Orrick Female Rising Stars in International Arbitration Featured in CDR

A Commercial Dispute Resolution feature published today highlights Orrick’s diverse international arbitration practice and how it is changing the face of international arbitration through our team of “rising female talent.” In an in-depth interview with CDR, Geneva Office Leader and International Arbitration partner Vanessa Liborio and three of our female rising stars in International Arbitration, Rena Scott, Sarah Achille and Ayanna Lewis-Gruss, described the firm’s strategies to ensure female talent flourishes in the international arbitration practice – from recruiting diverse team members to nurturing career flexibility. 

“Orrick has made concerted efforts in implementing diversity strategies to support its rising female talent, including those who work in its international arbitration practice,” the publication observed.

With increased attention on diversity issues in the international arbitration field, notably a lack of diversity among arbitrators, our team shared their experiences and efforts to effect change. This has included providing important roles for female lawyers at arbitration hearings, and expanding opportunities for them to be appointed arbitrators. Our team also offered practical advice to young female lawyers breaking into international arbitration, from the demands of travel on family life to the value of knowing multiple languages.

“Change is in the air,” CDR said of Orrick’s diversity efforts in international arbitration.

Our international arbitration practice has continued to grow in recent years, including the addition of Charles Adams, head of the global practice group and former U.S. ambassador to Finland. Industry publications rank our arbitration practice among the top 30 in the world.