models and democratising access to capital, paving the way for a new era of entrepreneurship and growth.
In conclusion, women have played a pivotal role in shaping the arbitration landscape, often as outsiders who reshaped the system from the outside in. Their innovative approaches, advocacy for inclusivity, and awareness of disparities have profoundly influenced the field. By challenging norms and promoting diversity, women arbitrators have not only enriched the profession but also ensured its longevity by making it more adaptable and responsive to societal needs. They serve as inspiring examples, driving progress and fostering a dynamic and inclusive future for arbitration.