The Advocate Next Door

Kelby Ballena, Margarita Rosa Arango

The Advocate Next Door podcast captures in-person unscripted interviews of admirable advocates who share how they got started, why they advocate for others, and pass on advice for a future generation! Each episode is a warm look at how advocates make a difference and how they got started. We spotlight passionate advocates from lawyers, public officials, generals, technology developers, court and law firm staff, teachers, thinkers, dreamers—no advocacy is too small! This program is not sponsored or affiliated with any group or organization to maintain a genuine conversation with the advocate, which may also include interviews in Spanish. If you know an advocate in the Washington, DC area, send us tips at kelby.ballena@hugheshubbard.com. *Disclaimer: For entertainment purposes only. Co-host, Kelby Ballena, is an international specialist and legal operations professional (non-lawyer) at the "Big Law" firm, Hughes Hubbard and Reed LLP. He's been in the legal industry for over 25-years in various practice areas. His experience ranges from complex international legal cases, to teaching and simplifying best practices for those joining the legal field, to motivating efficiency and collaborations among professionals to serve our community. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelbyballena/ Co-host, Margarita Rosa Arango, is a Colombian attorney and recent LL.M 2024 graduate from American University's Washington College of Law. She practiced international public and human rights law for Colombia before arriving to the U.S. https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaritaarangor/

  1. Zahid Omarzai: Bridging Legal Worlds Between Afghanistan and the U.S.

    03/12/2025

    Zahid Omarzai: Bridging Legal Worlds Between Afghanistan and the U.S.

    Zahid Omarzai, Executive Director of the Afghanistan Center for Dispute Resolution, is an Afghan attorney who relocated to the U.S. in 2023 to pursue an LLM at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He shares his background that led him to leave Afghanistan and describes his work in enhancing Afghanistan's arbitration system. He shares his experiences competing in moot court competitions, working with various legal and consulting firms in the U.S., and his reflections on cultural differences in dispute resolution. Zahid emphasizes the importance of understanding Afghan culture and encourages listeners to learn more about Afghanistan. The discussion also touches on the significance of taking care of one's soul and the personal growth Zahid experienced through his journey. STORY 00:00 Soundcheck 00:50 Greetings 01:41 Zahid's Journey to the US 02:05 Moot Court Competition 02:40 Legal Background and Education 03:43 Challenges and Opportunities in Afghanistan 05:55 Establishing Arbitration in Afghanistan 12:26 Professional Life in the US 13:29 Cultural Perspectives on Dispute Resolution 24:13 Personal Interests and Hobbies 28:35 Final Thoughts BIOGRAPHY Zahid Omarzai is the Executive Director of the Afghanistan Center for Commercial Dispute Resolution (ACDR) and a licensed attorney dedicated to strengthening arbitration and alternative dispute resolution in Afghanistan. With a background in corporate and commercial law, he brings extensive experience in financial transactions, legal reform, and practical dispute-resolution strategies. A passionate advocate for legal education, Zahid has published on arbitration in Afghanistan, represented his country in the prestigious Vis Moot, and continues to mentor future practitioners as Afghanistan’s Vis Moot Country Manager. LINKS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahid-omarzai-aa80a03a/ Interview from Kakar Advocates: https://kakaradvocates.com/content/Spotlights/interview-with-zahid-omarzai-executive-director-of-the-afghanistan-center-for-dispute-resolution

    30 min

  2. 25/11/2025

    ENCORE Anna Aviles-Alfaro: Navigating Career, Family, and Life in International Law

    Anna D. Aviles-Alfaro discusses her career journey which started as a mom right out of high school finding herself working as a legal secretary for a world-renowned international arbitration arbitrator. The support of those around her encouraged her to get her college degree and pursue a rewarding career as a paralegal first starting at the World Bank's ICSID institution and later in the private sector. Anna also shares her tips on work-life balance and how legal teams can work best with each other. *Anna was working at Dechert LLP at the time of this recording. HIGHLIGHTS: 00:30 Introduction and Background 01:50 Early Career at Pan Am 03:59 Starting as a Legal Secretary 05:23 Transition to Larger Law Firms 07:44 Back to a Path towards Higher Education 10:11 Balancing Work and Education 21:55 Working at ICSID at The World Bank 31:16 Career Advice for Aspiring Legal Professionals 36:28 Managing Stress and Work-Life Balance 40:58 Advice for New Paralegals BIOGRAPHY: Anna D. Aviles-Alfaro, Lead Arbitration Paralegal at Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP Anna started as a legal secretary and found herself into the world of International Arbitration. She later transitioned as a paralegal at the World Bank's International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) which is an institution for International Investment Arbitration Disputes. After a few years, she transitioned to the private sector where she is currently a leader in the paralegal sector for international disputes. LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaavilesalfaro/

    45 min
  3. Kiran Gore: How a Fashion Background Led to a Solo Practice

    19/11/2025

    Kiran Gore: How a Fashion Background Led to a Solo Practice

    Kiran Gore, a distinguished international arbitration counsel and arbitrator with a versatile background. Kiran shares her unique journey from fashion design to law, detailing how her interest in trademarks and intellectual property in the fashion industry led her to pursue a career in law. She got her start working at Michael Kors pursuing her passion for fashion. She discusses her experiences in big law firms, including DLA Piper and Three Crowns, transitioning to solo practice, and the challenges and rewards of balancing a dynamic career with family life. Kiran also emphasizes the importance of networking, continuous learning, and adapting to technological advancements. We highlight her extensive contributions, varied roles, and mentoring work with students at George Washington University.Kiran Gore, a distinguished international arbitration counsel and arbitrator, shares her remarkable journey from fashion design to the world of law. Discover how her early passion for fashion and intellectual property at Michael Kors sparked a career in trademarks and legal strategy. Kiran walks us through her experiences at major law firms like DLA Piper and Three Crowns, her transition to solo practice, and the challenges—and rewards—of balancing a dynamic career with family life. Along the way, she reflects on the power of networking, lifelong learning, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. Plus, we dive into her mentoring work with students at George Washington University and her contributions to shaping the next generation of legal professionals. STORY 00:00 Sound check 01:00 Early Career 02:15 Transition to Law 05:51 Challenges and Opportunities in Big Law 13:47 Starting a Solo Practice 18:04 Fashion and Arbitration 20:25 Meeting the Students 20:55 The GW Community and Public Service 21:44 Career Advice for Aspiring Lawyers 31:00 The Importance of Networking 32:50 Technology in Legal Practice 38:55 Women in International Arbitration 41:26 Relaxation 41:58 Final Thoughts BIOGRAPHY Kiran Nasir Gore is an arbitrator, dispute resolution consultant, and counsel with nearly fifteen years of experience advising governments, corporations, institutions, and individuals on public and private international law, international development, foreign investment strategies, international dispute resolution, and legal investigation and compliance efforts. Ms. Gore advocates before U.S. courts, ad hoc arbitration panels, commercial and investment tribunals, and investigative authorities. She specializes in high value bet-the-company disputes and brings a practical and business-oriented perspective to the table. Ms. Gore also supports clients with strategic advice on international investments, international treaty law, conflict of laws, and legislative reform. She developed her legal acumen and advocacy skills at large and small law firms in New York and Washington, DC, and recently launched her independent law practice. LINKS GW University Law School Profile: https://www.law.gwu.edu/kiran-n-gore Kluwer Arbitration Blog: https://legalblogs.wolterskluwer.com/arbitration-blog/author/kiran-nasir-gore/ Substack: https://knglaw.substack.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiran-n-gore/

    43 min
  4. Space Law and AI advocate Abdulla Abu Wasel

    12/11/2025

    Space Law and AI advocate Abdulla Abu Wasel

    Abdullah Wasel, a distinguished figure in law and diplomacy, discusses his global upbringing, beginning in Qatar observing its transformation into a modern metropolis. Moving to Canada for boarding school, he pursued a diverse education eventually leading him to law school in Minnesota. Abdullah talks about his near signing with Disney as a child actor and transitioning to a career in law inspired by his family's legacy in the legal domain. He has held significant roles, including working with the UAE Supreme Court and running a family law practice. He also shares his involvement in setting up the Jordan International Arbitration Center (JIAC) and his dynamic approach to integrating AI in legal proceedings. He elaborates on his passion for space law, the drafting of the Washington Compact for commercial space operations, and the broader implications of expanding human activity into space. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passions, overcoming criticism, and daring to achieve the impossible. STORY Growing Up in QatarEarly Life and Family BackgroundEducation Journey: From Qatar to CanadaCollege Life and American FootballLaw School and ADR FocusFirst Case and Early Career ChallengesFounding the Jordan International Arbitration CenterArtificial Intelligence in ArbitrationPractical Applications of AIAI Regulation and Ethical ConcernsBuilding an Arbitration CenterIntroduction to Space LawPrivate Citizens vs Astronauts in SpaceDispute Resolution in SpaceWhy Space Matters for EveryonePersonal Interest in Space TravelSpace in Film: Interstellar and BeyondGetting Into the Space IndustryFinal Advice for Young Professionals BIOGRAPHY Abdulla is an international arbitration specialist with extensive experience representing high-net-worth investors and navigating complex disputes across multiple industries and jurisdictions. He has appeared before leading arbitral tribunals and handled the enforcement and set-aside of arbitral awards in various courts. His work includes serving as counsel in high-stakes investment arbitration cases in the Middle East, particularly involving bilateral investment treaties and sovereign states. In addition to his arbitration practice, Abdulla is a registered lobbyist in Washington, D.C., where he has appeared before the U.S. Congress to discuss commercial space policy. He is among the few expert consultants in the emerging space industry, maintaining close relationships with both governmental and commercial actors. As a key author of The Washington Compact—an international treaty under The Hague Institute for Global Justice that sets standards for the commercial space sector—he has helped establish norms of conduct now endorsed by more than 130 global signatories. Abdulla serves as Secretary-General of the Jordan International Arbitration Centre (JIAC) and Chief of Staff at The Hague Institute for Global Justice. His work reflects a rare combination of legal expertise, diplomatic engagement, and leadership in both terrestrial and outer-space dispute resolution. LINKS Wasel Wasel: https://waselandwasel.com/abdulla-abuwasel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullawasel/

    43 min
  5. Journal Editor and International Advocate Rafael Boza

    05/11/2025

    Journal Editor and International Advocate Rafael Boza

    Rafael Boza, Special Counsel at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, and Co-Editor in Chief of the ITA in Review (Journal for the Institute for Transnational Arbitration) shares his journey from his early days in Peru to his legal career in the U.S., detailing his experience in international arbitration and the evolution of his legal focus. He discusses his educational background, including law degrees from the University of Lima and KU Leuven in Belgium, and offers advice for law students and young professionals on networking, specializing, and balancing career and personal life. The conversation also touches upon the integration of technology in legal practice and the importance of attending conferences for professional development. STORY 00:00 Setting the Scene 00:58 Special Guest 02:07 Rafael Boza's Background and Career Journey 03:37 Insights into International Arbitration 07:28 Advice for Aspiring Legal Professionals 12:35 Balancing Professional and Personal Life 13:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts BIOGRAPHY Rafael T. Boza focuses his practice on all aspects of international arbitration, dispute resolution and litigation. He also practices in transactions and corporate matters. Rafael has over 20 years of experience advising local and multinational companies, litigating and arbitrating. His experience includes providing legal services in the United States and abroad, utilizing his comprehensive legal knowledge of multiple jurisdictions, including the United States, Latin America and Europe. He is a litigator in arbitrations, domestic and international, and in Texas and federal courts in a variety of matters. He participates in complex, high-stakes, ICC, ICSID, LCIA and other international arbitration cases. He has also arbitrated cases (as arbitrator) since 2003 in a variety of economic sectors, including commercial, construction, investment and intellectual property disputes in mostly ad hoc cases. Rafael possesses a deep understanding of international arbitration law and procedural rules and is skilled in handling all stages of the arbitration process, from drafting arbitration agreements and initiating proceedings, to conducting hearings and enforcing arbitral awards. LINKS Law Firm Profile: https://www.pillsburylaw.com/en/lawyers/rafael-boza.html LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafaelboza/ ITA in Review Journal: https://itainreview.org/

    14 min
  6. International Arbitration Arbitrator Lucinda Low

    29/10/2025

    International Arbitration Arbitrator Lucinda Low

    We interview Lucinda Low, a key speaker at the 37th ITA Workshop and Annual Conference in Houston, Texas. Lucinda shares her professional journey, starting from her early experiences as an exchange student in Brazil to her career in international law and arbitration. She discusses the diverse interactions within the arbitration community, her transition from big law firms to starting a venture with Meg Kinnear, and her extensive accolades in the field. Lucinda also highlights the role of technology and AI in modern arbitration and offers advice to young professionals seeking to enter the field. The conversation touches on personal anecdotes, including her love for music and how it helps her unwind. STORY 00:00 Sound check 03:39 Lucinda's Journey: From Law School to International Arbitration 08:03 Early Career and Key Experiences 11:41 Launching a New Venture with Meg 13:44 Challenges and Rewards of Starting a Business 14:40 Reinventing Careers in Law 23:19 The Role of Technology in Arbitration BIOGRAPHY Lucinda has more than 40 years of international legal practice experience in a wide variety of industries and geographies. Her arbitration experience includes both investor-state and commercial disputes. She has served as counsel, expert and arbitrator. She has served as presiding arbitrator in a number of cases as well as a party-appointed arbitrator. As a member of LKDR, she is focused on independent adjudicative and advisory services. Lucinda chairs of the Board of Directors of the Coalition for Integrity (formerly known as Transparency International – USA), and also a member of the Secretary of State’s Advisory Committee on International Law. She is a former president of the American Society of International Law and a former chair of the ABA Section of International Law. In 2017 she was appointed by the president of the World Bank to serve six-year term on the International Centre for Settlement of Investments Disputes (ICSID) Panel of Arbitrators, as one of ten lawyers named to the panel and the only one from the United States. She is a member of the ICC’s Commission on Arbitration and ADR. Lucinda speaks and works in Portuguese, Spanish and French as well as English. LINKS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucinda-low-40429711/ Website: https://lkdr.global/lucinda/#lucinda-story

    26 min
  7. Scientist and International Law Enthusiast Lena Raxter

    22/10/2025

    Scientist and International Law Enthusiast Lena Raxter

    We meet Lena Raxter, writer, international law enthusiast, and winner of the winner of the 2025 Young ITA Writing Competition, during the 37th ITA Annual Conference and Workshop. Lena shares her journey from studying veterinary science to obtaining JDs in Canada and the U.S. and an award-winning legal scholar. She discusses her paper on the Crimea cases dealing with the 2014 annexation by Russia, which has sparked scholarly debate on territorial jurisdiction in international law. Lena recounts her diverse educational background, international experiences, and her path to law through American University. She emphasizes the importance of passion in a law career and shares insights from her multicultural perspective, as well as her love for animals. STORY 00:00 Sound Check 00:18 Sleep Habits and Excel Skills 01:29 Winning the Writing Contest 03:09 The Crimea Cases and Territorial Jurisdiction 05:13 Journey to International Arbitration 05:25 From Vet Dreams to Law School 13:38 Navigating Law School and Career Advice 18:11 Living Abroad and Cultural Insights 21:28 Pets and Personal Life 23:04 Conclusion BIOGRAPHY Lena Raxter is a dual-qualified lawyer (District of Columbia, USA; Ontario, Canada) and an international dispute specialist who earned an Advanced LL.M. in International Dispute Settlement and Arbitration from Leiden University (cum laude) and J.D. degrees from American University WCL and the University of Ottawa. She currently serves as Legal Advisor to ILC Member Claudio Grossman and as an Attorney-Advisor in the Office of the General Counsel at the U.S. International Trade Commission, after internships and roles at the ILC, ICSID, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the UN Office of Legal Affairs, and related clinics. Lena pairs strong academic credentials with practical experience in investor-state and public international law. LINKS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenaraxter/ Paper: "Responsibility After Succession: The Work of the International Law Commission and its Application for Seeking Redress after the Breach of Investor-State Agreements" https://itainreview.org/articles/2025/Vol7/Issue2/jurisdiction-ratione-loci-the-effect-of-the-crimea-cases-on-analyzing-territorial-jurisdiction-in-situations-of-occupation-and-annexation.html CIArb Winner Announcement: https://www.ciarbnab.com/lena-raxter-wins-second-annual-writing-competition/

    24 min
  8. Researcher, Author, and Founder Dr. Darya Shirokova

    15/10/2025

    Researcher, Author, and Founder Dr. Darya Shirokova

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Darya Shirokova (former Assistant Director for the Institute for Transnational Arbitration (ITA), currently Founder of Houston Place of Arbitration) during the ITA Annual Conference and Workshop. She discusses her journey in international arbitration and shares her educational background, having studied in Russia, France, and the UK, and her professional experiences at the ICC in Paris and arbitration cases involving large energy firms. She talks about her Ph.D research, her upcoming book "The Fiction of 'State Contract' in the Energy Industry: The Empirical Gap between the Intentions of the Parties and the Interpretation of Contracts by Arbitral Tribunals", and the challenges of writing it. Dr. Shirokova also opens up about the difficulty of passing the California bar exam and her future plans to develop Houston as a hub for arbitration. STORY 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Meet Dr. Darya Shirokova 01:46 Journey into Law and Arbitration 02:17 Educational Background and Career Path 04:27 The Importance of Language in Law 05:38 Writing and Publishing a Book 08:53 Challenges and Perseverance 13:06 Future Projects and Advice 14:04 Personal Life and Hobbies 14:45 Final Thoughts BIOGRAPHY Dr. Darya Shirokova is a triple-qualified lawyer (U.S. – California, France, and the Russian Federation) specializing in energy contracts and international arbitration, both commercial and investment. As part of a Ph.D. focused on the intersection of law and energy, Dr. Shirokova analyzed over 500 energy contracts concluded between states and private entities. Before pursuing doctoral research, she served at the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris, managing hundreds of complex arbitration cases across diverse sectors, including intellectual property and large-scale energy disputes exceeding USD 10 billion. LINKS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-darya-shirokova-19a24317/ Book "The Fiction of State Contract in the Energy Industry" available at: https://law-store.wolterskluwer.com/s/product/the-fiction-of-state-contract-in-the-energy-industry-the-empirical/01tPg00000D8Lz9IAF Houston Place of Arbitration: https://www.linkedin.com/company/houston-place-of-arbitration/

    16 min
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About

The Advocate Next Door podcast captures in-person unscripted interviews of admirable advocates who share how they got started, why they advocate for others, and pass on advice for a future generation! Each episode is a warm look at how advocates make a difference and how they got started. We spotlight passionate advocates from lawyers, public officials, generals, technology developers, court and law firm staff, teachers, thinkers, dreamers—no advocacy is too small! This program is not sponsored or affiliated with any group or organization to maintain a genuine conversation with the advocate, which may also include interviews in Spanish. If you know an advocate in the Washington, DC area, send us tips at kelby.ballena@hugheshubbard.com. *Disclaimer: For entertainment purposes only. Co-host, Kelby Ballena, is an international specialist and legal operations professional (non-lawyer) at the "Big Law" firm, Hughes Hubbard and Reed LLP. He's been in the legal industry for over 25-years in various practice areas. His experience ranges from complex international legal cases, to teaching and simplifying best practices for those joining the legal field, to motivating efficiency and collaborations among professionals to serve our community. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelbyballena/ Co-host, Margarita Rosa Arango, is a Colombian attorney and recent LL.M 2024 graduate from American University's Washington College of Law. She practiced international public and human rights law for Colombia before arriving to the U.S. https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaritaarangor/

Information

  • Creator
    Kelby Ballena, Margarita Rosa Arango
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Trademark pending; Copyright All Rights Reserved 2024
  • Show Website
    The Advocate Next Door