LLM in Dispute Resolution

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.

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.

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. 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.

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