Russian Women in Arbitration (RWA)

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RUSSIAN WOMEN
IN ARBITRATION

an initiative aimed to promote equality and women leadership in international arbitration

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As a part of RWA’s mission to support and encourage aspiring female legal practitioners, in 2022 RWA launched the first cycle of RWA Mentoring Programme.

We are now happy to announce the fourth cycle of the RWA Mentoring Programme for 2026.

We believe that providing young lawyers with opportunities to interact and exchange views with seasoned dispute resolution practitioners is essential for defining a path of their professional and personal development. This is particularly important in today’s world, when young lawyers face more challenges along the way than ever before.

RWA Mentoring programme

Applicants to participate as a Mentee from Russia, Belarus, Cameroon, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Sweden, France, Italy, Germany, India and UAE

140

Mentees selected to participate in RWA Mentoring Programme

29

Mentors based in Russia, UK, Hong Kong, France and Sweden

Months of valuable collaboration and growth

21

28

Three Cycles of RWA Mentoring Programme in Numbers

We are pleased to announce the launch of the fourth cycle of the RWA Mentoring Programme in 2026 in a new dynamic format of focus sessions, replacing the traditional one-on-one Mentor–Mentee pairing format.

As part of the focus sessions, representatives of the professional community — experienced dispute resolution practitioners or subject-matter experts — will share their knowledge, experience, and advice on the session topic. Participants will have the opportunity to ask any questions of interest and openly share their own ideas and thoughts.

The new format of the RWA Mentoring Programme welcomes all interested students and lawyers with up to 7 years of professional experience, regardless of gender. To participate in each focus session, prior registration is required. Registration will open together with the announcement of the session. However, to receive priority invitations to the sessions, you can already express your interest in participating in the RWA Mentoring Programme by filling out the form below.

Receive Priority Invitations to the Focus Sessions

Registration for each focus session will open together with its announcement. However, to receive priority invitations to the sessions, you can already express your interest in participating in the RWA Mentoring Programme by filling out the form below.

Focus Sessions Held

12 June 2026

Role and Development of Personal Brand in International Dispute Resolution

The event took the form of an engaging and warm conversation with Olga Benditskaya, legal marketing consultant and author of the “Legal Producer” Telegram channel, and Valeriya Grebenkova, independent legal consultant and Mentor in previous cycles of the RWA Mentoring Programme.

The speakers shared practical advice on the steps lawyers can take – and the common mistakes they can avoid – when building a personal brand in the dispute resolution field. Participants were then invited into breakout rooms, where they had an opportunity to ask the speakers their questions during a dedicated Q&A session.

Two participants – Maria Semaeva and Ekaterina Yakimenko – took on the role of moderators for the focus session, gaining an opportunity to further develop their public speaking, professional discussion, and event organisation skills.

27 August 2026

Harmony in the Workplace: The Art of Communication, Feedback, and Effective Interaction with Colleagues and Clients

The focus session unfolded as an engaging and warm conversation, featuring Natalia Andreeva, Senior Associate in Dispute Resolution at KKMP, Member of the RWA Steering Committee and the Executive Board of the Guide to Next Generation of Russian Arbitrators, Marina Blat, psychoanalytic psychologist and speaker at various international conferences on psychology and psychotherapy, and Andrey Ushakov, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Voskhod Law Firm, arbitrator at the Russian Arbitration Center at the Russian Institute of Modern Arbitration (RAC) and The Arbitration Centre at RSPP, and Co-Chair of RAA40.

At the outset, the speakers offered practical advice on building productive communication with colleagues, finding one's place in a new team, asking for and receiving feedback constructively, and resolving workplace conflicts while taking the interests of all parties into account. Participants then moved into breakout rooms, where they had an opportunity to discuss their questions and concerns directly with the speakers.

Alexandra Bulatova, Darina Bespalova, and Daria Bilyk moderated the Q&A session.

Feedback from Participants

Taking part in the RWA Mentoring Programme as a moderator was a new experience for me. It gave me an opportunity to attend the preparatory meetings, get to know the speakers better, and have my own questions answered. I greatly enjoyed moderating the session with Olga Benditskaya, an engaging speaker who was ready to offer thoughtful and multifaceted answers to any questions and concerns related to building a personal brand. Olga addressed questions from the audience about how to prepare for an interview and present oneself effectively to a potential employer, overcome the fear of maintaining professional social media accounts, and understand what kind of content is worth sharing with one’s followers. Olga also shared advice on how to organise public events independently and offered her observations on how the needs of businesses and legal consultants are changing in today’s legal market.

Maria Semaeva

Moderator of the focus session on personal branding

Moderating a session was a new experience for me, as I had previously attended similar events as a participant and sometimes even felt hesitant to ask questions. This time, I tried to focus on the fact that I was there to learn something new and valuable for myself, and to put any worries about awkward situations aside. The RWA team was there to support me and help at every stage.

The session I moderated turned into a great conversation, thanks to our experienced and incredibly engaging speaker, Valeriya Grebenkova, who was generous in sharing her knowledge and insights from her own career journey. Valeriya spoke about her experience of building a personal brand. She also helped ease some of the concerns of junior lawyers about how to approach more senior colleagues at professional events and how to present themselves as active members of the professional community. Valeriya shared practical advice on using social media and drawing attention to one’s legal practice.

Ekaterina Yakimenko

Moderator of the focus session on personal branding

Being a moderator is not a new experience for me, but it was my first time moderating a session within a focus session held online. It was a very interesting experience that undoubtedly added to my professional portfolio. I was particularly interested in the topic of this focus session because, at this stage, my experience has been limited to academic placements and internships. I think many people can relate to the fact that, while you are an intern, the way people interact with you is quite different. I will soon be entering the professional community, so I was particularly interested in hearing from experts with extensive experience about how to build harmonious communication in the workplace from the perspective of a full-fledged team member.

I had the opportunity to moderate a session with Natalia Andreeva, Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution practice at KKMP. The discussion was lively and addressed issues that genuinely concern many practising lawyers. One thing that particularly stood out to me was that harmony in the workplace starts with a sense of psychological safety within the team. I am grateful to Natalia for sharing her professional experience and practical insights, which I am sure will be valuable as I shape my future career path.

Aleksandra Bulatova

Moderator of the focus session on the workplace harmony

As a moderator, in addition to guiding the discussion, I aimed to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where participants would feel comfortable asking questions and actively engaging in the conversation. This was particularly important because I was moderating the session with psychologist Marina Blat, and it was essential to make participants feel that they could openly ask questions about their concerns and experiences without fear of being judged or having their feelings dismissed.

The discussion covered topics such as how to maintain friendships with people who work at the same company but occupy different positions within its hierarchy, as well as whether it makes sense to seek psychological support from artificial intelligence. Marina also shared techniques for emotional release after conflicts with colleagues or clients, helping people regain their balance quickly and avoid carrying negative emotions into subsequent interactions with others. Finally, during the discussion, Marina offered a particularly insightful conclusion: “The condition for good growth is frustration that you are able to tolerate”. This experience was very valuable, as it offered a new perspective on workplace relationships through a psychological lens and provided practical tools for managing emotions in the workplace.

Darina Bespalova

Moderator of the focus session on the workplace harmony

For me, taking part in the focus session as a moderator was an opportunity to discuss with colleagues situations that young professionals inevitably encounter at the beginning of their careers, but which are difficult to prepare for through university education alone. I was particularly interested in hearing the perspective of such an experienced practitioner as Andrey Ushakov, Partner at Voskhod Law Firm, who has extensive experience in complex domestic and cross-border disputes and regularly acts as an arbitrator. I found it especially valuable that Andrey was able to approach the issues discussed from several perspectives at once – as a practice head, a colleague, and someone who has himself gone through different stages of professional development in the legal field. One important takeaway for me was that professional communication largely depends on the ability to respect your colleagues while maintaining independent judgment and taking responsibility for both your position and the way you express it.

I am grateful to Andrey for such an open and insightful conversation, and to the RWA team for the opportunity not only to take part in the discussion but also to try myself as a moderator. This experience once again reminded me that a lawyer’s professional development is shaped not only by legal knowledge, but also by the ability to build relationships with people, engage in dialogue, and stand up for your position with confidence while remaining respectful and constructive.

Daria Bilyk

Moderator of the focus session on the workplace harmony

Communication with people, regardless of their role, is something worth investing in every day, and it was particularly valuable to explore this topic at the focus session from two perspectives at once – career development and psychology. The conversation also went beyond the usual “senior–junior” dynamic: communication was discussed in all directions, which is equally important. The discussion was not limited to the dialogue with the speakers – other participants also shared their perspectives and experiences, which made the conversation even more engaging. I came away with several new ideas and practical recommendations that I will definitely try to put into practice. Many thanks to the RWA team, the speakers, and all the participants for such a warm and engaging session!

Anastasiya Pyshnaya-Muryna

Participant of the focus session on the workplace harmony

Mentoring Programme 2025

Our Mentors are senior dispute resolution lawyers practicing in Russia. During the Mentoring Programme, Mentors will provide their Mentees with career and academic advice and guidance, as well as share their dispute resolution knowledge and practical know-how during personal sessions.

Anna Grishchenkova

Independent Arbitrator

Ellina Izotkina

Senior Associate
LEVEL Legal Services

Valeriya Grebenkova

Arbitration Lawyer
Gherson LLP

Vladimir Kostsov

Counsel
Stonebridge Legal

Olga Kokoz

Founder, Attorney-at-law
Olga Kokoz Legal

Mentors

Tatiana Minaeva

Partner
RPC

Marina Zarubin

Counsel
Voskhod Law Firm

Maria Lyubimova

Partner
Chervets.Partners

Tatiana Tereshchenko

Head of Analytics
Prime Advice Consulting Group

Stepan Sultanov

Partner
KIAP, Attorneys at Law

Among more than 50 applications, RWA together with the Mentors of the programme selected 11 talented, bright and ambitious young women wishing to develop in the field of international arbitration. Throughout a year, the selected participants will strive to achieve their academic and career goals under the tactful guidance of the Mentors.

Alena Belonovskaia

Daria Bilyk

Maria Burmistrova

Anna Chepurnaya

Marianna Kinder

Mentees

Anastasiya
Pyshnaya-Muryna

Vlada Ratnikova

Yaroslava Branovskaya

Alina Latypova

Daria Zdanovich

Camilla Arzumanyan

During RWA Mentoring Programme, Mentees participate in the joint sessions, meetings, workshops and other events organized by RWA or Mentors.

Events

Meeting with Olga Tsvetkova

At the meeting, Olga shared with Mentees, among other things, her approach to career development in international dispute resolution in different jurisdictions and advised on how to build your own career path, establish a professional reputation and remain interested in the profession. In an open and inspiring conversation, Olga explained why a career is not a ladder, but rather a “construction set”, which is important to assemble for yourself. Answering Mentees’ questions, Olga shared her views on the importance of belonging to a professional community and her experience of studying abroad.

The discussion was moderated by Camilla Arzumanyan, one of Mentees of the current RWA Mentoring Programme.

25 June 2025

Press release

Meeting with Olga Boltenko

Olga shared with the Mentees an inspiring story of her career path in various jurisdictions of Europe and Asia and revealed that it was greatly influenced by mentorship and her genuine interest in the profession. Olga specifically discussed with Mentees business etiquette and working in a culturally diverse environment. Responding to questions from the Mentees, Olga gave examples of how to communicate with arbitrators and colleagues in order to make a positive impression for successful dispute resolution practice and networking.

22 July 2025

Press release

Meeting of participants of the RWA Scholarship and Mentoring Programmes

We held a gathering of participants in the RWA Scholarship Programme for Arbitration Rising Stars, held in 2025 with the support of the law firms Kucher Kuleshov Maximenko & Partners (KKMP) and Lansky, Ganzger, Goeth & Partner (LGP). Mentees and Mentors from three cycles of the RWA Mentorship Programme were also invited to the meeting. During a lively and candid discussion, Alyona Kucher, Senior Partner at KKMP, shared her experience of balancing the roles of mother, law firm leader, and lecturer. Anna Zeitlinger, Managing Partner at LGP, spoke about her experience practicing law abroad and offered advice on building and maintaining professional connections. The discussion was moderated by Natalia Andreeva and Elena Burova, members of the RWA Steering Committee.

8 October 2025

Press release

Meeting of the Mentees and the RWA Team

The RWA Team held an online meeting with participants of the third cycle of the RWA Mentorship Programme. Together, they discussed why it is important to take part in various initiatives in the field of arbitration and how this contributes to career development. Members of the RWA Team shared their personal experience of managing internal projects and organizing events. They also spoke about how being part of a community of like-minded women creates opportunities to exchange experiences and helps build professional connections. The Mentees shared their experiences of participating in educational initiatives in Russia and abroad, and discussed how to find motivation to remain active within the legal community.

3 November 2025

Press release

Mentoring Programme 2024

Our Mentors are senior dispute resolution lawyers practicing in Russia. During the Mentoring Programme, Mentors will provide their Mentees with career and academic advice and guidance, as well as share their dispute resolution knowledge and practical know-how during personal sessions.

Denis Almakaev

Partner
LEVEL Legal Services

Valeria Butyrina

Deputy Director
Russian Arbitration Center & International and Comparative Law Research Center

Yulia Dragunova

Head of the Division of the Russian Federation Representation in the International Trade Law Organizations
Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation

Anna Grishchenkova

Independent Arbitrator

Olga Kokoz

Founder, Attorney-at-law
Olga Kokoz Legal

Maria Lyubimova

Arbitrator, Attorney-at-law

Vadim Vunukainen

Partner
Dyakin, Gortsunyan and Partners

Mentors

Among more than 40 applications, RWA together with the Mentors of the programme selected 7 talented, bright and ambitious young women wishing to develop in the field of international arbitration. Throughout a year, the selected participants will strive to achieve their academic and career goals under the tactful guidance of the Mentors.

Irina Lisinskaya

Maria Lukoyanova

Polina Perova

Daria Zavershinskaia

Maria Zub

Mentees

Albina Mamedalieva

Anna Gavkalyuk

Mentoring Programme 2022–2023

Our Mentors are senior dispute resolution lawyers practicing in Russia or abroad. During the Mentoring Programme, Mentors will provide their Mentees with career and academic advice and guidance, as well as share their dispute resolution knowledge and practical know-how during personal sessions.

Marina Akchurina

Lawyer & Founder
AkchurinaLegal

Valeriya Grebenkova

Associate
Gherson LLP

Leonid Kropotov

Partner
Denuo (former DLA Piper)

Anastasia Medvedskaya

Associate
McNair International

Yulia Mullina

Director
Russian Arbitration Center

Svetlana Popova

Head of the Department of International Law Matters
JSC Uralchem

Victoria Khandrimaylo

Counsel
HKIAC

Izabella Kharlamova

Rosneft Oil Company

Mentors

Among more than 50 applications, RWA together with the Mentors of the programme selected 11 talented, bright and ambitious young women wishing to develop in the field of international arbitration. Throughout a year, the selected participants will strive to achieve their academic and career goals under the tactful guidance of the Mentors.

Daria Efimova

Veronica Gorenitsa

Valeria Matorina

Ekaterina Petrenko

Anastasia Riabova

Mentees

Emma Shtegman

Ksenia Stepanova

Natalia Kovalkova

Luiza Shams

Kata Varga

Marina Bondarenko

During RWA Mentoring Programme, Mentees participate in the joint sessions, meetings, workshops and other events organized by RWA or Mentors.

Events

Meeting with Evgeniya Chervets

During the meeting, Evgeniya told the Mentees about the stages of her career, about her experience of combining several roles, including the role of a practicing lawyer and an academic. Evgeniya also explained that even at the beginning of their career, young practitioners should not be afraid to put forward and implement their even the most ambitious ideas.

April 20, 2023

Press release

Meeting with Natalia Gulyaeva

During the meeting, Natalia shared her career experience including how, as an IP specialist, she become highly recognized in the arbitration community. Natalia also gave Mentees practical advice on how to position yourself at work, build relationships with colleagues and develop yourself as a professional.

March 20, 2023

Meetings with Anna Grishchenkova

Anna held a series of online meetings where she shared with the mentees various insights and tips based on her 20 years of experience in dispute resolution and addressed their questions. During the first meeting, Anna spoke about the stages of her career, as well as shared her recent observations as an arbitrator. The second meeting focused on Anna’s recommendations on how to prepare for public speaking and to make speeches more memorable.

February 16–17, 2023

Press release

Open discussion "LL.M. Abroad: Myths and Reality"

RWA talked to graduates of the top universities, Valeriya Grebenkova (King's College London) and Vladimir Kostsov (Harvard Law School), about the opportunities, challenges and real-life experiences of getting an LL.M. degree outside Russia.

During the discussion, the panelists covered a variety of issues, including the correlation between an LL.M. degree and career development and the prospects of further employment abroad. Valeriya and Vladimir also gave advice to the audience on facilitating the admission process, submitting application documents and writing a personal statement, as well as shared details of the learning process shedding light on the grading system, academic workload and the level of students’ preparation.

The discussion was moderated by Anna Avdulova (National University of Singapore).

September 30, 2023

Meeting with Yulia Dragunova

During the meeting, Yulia spoke about her career path in arbitration and addressed alternatives to legal consulting — public service and careers in international organizations. Yulia described in detail the growth prospects in these areas, their advantages and the impact on the development of such skills as the ability to perceive processes in a multifaceted way, competent management and persuasive speech. Yulia also shared her experience as a delegate of the Russian Federation at the sessions of UNCITRAL Working Groups in Vienna and New York.

June 10, 2023

Press release

Mastermind Workshop on Negotiations with Marina Akchurina

RWA together with Marina Akchurina held a mastermind workshop on negotiations as part of the RWA Mentoring Programme. Under Marina's supervision, participants shared with each other their experience in solving various problems arising in the negotiation process.

We are glad that the workshop allowed participants to exchange their expertise, find new solutions and answers to their questions.

November 24, 2023

Press release

During RWA Mentoring Programme, Mentees participate in the joint sessions, meetings, workshops and other events organized by RWA or Mentors.

Events

Meeting with Olga Kokoz and Sergey Ilyin

During the meeting, Olga and Sergey shared their experience of building a career from a young aspiring lawyer to founding their own dispute resolution practice, as well as answered questions of the mentees regarding timing for starting a career, building relationships with colleagues and clients, partnership and starting one’s own business.

Maria Lukoyanova, mentee of the second cycle of the RWA Mentoring Programme, moderated the event.

July 25, 2024

Press release

Meeting with Tatiana Minaeva

During the meeting Tatiana shared with the participants of the first and second cycles of the RWA Mentoring Programme her experience of building a career in arbitration abroad and managing international complex projects, as well as gave advice on career development, highlighting the importance of mentorship.

Maria Lukoyanova, mentee of the second cycle of the RWA Mentoring Programme, moderated the event.

August 13, 2024

Press release

RWA Get Together: Special Edition

As part of the RWA Get Together project, a special meeting was held for Mentees and Mentors of the second cycle of the RWA Mentoring Programme. The participants got an opportunity to network with each other in an informal setting, discuss spot-on topics as well as their achievements within the Mentoring Programme.

September 14, 2024

Closing Meeting

RWA held a private event for participants of the first and second cycles of the RWA Mentoring Programme to recap the results of the programme and bring together the community of like-minded professionals interested in international dispute resolution. The event took place at the office of Chervets.Partners.

December 12, 2024

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