Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution

Full-time MBA Concentration/Certificate Program

Dispute Resolution Course Requirements

Law 1422. Mediation Theory and Practice (2)
This course explores the various theories underlying and practices basic to mediation. The mediation process is organized into a series of stages, and basic mediation skills and techniques appropriate to each stage are identified and cultivated. Simulations and experiential exercises provide students with an opportunity to develop proficiency as mediators and to rigorously analyze appropriate roles and behavior as mediators and advocates taking into account the legal, ethical and public policy issues surrounding the practice of mediation.

Choose one of the following Arbitration Required Courses:

• Law 1632. Arbitration Practice and Advocacy (2)
  Today many business and employment disputes are resolved through out-of-court binding arbitration processes. This intensive, interactive course is designed to provide students with a practical grounding in counseling and advocacy skills required for state-of-the-art arbitration practice through problems and exercises simulating common arbitration scenarios in which students play the parts of lawyers, arbitrators and parties. Students learn how to draft dispute resolution agreements for arbitration and how to advise clients on many different aspects of arbitration, including the suitability of arbitration as an alternative to negotiation, mediation or litigation. They also experience advocacy roles at all stages of arbitration, including the filing of an arbitration demand, the selection of arbitrators, planning for and conducting hearings, the publication of a final decision (award), and the enforcement or setting aside of an award. The course emphasizes modern commercial and employment arbitration in the U.S. but also includes references to international, consumer, securities and labor arbitration.
• Law 372. International Commercial Arbitration (2)
  This course provides a comprehensive overview of international arbitration law and practice. Topics explored include the making and enforcement of arbitration agreements; the selection and appointment of the arbitral tribunal; preliminary proceedings, including procedural orders and interim relief; the arbitration hearing; and the making and enforcement of the arbitral award. Particular attention is paid to the enforcement of arbitration agreements and awards, the role of the New York Convention of the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards and other treaties, and their interplay with national laws as a backdrop for private arbitration agreements.

Law 1712. Interviewing, Counseling, and Planning (2)
This course develops the craft of the lawyer in client interviewing and counseling. It examines the theoretical framework and strengths and weaknesses of prevailing models of attorney-client relationships with a focus on planning and decision-making. Authoritative, client-centered, and collaborative approaches are explored and compared. The class also examines principles of moral responsibility underlying this critical aspect of a lawyer's role. Emphasis is on learning competent and ethical interviewing and counseling skills through simulated exercises, case studies and discussions.

Law 1492. Negotiation Theory and Practice (2)
This course examines the theory and practice of negotiation as a process used to put deals together or to resolve disputes and legal claims. Students learn about competitive positional bargaining and collaborative problem solving and acquire insight into the strategic management of the tension between the two approaches. Through simulated exercises, students develop skills and confidence a s negotiators, including an awareness of the psychological encouragements and barriers to consensus. Special challenges of multi-party negotiations are addressed with an emphasis on the attorney-client relationship, including applicable ethical standards, codes, and law.  Will also accept transfer credit for LEGL 631 Negotiation and Resolution of Business Disputes (2 units), but students can not take both courses.

Choose three of the following Elective Courses
** Admission to Straus Institute's Certificate program requires the submission of a one-page Certificate Application Form

Advanced Mediation Seminar
Advanced Trial Practice⁺
Appellate Advocacy⁺
Arbitration Law⁺*
Arbitration Practice and Advocacy*
Communication and Conflict
Cross-Cultural Conflict and Dispute Resolution
Current Issues in International Dispute Resolution:
      London/Geneva
      Hong Kong/Beijing
Dispute Resolution in Education
Dispute Resolution and Religion
Divorce and Family Mediation
Environmental and Public Policy Dispute Resolution
International Commercial Arbitration*
International Investment Disputes
International Litigation⁺
Introduction to Legal Processes (non-law students and non-attorneys only)
Lawyering Process⁺
Psychology of Conflict
Restorative Justice
Selected Issues in Dispute Resolution:
      Apology, Forgiveness and Reconciliation
      Dispute Resolution Systems Design
      Dispute Resolution and Technology
      Employment Disputes
      Entertainment Industry Disputes
      Faith-Based Diplomacy and International Peacemaking
      Healthcare Dispute Resolution
      Ideological Foundations for Third Party Processes
      Intellectual Property
      Labor Disputes
      Managing Litigation and Conflict for Corporations and Organizations
      Mass Torts
      Ombuds
Trial Practice⁺
Trial Preparation and Settlement⁺
or a Substantive Law Class with Institute Approval (non-law students only)

*If this course was not taken to fulfill the arbitration requirement, it can be taken as an elective.

+This course is only available to law students, law school graduates or LL.M. candidates.