Moderator: Peter Muriithi, FCIArb
Panellists: Luisa Cetina, Mispa Awasum, LLM, MCIArb, Ben Ogutu, MCIArb
As part of the CIArb Kenya @40 celebrations, a standout panel discussion on “Navigating Career Advancement in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Contemporary Landscape” brought together seasoned practitioners who offered practical, experience-based insights tailored for young professionals in the field. The discussion featured Ben Ogutu, MCIArb, Luisa Cetina, and Mispa Fri Awasum, LLM, MCIArb, each of whom shared powerful messages anchored in their own journeys through the ADR space.
Ben Ogutu began by urging members of the Young Members Group (YMG) to invest continuously in their professional development. He emphasized the importance of being all-rounded, versatile, and multi-skilled, pointing out that the legal and dispute resolution landscape is constantly shifting. In his view, success in ADR requires more than technical expertise it calls for adaptability, lifelong learning, and a mindset that sees the cost of learning not as an expense, but as an investment that pays dividends. Ogutu also spoke about the value of personal brand building and networking, highlighting how a single connection made at events such as the CIArb@40 conference could open doors that remain valuable for years to come. Addressing the growing influence of technology, he cautioned that while AI will not replace ADR practitioners, it may render obsolete those who resist engaging with emerging tools. Above all, he encouraged YMG members to stay passionate and deliberate about their career paths, reminding them that success requires clarity of purpose and a willingness to put in the work.
Luisa Cetina built on this foundation by focusing on the business development side of ADR. She called on young practitioners to think both technically and commercially, cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset that empowers them to take ownership of their careers. According to Cetina, success in ADR today requires a clear brand identity and a deliberate plan to commercialize one’s expertise. She stressed the importance of time management, encouraging attendees to be authentic in how they invest their time and to seize every opportunity with intention. While advocating for the use of AI, she reminded the audience that its application should be intelligent and informed, as the tools are not infallible. Cetina also underscored the need for integrity and quality in service delivery, advising that trust and reliability are key to client retention and long-term success. She encouraged YMG members to develop professional profiles that reflect their evolving brand, attend relevant networking events, and stay current with trends in ADR. Her concluding remarks were both aspirational and practical: invest deeply in your craft, dream boldly, and take steps to create the future you envision.
Mispa Fri Awasum closed the session with a strong message on intentionality and integrity. She described integrity as the cornerstone of a meaningful and sustainable ADR career, urging participants to be clear about their goals and unwavering in their commitment to achieving them. Awasum spoke about the transformative power of the right network, sharing how networking had been a catalyst in her own journey. She stressed that one’s arbitral award is more than a decision it is a signature that reflects the quality of a practitioner’s work. Emphasizing the global nature of ADR, she urged young professionals to embrace diversity, inclusivity, and cross-cultural communication, all of which are essential to thriving in international practice. She acknowledged that success in the ADR landscape demands sacrifice, recalling her own experiences of long nights, deep study, and learning through observation often starting as a tribunal secretary to build up her expertise. Awasum encouraged attendees to adopt a comprehensive marketing strategy, combining a professional online presence with rigorous research, thoughtful publishing, storytelling, and the cultivation of a commercially appealing brand. She also advised embracing volunteering opportunities and developing an impactful elevator pitch as part of a broader effort to become a recognizable and respected figure in the field.
The panel concluded with a shared emphasis on the importance of interpersonal skills, camaraderie, and mutual support among ADR professionals. It was a powerful session, filled with honest reflections and actionable advice. For those looking to build a career in ADR, this was more than a discussion it was a roadmap. With the right mindset, continued learning, and a commitment to integrity and innovation, young practitioners are well-positioned to thrive in an ever-changing dispute resolution landscape.
