Emma Van Campenhoudt

Emma Van Campenhoudt began her career at CEPANI in 2004 as a part-time legal counsel and now serves as Secretary General and board member. Over the years, she has transitioned through various roles within the institution, developing a diverse skill set. Initially focused on overseeing ADR cases, her responsibilities now include managing complex legal issues and strategic decision-making. This evolution has fostered her growth in leadership, communication, and strategic skills. She finds the multifaceted nature of her role stimulating, involving oversight of organizational operations and external representation. Adaptability is crucial, and she embraces continual learning and growth.

Could you describe CEPANI, the Belgian Centre from Arbitration and Mediation in a few words?

CEPANI is the Belgian Centre for Arbitration and Mediation.  CEPANI is a one stop shop. One stop dispute (re)solution provider.

From arbitration to mediation and other ADR we offer the necessary administrative support.  We offer a multitude of ADR rules  tailored to the needs of companies and company lawyers, whatever the sector they’re operating in. CEPANI’s set of Rules stand firm at the forefront of resolving disputes with efficiency and with 55 years of experience in managing disputes.

Could you describe the development of your career so far? Why have you found this work so interesting?

I’ve started my career at CEPANI in 2004 as part time legal counsel and I am now serving as Secretary General and member of the board.  My journey from counsel to Secretary General has been marked by occupying every possible function within the institution, many diverse experiences and many roles that each time required a broadened and enhanced set of skills and abilities.  Fresh out of law school, as counsel @CEPANI and simultaneously attorney at the Brussels Bar, I was mainly in charge of the follow up of the French and English ADR cases that were introduced at CEPANI. As Secretary General I still oversee all cases but am mainly involved when a more complex legal or other issues arise or when an overall strategic view or sensitive decision making is necessary.  I thus transitioned to a role that implied increased responsibility, increased challenges (and sometimes frustrations) that allows (and requires) me to develop leadership, communication, and strategic skills.  To be honest,  on all fronts, I learn and learn to adapt every day.

What I find stimulating is the multifaceted nature of my function, beyond the purely legal aspects. From overseeing organizational operations to representing the institution externally, every day presents new challenges and opportunities. The function requires me to wear many hats and adapt to ever-changing circumstances.

How has your role in CEPANI developed over time?

CEPANI has evolved significantly over the years in line with arbitration in general. CEPANI has adapted its procedural rules, expanded its international reach, improved case management, emphasized transparency, and embraced technology. Navigating this evolving landscape demands adaptability, particularly in managing relationships, addressing conflicts of interest, and embracing internationalization.  Hence, over time, my role has evolved,  from case manager primarily focusing on legal and administrative assistance of the arbitration and mediation proceedings managed by CEPANI to broader responsibilities as a Secretary General which, in addition to legal aspects;, includes leadership responsibilities, such as managing the CEPANI team, developing strategic initiatives, overseeing events, initiatives with sister organisations, exploring new projects, financial planning, reviewing rules, and representing the organization in Belgium and overseas.

What is a typical day/week like for you? What are your favourite types of tasks?

Each day is different. One minute, I might be immersed in a decision to be taken by the CEPANI Secretariat in an ongoing arbitration procedure, which must be handled efficiently meaning quick reaction is necessary, the next, ensuring compliance, overseeing the website, follow up on an academic program, task forces to gather, corporate housekeeping, KYC, contacting partners, meet up and get to know the CEPANI members better, financial planning, princely missions, budgeting processes… 

I also devote time to driving forward new projects and initiatives, including internationally, so travel is often a part of my schedule, whether it's for meetings, conferences, or representing the organization in various forums.

I enjoy the diversity that comes with my role in general, however, if I had to choose, I find launching and accompanying new projects particularly exciting.  For example, we are currently devoting a lot of time to present a new vision for CEPANI which is extremely promising and therefore stimulating; in that perspective I am now following the training to be accredited mediator.  You will find out more soon!

What are the major challenges that you currently foresee on the horizon?

The global landscape of arbitration is becoming more competitive, with emerging arbitral institutions alongside established players. To remain competitive, arbitral institutions must continuously innovate, differentiate their services, and adapt to the evolving needs and preferences of users.

Additionally one major challenge for arbitral institutions is keeping pace with technological advancements and adapting their processes to leverage digital tools effectively. As technology continues to evolve, there's a growing need for arbitral institutions to embrace innovations such as online case management systems, virtual hearings, and electronic evidence platforms. Ensuring the security, reliability, and accessibility of these technologies while maintaining procedural fairness and due process will be critical.

Another challenge is maintaining and enhancing the credibility and integrity of the arbitration process amidst increasing scrutiny and demands for transparency. Arbitral institutions must strive to uphold high standards of ethics, professionalism, and accountability, while also addressing concerns about diversity, impartiality, and the legitimacy of arbitral awards. Maintaining the efficiency, fairness, effectiveness of the dispute resolution processes and the integrity of the arbitral institution is my main concern.

CEPANI celebrates its 55th anniversary on 23 May 2024. Could you tell us more about this anniversary and why company lawyers certainly should attend the celebration?

The 55th anniversary of CEPANI represents over five decades of excellence in dispute resolution services. Five decades of unwavering dedication and commitment from CEPANI's presidents, board of directors, dedicated staff and over 300 members.  CEPANI owes its success to them and, obviously and foremost, to all companies and company lawyers who have entrusted us with solving their disputes.  We are celebrating and thanking all of them. Personally I'm honoured and fortunate to have worked alongside the presidents I have worked with, board members and invaluable and such dedicated staff without whom CEPANI would not be where it is today.

The festivities will be held at the majestic Hôtel de Mérode offering an impressive lineup of speakers, including former Minister of Justice Mr. Koen Geens, Mr. Michael Buhler, and Ms. Teresa Giovannini.  It is also the opportunity to support a cause that I find deeply important and meaningful: Kickcancer whose purpose is to fund research on paediatric cancer to find new treatments, improve existing ones, and kick children’s cancer to send it far, far away and may it never come back!

Company lawyers play a crucial role in preventing judicial and administrative proceedings, in a country where their number, backlog and lack of funding are high. In the event of a dispute, the company lawyer is best placed to promote the application of alternative methods of dispute resolution, such as arbitration and mediation.  In a nutshell the company lawyers presence is not just desired; it's essential for the seamless execution, promotion, and success of ADR in general.  I would be very happy and grateful to see many IBJ-IJE members there!

As was stated once: “Disputes are generally not an academic exercise but are about protecting corporate value. Company Lawyers have the right to demand change as custodian of this value and they also have the ability to drive change as they hold the purse strings. They represent a key link between the legal world and the commercial one, balancing the need for effective dispute resolution with the hard-earned experience of how best to get results.” How best to start this than by attending a festive and enjoyable celebration and networking opportunity amongst firm believers of dispute resolution.  What could possibly go wrong?