CCA Associates Program

Invitation to Apply for CCA’s 2023-2024 Associates Program

Application Deadline: March 24, 2023

Introduction

Founded in 2001, the College of Commercial Arbitrators 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 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 Associates Program.

Goals

The CCA has designed the Associates Program to share the Fellows’ highest ethical standards and professional conduct and their innovative best practices with arbitrators from diverse backgrounds who currently (A) have an active domestic and/or international ADR practice of some sort 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

The four (4) Associates who are chosen to participate in the second annual two-year program (preferably three with a domestic and one with an international focus to their arbitration practices) 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. Two Fellows will be assigned to serve as mentors for each Associate to encourage their active participation in upcoming CCA events and facilitate their networking within the profession.

Eligibility

Applicants must demonstrate (A) a genuine desire to distinguish themselves 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 Associates Program meetings and CCA events. Qualified non-attorneys are welcome to participate in the program.

Upcoming Events

Application Submission Deadline: March 24, 2023.

Applicant Interviews: April 3 & 4, 2023.

Associate Selection Announcement: May 15, 2023.

Mentor Selection Announcement: June 15, 2023.

Initial Virtual Meeting of Associates and Mentors: September 11–15, 2023 (TBD).

Second Virtual Meeting of Associates and Mentors: October 9–13, 2023 (TBD).

CCA’s 23^rd Annual Meeting: October 26–28, 2023. Fellows and Associates only at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C. To include participation in the CCA Board of Directors Meeting, CCA Associates Program Orientation, and New Fellows Breakfast and Orientation.

CCA’s 24^th Annual Meeting: October 2024. Details to follow.

Fellows, Mentors, and Associates will communicate regularly between annual meetings via bi-monthly program meetings, periodic CCA committee meetings and events, and the CCA listserv, and they will collaborate informally throughout the year with a 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

All registration and other participation fees will be waived for all upcoming CCA events that are part of the two-year program. The annual meeting registration fees and up to four nights lodging at the host hotel will be covered by CCA. The Associates will be promptly reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses to and from the annual meetings, including meals, lodging (if any), and travel insurance, incurred by them to attend CCA’s 23rd and 24th Annual Meetings in person (reimbursable travel expenses not to exceed $3,000 per year).

Application Requirements

Complete application packets must be submitted electronically to Associates Program Subcommittee members, L. Tyrone Holt at Ty.Holt@holtllc.com and Gene Commander at gene@genecommanderinc.com, and Bill Seward at info@CCArbitrators.org on or before the submission 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,

Joanne Barak and L. Tyrone Holt, Co-Chairs

Associates Program Subcommittee of the CCA Standing Committee on Diversity

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Application Form

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In the event of any conflict between this General Description, the Associates Program Subcommittee and the CCA Bylaws, the Bylaws, as interpreted by the Board of Directors, shall govern. Decisions of the Board of Directors are made in its sole and absolute discretion.