Ever wondered how to build a law firm with like-minded people, lead a successful arbitration practice, contribute to institutions, stay deeply involved in the Vis Moot and at the same time be a present parent?

During this year’s Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, Nicole Grohmann (Senior Associate at HANEFELD and Steering Committee member at YAWP – Young ArbitralWomen Practitioners) raised these questions with Patrizia Netal in a truly candid and personal conversation.

As founding partner of KNOETZL, Vice-President of Vienna International Arbitral Centre of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (VIAC), and long-standing Vis Moot Co-Director, Patrizia shared her personal career path and what it took to balance these roles: professionally and personally. In a warm, almost family-like setting, the discussion touched on both the challenges and the opportunities that come expected and often unexpected, the importance of building teams, trusting your instincts, and giving back to the next generation.

We also welcomed the co-founder of ArbitralWomen Louise Barrington, who reflected on the beginnings of AW, and Niamh Leinwather, Secretary General of Vienna International Arbitral Centre of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (VIAC), Board member and Chair of Education Committee at ArbitralWomen, who spoke about the current projects and AW’s impact for young and less privileged practitioners entering the field.

An inspiring and very honest exchange that once again showed what makes ArbitralWomen and the Vis Moot community so special.