Introduction
The LLM in Dispute Resolution is considered the premier program in dispute resolution and offers students the most amount of flexibility in their dispute resolution education. This 26 unit program is structured with a balance of theory and practice; students will focus on a variety of ADR mechanisms including negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, as well as gain practice through the requisite Mediation Clinic and Externship program.
Students can follow a more general course of study without a concentration, or declare a concentration in mediation, arbitration or litigation.
Available Concentrations
Mediation
Students in the LLM in Dispute Resolution can pursue a concentration in Mediation. This concentration will allow students to use their electives to focus on aspects of the mediation process.
Students in the Mediation Concentration will be asked to declare their concentration prior to graduation, and must include three of the below courses:
Advanced Mediation
Mediation Clinic
Cross-Cultural Conflict and Dispute Resolution
Divorce and Family Mediation
Environmental and Public Policy Dispute Resolution
Selected Issues in Dispute Resolution: Apology, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation
Related Thesis or Independent Study with advisor approval
Arbitration
Students in the LLM in Dispute Resolution can pursue a concentration in Arbitration. This concentration provides students with the flexibility to balance both domestic and international arbitration topics.
Students in the Arbitration Concentration will be asked to declare their concentration prior to graduation, and must include three of the below courses:
Arbitration Law or Arbitration Practice and Advocacy
International Commercial Arbitration Theory and Doctrine
International Commercial Arbitration Procedure and Practice
International Investment Disputes
Arbitration Law and the Securities Industry
Related Thesis or Independent Study with advisor approval
Litigation
Students in the LLM in Dispute Resolution can pursue a concentration in Litigation. This concentration focuses on understanding the U.S. legal process and will give students the opportunity to take traditional practice-oriented law courses.
Students in the Litigation Concentration will be asked to declare their concentration prior to graduation, and must include three of the below courses:
Trial Practice and Settlement
Trial Practice
Advanced Trial Practice
Appellate Advocacy
Complex Litigation
International Ligation
Lawyering Process
Related Thesis or Independent Study with advisor approval
Why Get an LLM from Pepperdine?
Qualify for the NY or CA Bar While Focusing in ADR
With the increased use of dispute resolution, more international attorneys and judges are choosing to specialize in negotiation, mediation or arbitration while meeting the requirements to sit for the California or New York Bar exam
An Executive Format that offers Flexible Scheduling
With courses available in one-week, two-weekend, and the traditional full-semester format, professionals in the field can pursue the program on a part-time or full-time basis at a pace that matches their busy schedule.
Now Offering the LLM to JD Transfer Program
Pepperdine LLM students now have the opportunity to apply to the JD Program as transfer students without taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
Summer Legal English Training Program
This four-week training program is designed to strengthen legal speaking, listening, reading and writing abilities for non-native speakers, and will meet for four weeks in July.
Award Winning Dispute Resolution Education
In addition to U.S. News & World Report, Pepperdine has been recognized by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, California Dispute Resolution Council, American College of Civil Trial Mediators and the International Academy of Mediators.
Translate Theory into Practice
Gain practical experience learning to negotiate, mediate and arbitrate. Students have the opportunity to develop their skills mediating real cases through the clinical and externship programs.
Most Extensive Dispute Resolution Curriculum
Pepperdine offers the most comprehensive curriculum with over 50 different dispute resolution courses for the Certificate, Masters, and LLM in Dispute Resolution programs, including several dispute resolution clinics and externships.
Scholarships
Due to its commitment to access to education, the Straus Institute has traditionally offered generous scholarships to students based on merit and need and we are proud to continue to offer scholarships through 2019. All students are considered for partial scholarships at the point of application without any additional documentation needed. In addition, the Straus Institute offers one full-tuition scholarship per academic year.
World's Largest Conflict Resolution Library
Pepperdine is home to the American Arbitration Association Library and Information Center Collection. Founded in 1954 the AAA Library is the largest collection of conflict materials with over 24,000 titles.
