This post is part of our ‘A Day in the Life’ segment, where we showcase the lives of legal professionals. The segment aims to help you make inspired and informed career decisions.
Param Bhamra is the Founding Partner at MediateGuru, an international forum for arbitrators and mediators.
He has served as a Sole Arbitrator in numerous matters and actively represents clients across various forums and courts.
What first drew you to the field of ADR?
I was initially drawn to the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) because of its potential for efficient and easy resolution, which often leads to parties being more satisfied with the outcome. Unlike the often complicated and lengthy procedures of traditional litigation, ADR provides a faster and more cost-effective way to resolve disputes.
When I first entered the field, it was still developing, with fewer regulations and frameworks, which made it an exciting opportunity to explore and help shape its future.
What does your role as an arbitrator/ADR professional typically involve?
A significant part of my role involves meticulously reviewing the extensive submissions and documents provided by the parties. My day-to-day work often includes responding to emails with party submissions or adjournment requests.
As an Arbitrator, I am responsible for overseeing high-stakes international arbitration proceedings, managing case schedules and documentation, and ensuring all procedural and regulatory standards are met.
A crucial aspect of my work is drafting the arbitral award with extreme care and precision to ensure nothing is missed, making the award legally sound and resistant to being set aside.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned since starting in this role?
The most important thing I have learned is the critical importance of networking and building relationships. Your professional reputation and opportunities often come from recommendations from peers and other lawyers in the field. In addition to networking, a deep and thorough knowledge of the subject matter is absolutely crucial.
Continuous learning and expertise are essential to effectively handle complex disputes and provide sound decisions.
What’s the one thing that surprised you about this field when you started?
I was pleasantly surprised by the supportive nature of well-established seniors in the field, who were willing to mentor me and provide opportunities that helped me make a name for myself.
However, I also learned that because the ADR community is a relatively small and close-knit circle, there can also be a competitive side, where some may try to pull you down. This taught me the importance of building genuine professional relationships while staying focused on my own goals
What does a typical day in your life look like?
My typical day revolves around managing the administrative and procedural aspects of cases. It usually starts with checking and responding to a stream of emails, which include submissions from parties and requests for adjournments or meetings from legal counsel. When I’m not engaged in these communications, I spend my time carefully going through case documents and beginning the drafting process for procedural orders and parts of the final award. This routine ensures that cases progress efficiently and all parties are kept informed.
How is your day-to-day work different from courtroom litigation?
My work is fundamentally different from courtroom litigation because of its focus on efficiency and a lack of bureaucracy. Instead of having to run from one court to another, all filings and document submissions are handled easily and efficiently via email.
This modern and streamlined approach stands in stark contrast to the often slow and complex processes of traditional court proceedings.
What steps did you take to establish yourself in the field of arbitration?
Establishing myself in this field was a multi-faceted journey. It began with solidifying my academic foundation by pursuing an LL.M. with a specialization in ADR. I then took the entrepreneurial step of founding MediateGuru to create a platform that would help advance ADR practices worldwide.
A significant part of my journey involved networking extensively, meeting people with influence, and cultivating relationships within the legal community. I made a conscious effort to stay in touch with these connections and reach out for opportunities, which ultimately helped me get to where I am today.
As someone who frequently mentors and trains law students in ADR, what skills or mindset do you believe are essential for a young professional entering this field?
I believe a combination of a proactive mindset and essential skills is key for any young professional entering this field. First and foremost, you must have the confidence to believe in your abilities and be adamant about your goals, as self-doubt can be a major obstacle.
It’s crucial to develop excellent networking and public speaking skills, as they will serve you well throughout your career. I also strongly advise students to attend as many conferences, seminars, and events as possible to build a strong network. Finally, find a mentor, or what I like to call a “Godfather” in the field, who can provide guidance and support
Please recommend any books or resources that you think every law student should explore.
I would highly recommend exploring two books: “Arbitration from Clause to Closure” and “Mediation: Practice and Strategies in India”.
Disclaimer: Interviews published on Lawctopus are not thoroughly edited to retain the voice of the interviewee.
