Aspiring Arbitrators
From Curiosity to First Appointment
If you’re at the beginning of your journey into arbitration or alternative dispute resolution (ADR), this is the platform built for you. The Aspiring Arbitrators program is designed specifically for early-career professionals, recent law graduates, corporate legal staff, and individuals seeking a structured, credible path into the world of international arbitration and dispute resolution. With ADR rapidly becoming a vital tool in global commerce, construction, technology, and trade, there has never been a better time to position yourself within this field.
Building a Strong Foundation
Many professionals struggle to enter the ADR space due to a lack of mentorship, practical guidance, or exposure to how real disputes are resolved. This program addresses those challenges head-on. MSJ begins by establishing foundational knowledge in arbitration law, procedure, and ethics, ensuring participants are not only familiar with the theory but also with real-world expectations. The curriculum includes orientation to institutional rules like ICC, LCIA, SIAC, and UNCITRAL, alongside practical case simulations and curated reading materials to help you gain confidence in navigating the arbitration landscape.
The ultimate goal of this program is to convert your interest into a concrete career pathway. That means developing your professional brand, building a CV that resonates with institutions, and forming the habits of thought leadership and credibility.
Apply for Mentorship Matters
Get personalized guidance from MSJ — a barrister and former civil engineer
with 20+ years of cross-border dispute resolution experience.
Led by a Global Authority in Arbitration
The program is led by Mian Sheraz Javaid, a barrister and civil engineer with two decades of dispute resolution experience across the UK, Pakistan, UAE, Singapore, and Central Asia. As the Chair of the CIArb Pakistan Branch and a member of multiple prestigious global arbitration panels, his role in this mentorship is personal and transformative. MSJ not only teaches arbitration—he lives it across jurisdictions and sectors. His approach blends strategic insights, institutional rigor, and practical relevance, making him an ideal guide for those stepping into this world for the first time.
Real Access, Not Just Theoretical Exposure
What makes this program different is the direct access it provides to arbitration hearings, procedural strategy, and professional networking. Mentees receive opportunities to attend live hearings, shadow experienced arbitrators, contribute to publications, and interact with global ADR organizations. Whether it’s crafting a statement of claim, learning the art of procedural directions, or understanding how tribunal decisions are written, the experience is immersive. You’re not just learning; you’re entering the room where decisions are made and reputations are built.
Our team helps you identify suitable certifications such as CIArb’s membership courses, institutional internships, and panel application strategies. If your goal is to sit as an arbitrator, this is your preparation zone. With commitment and mentorship, your first appointment is not a distant dream—it’s a milestone we actively help you reach.
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