Counsel, A&O Shearman
Counsel, Linklaters
The Global Co‑Chairs’ Circle Conference (CCC26) returned this year for three days of debates and networking in Zurich. This edition was hosted by ASA below 40, the young practitioners’ group of the Swiss Arbitration Association. As many may recall, CEPANI40, led at the time by its Co‑Chairs Sophie Goldman and Sigrid Van Rompey, successfully hosted the 4th CCC in Brussels in 2022.
The CCC conferences, organised by the co‑chairs of leading young arbitration associations, bring together young practitioners from across jurisdictions every two years for high‑level discussion, skills development and genuine connections. With about 300 participants, and speakers from top firms and organisations around the world, this year’s conference once again confirmed the CCC as a leading global meeting point for young arbitration practitioners.
The theme this year – “Advocacy in International Arbitration: How to Be an Effective Advocate in a Brave New World” – went straight to the core of the arbitration practitioner’s role: persuading, adapting and advocating effectively in a changing environment. As international arbitration keeps evolving, technical knowledge is a must but no longer enough. CCC26 looked at how the next generation can future‑proof their advocacy skills, blending strategy, persuasive storytelling, cultural awareness and adaptability in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
The conference kicked off on Thursday evening with welcome sunset drinks and an engaging fireside chat with Gary Born, author of the book on international arbitration.
Friday was dedicated to the main conference. The first panel, a plenary session, provided a common starting point for all participants. With leading figures in international arbitration on stage, it set the scene by exploring how advocacy is changing and what it takes to remain effective. The day then moved into a series of panels offering a more tailored experience, with participants choosing among concurrent breakout sessions to explore specific aspects of advocacy. Topics covered cross‑cultural communication, written advocacy, storytelling, witness handling and expert evidence. Each session focused on practical, experience‑based insights that participants could take straight back to their practice. The programme featured a diverse and international line‑up of speakers, including practitioners, counsel and experts from leading firms and organisations worldwide. The day ended with the Gala Dinner, which brought everyone together in a relaxed setting and gave participants the chance to connect over good food and good company – a tradition that has now become synonymous with the CCC.
On Saturday, the conference wrapped up with a breakfast meeting of the Co‑Chairs and a networking finale on Lake Zurich, combining a boat ride with a garden party and plenty of informal conversations.
Next stop for the CCC, hosted by the Young Arbitration Club Finland in 2028: Helsinki!
