Mentorship Matters
A pro bono initiative guiding professionals toward high-value careers in ADR.
About the Initiative
Mentorship Matters is a pro bono initiative launched by MSJ with the purpose of guiding professionals toward high-value careers in ADR. Inspired by MSJ’s own journey from civil engineering to becoming an English barrister and globally recognised ADR leader, this program provides structured support for practitioners seeking to navigate the increasingly complex ADR landscape.
From young lawyers and engineers to CIArb Members and Fellows, it offers a strategic and results-driven pathway to professional excellence.
MSJ’s Experience & Vision
With over two decades of international experience, MSJ understands the strategic missteps and lack of accessible guidance that hinder many professionals in ADR. This program bridges that gap with real-world mentorship career mapping, appointment strategy, digital visibility, and professional network-building.
How Mentorship Matters Works
From real-time introductions to global arbitration panels to tailored coaching, here's how participants benefit
Strategic Career Alignment
Identify your unique value in the ADR field and align your growth with relevant jurisdictions, institutions, and appointments. Gain access to MSJ’s network and case-based insights.
From Knowledge to Action
Each mentorship session is carefully crafted to deliver more than theory. With targeted tasks and guided reflection, sessions turn conceptual learning into immediate strategic steps.
Network Access and Global Exposure
Through MSJ’s expansive international network, mentees are introduced to seasoned professionals, institutional leaders, and tribunal members across the globe. These direct introductions open doors to real-world opportunities and collaborations.
Practical Insight from Live Case Work
Participants gain exclusive insight into actual arbitration and mediation cases. This exposure helps demystify complex proceedings, offering hands-on understanding of procedural flow, strategic decisions, and tribunal dynamics.
Tailored to Your Professional Stage
The program adapts its methodology and resources to support participants at different stages of their ADR journey. Whether you’re just starting or enhancing an established practice, Mentorship Matters provides strategic and practical guidance.
Engineers
Receive tailored guidance for transitioning into dispute resolution by aligning technical expertise with arbitral practice.
Aspiring Arbitrators
Junior lawyers and legal graduates gain foundational ADR insight through structured exposure and mentorship.
CIArb Members
Benefit from strategic clarity, practical case experience, and shadowing opportunities to bridge training with tribunal roles.
CIArb Fellows & Experts
Elevate visibility through pro bono engagements, speaker roles, and thought leadership projects.
Ready to Step Into a High-Worth Career?
Join Mentorship Matters and unlock your potential as an ADR professional.
Pledge
As a condition of acceptance into the MSJ Mentorship Program, I understand that the program is free of cost. In return, I pledge to:
Mentorship Matters: A Vision by MSJ
As the founder of Mentorship Matters, MSJ launched this initiative with a clear purpose: to provide structured guidance regarding international dispute resolution. Having transitioned from civil engineering to becoming an English barrister and multi-jurisdictional ADR practitioner, MSJ offers practical, experience-based support—whether it’s career mapping, strategic shortcuts, or real-world exposure. Participants gain access to his international network, receive tailored introductions and referrals, and engage in skill-building across key areas like advocacy, legal writing, and thought leadership.
1:1 Elite Mentorship
Handpicked mentees gain direct access to MSJ’s knowledge, networks, and experience.
Global Perspective
With MSJ’s jurisdictional footprint covering the UK, Pakistan, the UAE, Singapore, and Kazakhstan, mentorship transcends borders.
Skill for Scale
Mentees are trained in legal technology, dispute avoidance strategies, and ADR entrepreneurship.
Values-Based Training
Ethics, excellence, and equity are the foundation of every interaction.
MSJ Mentorship Program Structure
A professionally curated mentorship journey, delivered through two structured sessions each year.
Program Schedule
The MSJ Mentorship Program is a comprehensive, six-month journey offered twice a year, allowing mentees the flexibility to begin at a time that suits their goals and availability.
🗓️ The First Six
Runs from January to June. Ideal for those planning a fresh start with the new year.
🗓️ The Second Six
Runs from July to December. Perfect for mid-year career planning and momentum.
Both sessions offer the same curriculum, mentorship access, and learning outcomes. Regardless of when you join, you’ll receive the full, high-impact experience designed to elevate your career in arbitration and ADR.
Core Focus Areas
The MSJ Mentorship Program begins by strengthening mindset, clarity, and leadership. It helps mentees build the internal foundations needed to excel.
Real-World Engagement
This phase bridges knowledge and action. Mentees are exposed to real challenges, collaborative tasks, and immersive experiences with MSJ and peers.
Beyond the Program
Upon successful completion of the six-month program—whether in the First Six or Second Six session—mentees are inducted into the MSJ Club, an exclusive lifelong professional network.
As part of the MSJ Club, members gain continued access to MSJ’s insights, private updates, strategic guidance, and exclusive invitations to events and opportunities. This ensures that mentorship is not a one-time experience, but a lasting relationship that evolves with your professional journey.
Apply for Mentorship Matters
Your application will be reviewed by our admin team. If accepted, you’ll receive access credentials to our learning platform, to begin your mentorship journey.
Who should apply?
Engineers transitioning into dispute resolution roles.
Aspiring Arbitrators braking into the arbitration field.
Ciarb Members seeking clarity and professional visibility.
Ciarb Fellows looking to secure arbitration appointments.
Pledge
As a condition of acceptance into the MSJ Mentorship Program, I understand that the program is free of cost. In return, I pledge to:
- Apply what I learn with sincerity
- Pass on the value I gain to at least two other professionals in my field within 12 months
- Honour the spirit of shared growth, global excellence, and service to others