Lucia Bonetto

ICC International Court of Arbitration -

Interview

Lucia, can you tell us about your career journey and what led you to your role as Deputy Counsel at the ICC International Court of Arbitration?

During my studies and work experiences, I explored different areas of the law, and I matured a natural inclination towards public international law and international arbitration. Therefore, I focused on obtaining thorough knowledge and comparative perspective of these fields of law.

My career path, until now, has been a balanced mix of professional and academic experiences, which have led me to become a rounded professional in my field. I have gained insight into a vast array of matters related to international law and arbitration, while maintaining a strong connection to the academic world.

I joined the ICC International Court of Arbitration in October 2021, after having started my career at Freshfields Bruckhaus Derringer LLP and interned at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). I have now concluded my journey at the ICC and will now move back to private practice while undertaking a PhD at QMUL.

What does a typical day look like for you as part of the Swiss-Italian team in your role as Deputy Counsel?

As Deputy Counsel of the Swiss-Italian team, I was in charge of about 70 cases, of which I was the guardian. Every day at the ICC was different because the variety of legal issues and questions arising from the cases. A great part of my day was devoted to the correspondence with the parties and the arbitral tribunals and the drafting of the memoranda briefing the ICC International Court of Arbitration on decisions it is required to take.

How has technology changed the arbitration process, and what innovations do you see shaping its future?

Technology has driven efficiency and reduced costs in many sectors and arbitration shares many of these benefits. The pandemic drove to digitalisation. We are seeing and will experience an increasing use of technology in the field of international arbitration. Technology has, at the same time, lead to some challenges that will need to be addressed in order to render technology a game-changer of this field of law.

What has been your experience as a woman in the field of arbitration, and do you think gender diversity has improved over the years?

I have noticed that the international community is endeavouring to promote gender diversity and breach the existing gap. However, it seems that despite the equal representation pledge, there is still considerable ground which needs to be covered to ensure true gender parity.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the field of international arbitration?

I would recommend to have confidence to put yourself forward and not be afraid of being vocal. It is important to be substantively excellent, reliable and professional, as well as being actively engaged with the professional community, but do not forget to have confidence in yourself.

What are your professional goals for the next few years, and how do you plan to achieve them?

I will now move back to private practice in London and wish to complete my PhD. I am to become a leading practitioner in the field of public international law and international arbitration. Perseverance, steadfastness and dedication have always distinguished the way in which I pursued my goals, and I am sure that these features can also help to achieve my future professional goals.