Y-ADR Spotlight Series - Interview Questions with Elena Neidhart

Elena Neidhart

Philip Morris International

1. What has been a beneficial aspect of engaging with the CPR Institute for you personally or professionally?
Engaging with the CPR Institute has been profoundly rewarding both personally and professionally. On a personal level, it has afforded me the opportunity to connect with and befriend exceptional dispute resolution practitioners from around the world. Professionally, the CPR Institute has equipped me with invaluable resources, training programs, and networking opportunities.

2. What is one piece of advice you would give to somebody who wanted to pursue a career in ADR?
My advice to young professionals is to be curious, adventurous, and persistent. Curiosity will enable you to explore numerous possibilities and learning opportunities available in the ADR world today. Being adventurous will allow you to embrace professional journeys that may come your way. Persistence will ensure that you continue those journeys until you reach your ultimate goal.
 

3. What or who has been inspiring to you during your career in ADR?
During my time at the Law School of the University of Geneva, I had the privilege of attending lectures given by Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler, a distinguished professor of commercial arbitration. Her sharp intellect, extensive experience, and humanity left a lasting impression on all of us. She was also the first arbitrator I encountered in my cases, and interactions with her provided an exemplary model of how an inspirational leader in ADR should act.
 

4. Is there a moment in your career that you are most proud of?
Moments I am particularly proud of in my career involve witnessing the positive impact of my work on others, especially on younger generations. Whether through mentoring or teaching at the Law School of the University of Geneva, seeing young practitioners grow both personally and professionally fills me with immense pride and satisfaction.
 

5. What personal characteristics are most beneficial to you in your career?
Being proactive, pragmatic, and solution-oriented has significantly advanced my career. These traits enable me to anticipate and mitigate potential disputes promptly, as well as to devise effective and viable resolutions for a diverse array of conflicts, ranging from daily challenges to multimillion-dollar disputes.
 

6. How can people with an interest in ADR get hands-on experience to further their career?
To become a proficient professional in ADR, it is essential to gain diverse experience. On a personal level, accumulating teaching, arbitration (both as counsel and arbitrator), and in-house experience has been immensely beneficial to my professional development. My current role has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of what a company expects from counsel and what needs to be done to prevent and resolve disputes. Adopting different perspectives will enhance your professional capabilities and growth. My advice is therefore to (i) engage with professional organizations, such as the CPR Institute, (ii) try different roles to better understand all stakeholders’ needs and (iii) never say “no” to interesting opportunities.

7. (Fun one!) Describe your perfect Friday night in 5 words or less. 
Sunset, boxing, reading, family, laughter.