Meet the 2025 – 2027 CCA Associates
Ulyana Bardyn. After almost twenty years in private legal practice (over a decade in complex cross-border disputes and, early in her career, several years on the transactional side), Ulyana just launched her independent arbitrator practice. Ulyana has extensive experience in investor-state arbitration and complex commercial arbitration. Ulyana is a member of a number of rosters, including the ICDR, the European Commission for arbitration under EU trade agreements, and the Ukrainian Arbitration Association. She also sits as ICC arbitrator. Ulyana’s expertise is recognized by Lexology (2025) and The Legal 500 (2021-2025).
Jennifer Lupo. Jennifer resides and practices in New York. She describes herself as bringing a “unique perspective” to arbitration “having sat in each seat at the dispute resolution table. First as a litigator, then as general counsel to private and public companies, and finally, as the neutral.” She was a AAA Higgenbotham Fellow and serves on the AAA and CPR’s commercial and employment mediation and arbitration rosters. She also serves as a FINRA arbitrator.
Heidi Potter. Heidi resides and practices in Colorado. She formed her own arbitration practice in 2023 after twenty-five years as a litigator, representing clients in a broad variety of matters, including construction, real estate, and general commercial disputes. She is a member of the AAA’s commercial and consumer panels.
Ellie K. Vilendrer. Ellie is an arbitrator and mediator with Signature Resolution. Based in Orange County, California, she serves on the American Arbitration Association’s commercial, employment, healthcare, and technology panels. Ellie is the Vice Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution and a board member of the California Dispute Resolution Council.
Schedule of Events for 2025-2027 Associates (Class Three)
Mentor Group Sessions
Meeting #1 12/9/2024
Best Practices: New Case Intake for Third-Party and Ad Hoc Proceedings
Guests: David Allgeyer and Loretta Gastwirth
Meeting #2 2/10/2025
Best Practices: Setting Up and Growing Your Arbitration Business
Guests: Mark Heley and David Lichter
Meeting #3 4/14/2025
Best Practices: Scheduling Orders, Discovery Disputes, and Dispositive Motions
Guests: Penn Payne and Laura Kaster
Meeting #4 6/9/2025
Best Practices: Final Prehearing Conferences and Hearing Surprises
Guests: David Singer
Meeting #5 8/11/2025
Best Practices: Reasoned Awards, Post-Award Procedures, and File Closing
Guests: Mark Lassiter
*Save the Dates* 10/23/25 – 10/25/25
CCA 25th Annual Meeting
(Napa, California)
*Save the Dates* 10/1/26 – 10/3/26
CCA 26th Annual Meeting
(Chicago, Illinois)
*Plan on 11:00am – 12:30pm (ET) on second Monday of the month. Zoom links will be provided to associates, mentors, committee members and presenters.
Meeting Notes
Click the PDF button to download the notes from prior meetings.