I have a foreign law degree, am I eligible for the LLM at Pepperdine Caruso Law?
International students that have the first degree of law required to practice law
in their country are eligible to apply for the LLM in Dispute Resolution program.
Do I need to get my transcripts evaluated?
All foreign transcripts must be evaluated through an evaluation agency. Applicants
for the LLM in Dispute Resolution can have their transcripts evaluated by LSAC's LLM
Credential Assembly Service if they are applying online via LSAC. This is the recommended
method of application.
Applicants applying using our paper application form will not be able to use LSAC's
evaluation service without paying for all of their services. These applicants have
the option to use WES to evaluate their transcripts.
Students applying to the Certificate or Master's in Dispute Resolution are also required
to have their transcripts evaluated through WES. Applicants will need to select the
course-by-course evaluation option.
Do I need to take an English Proficiency Exam?
The Straus Institute's academic programs rely heavily on class discussions, stimulating
simulated exercises and written papers, so it is imperative that international applicants
are able to demonstrate a proficiency in English. English proficiency is determined
by the TOEFL or IELTS exam, as well as a Skype or in person interview.
Those that received the majority of their education in English and feel they meet
our language requirements can submit a proposal to waive the English proficiency examination
requirement. This proposal must outline the applicant's English education/training,
describe how they feel they meet our language requirements and provide supporting
documentation. This can be sent to dracademics@pepperdine.edu, and will be considered with a Skype or in person interview.
Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law has partnered with UCLA's American Language Center and UC Irvine's Extension Center to allow their international students to qualify for the graduate programs at Straus
without the need for a TOEFL or IELTS score! Once the UC student finishes the highest
level of English instruction in any of the above-referenced schools, the language
proficiency requirement for applying to Straus is waived. Applicants opting to participate
in the English Center Partner Programs may also apply for conditional admission that
will allow applicants to take English courses prior to starting their LLM until they
can demonstrate English Proficiency by completing the designated level at an approved
partner. In other words, applicants will not be able to start their LLM coursework
until they meet Pepperdine's language requirements. Applicants will be able to gain
full admission after submitting a completion Certificate and participating in a Skype
interview. Additional details can be found on the English Center Partner Programs
website.
Will I be able to sit for the California or New York Bar?
International students with a foreign law degree are eligible to sit for the California
Bar Exam with one year of advanced law study. Many graduates of the LLM in Dispute
Resolution program have been able to sit for the CA Bar Exam. Additional information
on these requirements can be found on the California Bar Exam or New York Bar Exam
website.
Do I need to complete the program in one year?
All international students pursuing an academic program are required to maintain full-time
status to qualify for an F-1 student visa. Most international students will complete
their coursework in 2 - 3 semesters, but the minimum requirements to be considered
a full-time student is 8 units per semester.
Working professional also have the option to commute for the program using our one
week and two-weekend intensive formats. In addition to the commuting option, students
can also choose to split their coursework over two summers.
Are courses only available in Malibu?
In addition to the Malibu program, Pepperdine has recently partnered with Heidelberg
University to transfer 8 units of coursework to Pepperdine's LLM program. The Pepperdine-Heidelberg
Collaborative allows German speaking students the opportunity to complete the LLM
with only one semester of residence in California.
In addition to the Heidelberg program, Pepperdine is scheduled to start a pilot program
at Pepperdine's London campus offering extended weekend courses in London, requiring
a portion of the summer and two one-week intensives in Malibu.
I want to be a mediator. Should I participate in a training program or get a Certificate
or LLM in Dispute Resolution?
If your interest is in volunteering at the courthouse, the Mediating the Litigated
Case program will meet the minimum requirements of many courthouses without making
the investment of an educational degree. If your interest is in going into private
practice, the Certificate and LLM program will provide you with more credibility than
any training program.
The academic programs provide an academic understanding of dispute resolution processes
through the exposure to relevant literature as well as extensive conversations about
practical skills and techniques. In addition to basic courses, elective courses include
topics in Divorce and Family Mediation, Dispute Resolution Systems Design, Ombuds,
Employment Dispute Resolution, and various other topics. Students in the LLM program
are required to develop their mediation skills though the Mediation Clinic class where
students are able to mediate cases at various courts within Los Angeles County.
I have a full-time law practice, what are my options as a part-time student?
The Straus Institute recognizes the schedule limitations for busy professionals, and
offers the Certificate, MDR, and LLM programs with full-time or part-time options.
Students can coordinate their participation in our academic programs with the pace
of their professional and family commitments by taking advantage of one week, two
weekend and evening courses at the Malibu campus.
I don't live in California, can I still participate in the program?
The Straus Institute's courses are offered in a variety of formats including one week,
two weekend, and fifteen week formats. Students have commuted from various locations
across the nation including Texas, New Jersey, Tennessee, Alaska, Hawaii, Utah, Alabama,
South Carolina, North Carolina and Arizona. Many of these commuting students take
advantage of the two weekend courses offered at the Irvine campus, which is across
the street from the John Wayne Airport. Commuting students can also participate in
the intensive summer programs and the weekend courses offered at the Malibu campus.