MIDS ALUMNI PORTRAIT SERIES — Counsel & Classroom How the MIDS shaped Dr. Alia Algazzar’s path in ISDS

The 'Arab Spring' was the primary catalyst for my decision to join the MIDS program, as witnessing the devastating spread of violence and armed conflict across the MENA region made the heightened risk of investor‑state disputes against MENA countries seem inevitable. This reality ignited a deep and sustained commitment to building a career in international arbitration and dispute resolution, with a particular focus on investor‑state disputes arising from political upheaval, armed conflicts, and situations of occupation. For me, the MIDS program was the perfect blend of 'theory' and 'practice' in the field of investment treaty arbitration and international dispute resolution. Back then, I expected the program to offer me three key benefits: first, a solid and structured foundation in the different mechanisms of international dispute settlement and a deep understanding of international investment law; second, direct engagement with leading practitioners and academics shaping the field; and third, a diverse international cohort that would become a long‑term professional network. I also anticipated it would propel my academic and practical career forward, including pursuing a PhD in international law focused on investor-state disputes amid armed conflicts and occupation, and/or landing a gratifying role in international arbitration and dispute resolution - expectations that, in hindsight, were not only met but were surpassed!

What shaped me most during the MIDS was the chance to work so closely with world-class practitioners and professors in a tight-knit, highly engaged setting ; whether in general courses, invective courses, tutorials, or workshops. Being trained and mentored by experts who live and breathe international arbitration and dispute settlement changed how I see arbitration and the legal field. It challenged me to move beyond theory and develop a practical, problem-solving and strategic way of thinking that I now rely on daily in my work as counsel. This went hand in hand with the diversity and quality of my classmates, who came from different legal traditions and regions and brought very different perspectives to each discussion and group project. Learning to defend my views, adapt my reasoning to different legal backgrounds, and truly collaborate - even under pressure was not only excellent preparation for the real world of the practice of arbitration and dispute resolution in leading international law firms, but also a personal transformation in terms of confidence, resilience, and openness to novel approaches to thinking about the law.

The MIDS training and network have profoundly shaped my trajectory, both as a counsel in complex international arbitrations and a lecturer - and continue to do so.On the professional side, the MIDS has been instrumental in building the skill-set required to serve as Counsel in complex, high-value arbitrations involving investors, commercial parties, and states. The analytical discipline, advocacy training, and comparative approach developed at MIDS translated directly into my work as legal counsel in arbitrations, as well as my advisory work.MIDS also laid the groundwork for more granular practical skills that I use daily as Counsel, such as examining fact witnesses, engaging with quantum and financial damages analysis, and coordinating with expert teams in construction, energy, and other technical industries. This foundation has allowed me to handle mega, high-stakes disputes with confidence and methodological rigor.As a lecturer, the MIDS experience directly informs the way I teach law students and deliver practice-oriented trainings to public officials. Exposure to leading practitioners and academics during the MIDS and the constant linkage throughout the MIDS training between theory and practice has helped me bring cutting-edge case law, procedural strategy, and comparative perspectives into the classroom. I now structure my courses around real cases, pleadings, and problem-based learning. This has enhanced my ability to train students and public officials not only to grasp the law, but to approach it from a genuinely practical, problem-solving perspective.Equally vital were the relationships forged at MIDS. Close collaboration with professors and peers in a small, cohesive cohort fostered deep trust and academic rapport, directly leading to my admission to, and full scholarship for, the PhD programme at the Geneva Graduate Institute-a long-held aspiration and a perfect extension of the MIDS ethos.Overall, far beyond a typical LL.M., the MIDS has been crucial in shaping how I approach my work as both legal counsel and professor. It has refined the problem-solving quality of my arbitration practice and my teaching philosophy and methodology, enabling me to teach and supervise in a rigorous, practice-oriented manner.

If I could change one thing, it would be how international dispute resolution incorporates - or fails to incorporate - a genuinely global perspective. Too often, programs and practices call themselves "international," but in practice, they reflect only a narrow range of viewpoints-usually shaped by a handful of jurisdictions, legal traditions, and professional networks. This narrowness is especially troubling in a multicultural field where parties, counsel, and disputes are more diverse than ever, but the frameworks and role models still come mostly from a few dominant legal cultures. The MIDS breaks this mold. Its students, faculty, and case studies come from truly diverse backgrounds, representing different regions, legal systems, and professional experiences. This mix doesn't just add variety - it constantly challenges your assumptions and pushes you to see legal issues from new angles. If the wider world of international dispute resolution could adopt this spirit-placing real diversity at its core, not as an afterthought-it would gain legitimacy, respond better to the global realities, and be far more capable of delivering just, lasting outcomes.

MIDS was the most challenging year of my academic and professional journey, yet it was also the time when I felt most supported and empowered. In the midst of the intense workload and expectations, I discovered a rare spirit of collaboration: professors who were always approachable, classmates who became trusted friends, and a network that has continued to open doors long after graduation.As lawyers, we share a commitment to justice but often compete fiercely for clients and cases, fostering rivalry or mistrust among peers. This dynamic can hinder collaboration. But the MIDS experience transformed that mindset for me. I realized that success in our field isn't about outshining others; it's about rising together. By supporting and uplifting each other, we all moved forward-and that made the journey far more meaningful. Effective and successful lawyers do not outshine one another, rather they navigate contradictions like fighting adversaries while building trust, or minimizing risks while encouraging client innovation. These paradoxes demand holding opposing mindsets simultaneously for optimal outcomes.

First and foremost, dive wholeheartedly into the MIDS program and be intentional about what you want to achieve. The year passes in the blink of an eye, so take time early on to pinpoint which areas of international dispute settlement truly excite you. Let every paper you write, every seminar you attend, and every conversation you have move you closer to that passion. But remember, the real strength of MIDS lies not only in its rigorous academics but also in the dynamic, global community you join. Be genuinely curious about the backgrounds and ideas of your professors, peers, and practitioners. Ask bold questions, listen deeply, and allow your own views to be challenged and transformed. Secondly, see MIDS as far more than a line on your C.V.; treat it as full professional/life experience. MIDS is truly a rare chance for professional/personal growth in a truly multicultural environment. By forming real connections with people from diverse backgrounds, legal traditions, and life stories, you'll expand your ability to listen, build empathy, and handle differences with respect and confidence - qualities that matter deeply, not just in international dispute resolution, but in every aspect of your professional and personal life. Finally, value relationships just as much as academic achievements. Some of the most important opportunities in my own journey - like my PhD scholarship and internships - came from the trust and friendships I built with professors and classmates, not from grades alone. See your cohort and faculty as the roots of a lifelong network in international dispute resolution. Give freely to this community: share your knowledge, lift others up, and keep in touch long after graduation. These bonds will help define your path ahead both on the professional and personal levels.