Invitation to Apply for 2026-2028 Associate Mentorship Program
Application Submission Deadline: March 20, 2026
Introduction
Founded in 2001, the College of Commercial Arbitrators (“CCA”) is one of the world’s most prestigious alternative dispute resolution professional organizations. The Fellows of CCA are recognized as elite arbitrators and thought leaders within the commercial arbitration profession.
Mission
CCA is dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of commercial arbitration throughout the United States and internationally by providing a meaningful contribution to the profession, the public, and the businesses and lawyers who depend on commercial arbitration as a primary means of alternative dispute resolution. Please visit www.ccarbitrators.org/about to learn more about its Mission and Guiding Principles and the CCA Associate Mentorship Program (Program).
Goals
CCA has designed the Program to share the Fellows’ highest ethical standards and professional conduct, along with their innovative best practices, with arbitrators from diverse backgrounds who currently:
(A) 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
(B) 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.
Benefits
Up to four Associates will be chosen to participate in Class No. Five of the Program. The successful candidates will benefit from the educational, practical experience, and networking opportunities that only the Fellows of CCA can offer to others who are willing to diligently explore rewarding careers in commercial arbitration. At least two Fellows will volunteer to serve as individual mentors for each Associate, who will encourage their active participation in upcoming CCA events and facilitate their networking within the profession.
Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate:
(A) a genuine desire to commit a substantial portion of their time to serve as commercial arbitrators;
(B) a strong interest in the Mission and Guiding Principles of CCA, including its commitment to diversity and inclusion; and
(C) a willingness to commit their time to the Program meetings and CCA events.
Qualified attorneys and non-attorneys are welcome to apply for the Program.
Schedule of Events
Application Process Opens: February 2, 2026
Application Submission Deadline: March 20, 2026
Applicant Interviews: March 23–24, 2026
Associate Selection Announcement: April 30, 2026
Mentor Selection Announcement: June 5, 2026
Initial Virtual Meeting with Associates and Mentors: July 13, 2026 @ 1 p.m. EDT
Second Virtual Meeting with Associates and Mentors: September 14, 2026 @ 1 p.m. EDT
CCA’s 26th Annual Meeting: October 1-3, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Includes program orientation and participation in various annual meeting activities and educational programs. Details to follow in the summer of 2026.
CCA’s 27th Annual Meeting: November 4-7, 2027 in Charleston, SC. Details to follow in the summer of 2027.
Fellows, Mentors, and Associates will communicate regularly between annual meetings via bi-monthly Program meetings, periodic CCA committee meetings and events, and CCA listserv, and they will collaborate informally throughout the year with the view towards sharing professional experiences, business development ideas, and professional networks in a collegial manner that promotes a rewarding career in commercial arbitration.
Tuition Waiver
Registration and other participation fees will be waived for all upcoming CCA events that are part of the Program, including the Annual Meetings. Successful applicants are expected to pay their expenses for travel, meals, lodging and incidental expenses for CCA events. However, an expense reimbursement scholarship (maximum $3,000 per year) is available to assist with travel, meals, lodging and incidental expenses for successful Applicants who require such financial assistance in order to participate in the Program (details available upon request).
Application Requirements
Complete application packets, including letters of reference, must be submitted electronically to the Program Co-Chairs, L. Tyrone Holt, Shelby Grubbs, and Mark Heley, with a copy to Bill Seward, on or before the application deadline.
On behalf of all Fellows in the College of Commercial Arbitrators, we welcome and encourage your participation in this unprecedented career development program.
Respectfully,
L. Tyrone Holt and Mark Heley, Co-Chairs
Associate Mentorship Program Committee