ASA below 40 x FTI Consulting Workshop

This ASA below 40 workshop, held in partnership with FTI Consulting, offers junior lawyers a unique opportunity to develop and test their advocacy skills in the context of expert cross-examination — one of the most challenging aspects of international arbitration. 

The event begins with a focused plenary panel, where experienced practitioners and expert witnesses will discuss the do’s and don’ts of cross-examining experts. From there, selected participants will engage in mock cross-examination rounds, working in small teams on a realistic case study prepared by FTI. Each team will take on the role of counsel for either Claimant or Respondent, conducting live cross-examinations of expert witnesses in front of senior legal and expert supervisors.  

Following each session, participants will receive detailed, personalised feedback in a closed-room setting and the day will conclude with a final plenary discussion and a networking apéro with peers and professionals. This highly interactive format simulates real-world arbitration pressures and decision-making, offering hands-on experience that goes beyond typical training sessions.  

Why You Should Apply  

• Gain practical experience in a realistic mock arbitration scenario  
• Prepare and conduct cross-examinations under the supervision of senior practitioners and professional experts  
• Receive in-depth, personalised feedback in a small-group setting  
• Work closely with peers and senior professionals in a simulated high-pressure environment  
• Strengthen your advocacy skills and build confidence in handling expert evidence  

You will be expected to engage fully: from preparing the case in advance to participating in preparatory calls and ultimately delivering your examination as part of a team in front of experts and supervising counsel. Due to the level of preparation and the involvement of multiple professionals in each session, we require full commitment and reliability from participants. The expected time required to properly prepare is estimated at about 6 – 10 hours. 

Application Process  

We are accepting applications for 24 active participant roles. If selected, you will:  

• Be assigned to a team (Claimant or Respondent side)  
• Receive the mock case and instructions by 17 September 2025  
• Be expected to prepare in advance and participate in at least one preparatory call in late September or early October  
• Take an active role in your team’s cross-examination during the event  
• Attend the event in full on 16 October 2025 in Zurich  

To Apply:  

Please send your application to asab40@swissarbitration.org by 9 September 2025, including:  

• Your full name, affiliation, and contact details  
• Your CV; and 
• A clear confirmation that, if selected, you will be able to attend in person and commit fully to the preparation and participation of the workshop 

Important Information:  

• This workshop is free; however, spots are limited and will be allocated based on the quality and clarity of applications  
• Once confirmed, withdrawals will not be accepted unless due to unforeseen and exceptional circumstances. We expect participants to respect the time and effort invested by the organisers, experts, and fellow lawyers  
• Selected applicants will be notified by 16 September 2025  
• If more people apply than there are available places, additional participants may be invited to attend as observers, subject to capacity  

This is a demanding but extremely rewarding experience – apply now and join us!