Meeting with Sacha Cannon, Graduate of LLM in Transnational Arbitration & Dispute Settlement, 2022

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?

Before graduating from the University of Ottawa, Canada in 2019 with a degree in Civil Law (LL.L), I had the privilege of living and working abroad. It is this exposure to the world that eventually led me to pursue a career in the field of international dispute resolution. After being admitted as a lawyer to the Bar of Québec in 2020, I chose to pursue graduate studies at Sciences Po’s LLM in Transnational Arbitration & Dispute Settlement (TADS) to accomplish my goal of becoming an international arbitration lawyer. Not only was the program taught by world-renowned professors and professionals, it also reflected my international profile in its approach. And to this day, if I may say so, it has been an excellent decision on my part since I am presently working at Cabinet Yves Fortier in Montréal where I act as Secretary to International Arbitration Tribunals presided by the Hon. L. Yves Fortier.

WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE AT SCIENCES PO LAW SCHOOL?

My experience was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic that was unfortunately unavoidable. However, the TADS LLM’s organization and the dedication of the professors allowed me to have a remarkable experience. I quickly developed a sense of belonging to Sciences Po and felt privileged to be able to attend classes offered by dedicated and very knowledgeable professors. I also felt a sense of community at Sciences Po and especially of mutual support with my fellow TADS LLM colleagues. Sciences Po gave me all the tools to become the lawyer I am today, in addition to offering me a home in Paris. In summary, despite the obstacles caused by the pandemic, my academic experience was remarkable.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUR JOB TODAY AND YOUR NEXT PROJECTS?

My job consists of assisting the Hon. Yves Fortier in numerous foreign investments and international commercial arbitration cases, whether they be under the auspices of ICSID, PCA, ICC, SIAC or LCIA. I am called upon to act as secretary of arbitral tribunals presided over by Me Fortier, where I am responsible for establishing the proper conduct of the proceedings and for liaising between the tribunal chairman and the parties. This includes drafting memoranda, conducting legal research on complex investment law issues, and assisting the chairman in drafting arbitral awards. Working on the side of arbitral tribunals, I have the privilege of attending investment law hearings, reading, and analyzing countless submissions made by the parties. In addition, I am also a part-time professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Ottawa where I teach an advocacy seminar and a class on bijural private international law in Canada. In addition to my jobs, I try to promote international arbitration in Canada as an efficient alternative dispute resolution method.

ANY ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE LLM IN TRANSNATIONAL ARBITRATION & DISPUTE SETTLEMENT?

You must arrive ready. The TADS LLM program is very intensive but extremely rewarding! The courses and workshops are extremely interesting and exciting. It will give you all the tools and the network you need to eventually practice dispute resolution in the international arena. So be punctual, be organized and do your reading! The job market for international arbitration is extremely competitive. Even though the TADS LLM can be a decisive asset, it is your personal qualities that will make the difference. So, the best advice I can give you is to trust your strengths and never close any door that might be open to you. While the TADS LLM will open these doors, it will be up to you to go through them!