Please join us for an evening of discussion and debate, followed by networking. The event is aimed at more junior practitioners but all are welcome to attend. We hope that you will be able to join us for what we are sure will be a very lively and enjoyable program.

In this end-of-summer back-to-work event, a panel featuring next-generation counsel, who work in arbitration, diplomacy and multilateral organizations, will delve into navigating the intersection and the future of these fields. Following the panel discussion there will be a network reception, with panoramic views of Washington, D.C. Summer drinks and light food will be provided.

#YoungITATalks is a series of local events presented around the world, featuring talks, workshops or interviews that cover a wide range of subjects relating to arbitration. The #YoungITATalks series is designed for education, conversation and sharing knowledge and experiences among young practitioners.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, this event is tuition-free and includes drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Please register in advance to help us have an accurate headcount. This is only an in-person event.

Schedule and Speakers

5:00 pm - Registration

5.30 pm - Welcome

Jonathan C. Hamilton, Global Co-Chair of International Arbitration, Paul Hastings LLP, Washington, DC

6.00 pm - Panel Discussion

Moderator: Alejandro Martínez de Hoz, Young ITA North America Co-Chair, Paul Hastings LLP, Washington, DC

Panelists:

Soledad Peña, Charge d’affaires, Embassy of Ecuador in the United States of America
Celeste Mowatt, Legal Counsel ICSID (World Bank Group)
María Cecilia Alvarez Bollea, Legal Counsel, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

Closing remarks by Nazly Duarte, Young ITA North America Co-Chair, BSF

7:00 pm - Networking Reception courtesy of Paul Hastings

About the Speakers

Alejandro Martinez de Hoz
Moderator
Paul Hastings LLP, Washington, DC
Young ITA North America Co-Chair

Alejandro Martinez de Hoz is International Counsel in the International Arbitration practice of global law firm Paul Hastings, based in Washington, DC. Alejandro has 15 years of experience including over a decade solving complex international disputes across industries. He represents clients in investment treaty arbitrations, international commercial arbitrations, mediations, and related disputes and negotiations. He has recently advised on a bet-the-asset legal battle recognized as the dispute of the year in Latin America. With over a decade based in the United States, he is a native of Argentina who was recognized as an “under 40 leader in Argentina” and served as President of the Buenos Aires Bar Young Division. He has also received an award for outstanding contribution for pro bono work in Latin America.

Celeste Mowatt
Panelist
Legal Counsel – Institutional Matters, ICSID (World Bank)

Celeste joined ICSID in February 2015. Prior to joining ICSID, she worked as an attorney with the law firm of Appleton & Associates (2012-2015) and as a Case Analyst for Investor-State Law Guide (2009-2011). She holds degrees from the University of San Diego (J.D.) and the University of British Columbia (B.A.) and is admitted to practice law in the State of California and Washington, D.C.

Soledad Peña
Panelist
Charge d’affaires, Embassy of Ecuador in the United States of America

Soledad Peña Plaza has served as Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Ecuador in the United States in Washington DC since February 2024, having formerly served as minister. Peña has worked at various international law firms such as Cuatrecasas, WilmerHale, White & Case LLP, and Dechert LLP. Her professional career began in December 2012 as a legal assistant in the Municipality of Guayaquil. She then completed a legal internship at the Arbitration and Conciliation Center of the Guayaquil Chamber of Commerce, followed by a position as a legal assistant at Villa del Rey, before going international. Peña holds a juris doctor in economic law from Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil. Additionally, she has a master of law in international business regulation, economic law, and international arbitration from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington DC

María Cecilia Alvarez Bollea
Panelist
Legal Counsel, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

María Cecilia Alvarez Bollea is a Specialist in State Modernization in the Innovation to Serve Citizens Division (IFD/ICS) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). María Cecilia leads the Anti-Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) agenda, and technical and operational support to IDB member countries for compliance and implementation of international standards in this matter. Maria Cecilia's work includes technical support to private sector entities to implement transparency and corporate integrity reforms, in light of good practices and international standards. Before joining the IDB, she was a Senior Attorney in the Legal and Compliance Department of AES Argentina and Pampa Energía (Argentina) and was a member of the Integrity team of the United Nations Global Compact in New York. María Cecilia has a law degree from the National University of Córdoba (UNC) and has a Master's degree in International Relations from the University of Bologna, Italy and an LL.M. (Master of Law) from Fordham Law School, New York.

Other Information

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The Center for American and International Law does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status in educational activities, scholarship programs or admissions.

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#YoungITATalks Washington D.C.

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