CCA Associates Mentorship Program

Invitation to Apply for CCA’s 2025-2027 Associates Mentorship Program

Application Submission Deadline: March 21, 2025

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 https://www.ccarbitrators.org/about/ to learn more about its Mission and Guiding Principles and the CCA Associates 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. Four 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.

Upcoming Events

Application Submission Deadline: March 21, 2025.

Applicant Interviews: April 15-17, 2025.

Associate Selection Announcement: May 23, 2025.

Mentor Selection Announcement: June 20, 2025.

Initial Virtual Meeting of Associates and Mentors: September 8-12, 2025 (TBD).

Second Virtual Meeting of Associates and Mentors: October 6-10, 2025 (TBD).

CCA’s 25th Annual Meeting: October 22-25, 2025. Fellows and Associates only at Silverado Resort & Spa, Napa Valley, CA. To include the Program orientation and participation in various annual meeting activities and educational programs.

CCA’s 26th Annual Meeting: Early October 2026. Fellows and Associates only in Chicago, IL. 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 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

Registration and other participation fees will be waived for all upcoming CCA events that are part of the Program. The annual meeting registration fees and up to four nights lodging at the host hotel will be covered by CCA, and the Associates will be 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 25^th and 26^th Annual Meetings in person (reimbursable travel expenses not to exceed $3000 per year).

Application Requirements

Complete application packets, including letters of reference, must be submitted electronically to the Program Co-Chairs, L. Tyrone Holt at Ty.Holt@holtllc.com and Gene Commander at gene@genecommanderinc.com with a copy to Bill Seward at info@CCArbitrators.org 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 Gene Commander, Co-Chairs

Associates Mentorship Program Committee

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Application Form

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In the event of any conflict between this General Description, the Associates Mentorship 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.

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