LLM in Dispute Resolution
Build Expertise in Dispute Resolution
The LLM in Dispute Resolution prepares attorneys and law graduates to strengthen their practice through advanced study in negotiation, mediation, arbitration, litigation, and conflict resolution. Students build legal knowledge alongside practical skills that can be applied across private practice, business, government, and nonprofit settings.
Straus offers more dispute resolution academic programs than any other American law school and more than 45 courses covering specialized areas of dispute resolution. This breadth of study allows students to tailor their coursework to their professional interests while learning from faculty who continue to advance the field through practice, research, and leadership.
LLM in Dispute Resolution Program Benefits
The Nation’s Premier LLM in Dispute Resolution
Study at the Straus Institute, which offers more dispute resolution academic programs than any other American law school and is consistently recognized among the nation's top dispute resolution programs
Practice Ready Legal Training
Apply legal theory through experiential learning opportunities, including simulations, the Mediation Clinic, and externships that prepare students for professional practice.
Quick Facts
| Format: | In-Person or Online |
| Enrollment Options: | Part-Time or Full-Time |
| Length: | 12 - 24 Months |
| Start Term: | Fall |
| Units: | 24 |
| Location: | Malibu |
Built for Attorneys
An advanced curriculum designed for attorneys and law graduates seeking specialized expertise in dispute resolution.
45+ Specialized Courses
Choose from one of the most comprehensive dispute resolution curricula, with courses covering mediation, arbitration, negotiation, litigation, international dispute resolution, and more.
Distinguished Faculty
Learn from respected scholars, practicing attorneys, mediators, arbitrators, and judges who continue to influence the field.
Global Perspective
Explore dispute resolution through international coursework, visiting faculty, and study opportunities that examine legal systems around the world.
Professional Network
Connect with attorneys, judges, mediators, arbitrators, and legal professionals from across the United States and around the world.
Flexible Program Options
Complete the LLM in Dispute Resolution in 12–24 months through full-time or part-time study options designed for attorneys and law graduates.
Concentrations
Mediation
This concentration will allow students to use their electives to focus on aspects of the mediation process.
Arbitration
This concentration provides students with the flexibility to balance both domestic and international arbitration topics.
Litigation
This concentration focuses on understanding the US legal process through practice-oriented law courses.
Degrees/Program
Tailor your degree from the nine degrees/programs available.
Dispute Resolution Courses
Choose from more than 50 courses in Dispute Resolution.
Top-Ranked Program
Top-ranked for dispute resolution in the US 16 times the last 21 years (USNWR).
International Alumni
Our alumni represent more than 63 countries.
Top Choice
More students have chosen our MDR program than any other institution in the US.
Why Pepperdine
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law has experienced remarkable growth and distinction among American law schools, marked by rising national recognition and a strong commitment to excellence. As part of a Christ-centered university, we combine rigorous legal training with enduring values that shape both professional preparation and personal formation.
Our community reflects a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, united by a shared
commitment to academic rigor, character, and purpose. Here, students are challenged
and supported to grow beyond what they thought possible and to pursue lives of meaning,
leadership, and service.
Beautiful Malibu, CA Campus
Flexible Course Schedules
Small Class Sizes
7:1 Student:Faculty
Global Alumni Network
Take the Next Step
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's LLM in Dispute Resolution program.
Get In Touch
Fill out the Request Information form to learn about the opportunities that await you and get in contact with a recruiter.
Attend an Info Session
Join us to get an in-depth look into Caruso Law, our distinct program offerings and our admissions process, while engaging in Q&A.
Start Your Application
Accepted on a rolling basis, applications need to be submitted prior to the intended start date and up to one year in advance.
Admission and Tuition
Application Requirements
Applicants for admission to the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law's Master of Laws program must have completed the first degree of law required for law practice or law teaching in the country in which law studies were pursued.
Candidates must submit the following materials to be considered for admission:
- Application through LSAC
- Official transcripts for all degrees earned or in-progress, including any available class rankings. Transcripts originating outside the United States must be evaluated before submission to Pepperdine
- One to two page personal statement
- Current resumé or CV
- Two narrative letters of recommendation or completed Personal Evaluation Forms
Tuition
Scholarships
Let Us Show You Around
The law school is perched atop the iconic Pepperdine University Malibu, California campus. Let us take you on a tour through the entire law school, from the classrooms to the on-campus housing and show you all of the people and resources available to equip you with all you need to succeed in your legal education.
Testimonial
Although I had over 10 years of mediation and ADR practice before coming to Pepperdine, the LLM program at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution truly enabled me to raise my skills and academic education to new levels.
LLM '18
Accreditations and Recognitions
Krestina Torossian
Senior Manager, Recruitment and Admissions
Email
310.506.4314
Take the Next Step
Learn more about Pepperdine's LLM in Dispute Resolution