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Pepperdine | Caruso School of Law

Fully Employed MBA Concentration/Certificate in Dispute Resolution 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 2832 . International Commercial Arbitration Theory and Doctrine^ (2) 
    This course is a study of foundational principles, assumptions and debates associated with international commercial arbitration.  On a comparative basis, the course examines sources of law and guidance including national legislation, treaties, institutional rules ans soft law texts.  The course will also explore common precepts of international importance such as party autonomy, the efficacy of international arbitral agreements and awards, the role of the arbitral seat, the severability of the arbitration clause, jurisdictional competence of the arbitral tribunal, and the independence and impartiality of arbitrators.

  • Law 2902. International Commercial Arbitration Procedure and Practice^ (2) 
    This course studies prevailing procedural models common to international commercial arbitration in light of common law and civil law traditions, the role of institutions, party autonomy and emerging best practices.  Students consider both pre-dispute planning and post-dispute strategies for ensuring effective proceedings that will lead to enforceable awards.  The course stresses the critically important interplay among counsel, the arbitrators, arbitral institutions and the courts.  Students are also introduced to the rudiments of successful advocacy. 

LEGL 684 Business Negotiation and the Resolution of Conflict Course (4)

Choose two of the following Elective Courses for the Concentration Or
Choose three of the following Elective Courses for the Certificate in Dispute Resolution. **

Admission to Straus Institute's Certificate program requires the submission of the Certificate Application Form.

Advanced Mediation Seminar
Advanced Trial Practice+
Appellate Advocacy+
Arbitration Law* +
Arbitration Law in the Securities Industry (with advisor approval, 2L JD students have priority)*
Arbitration Practice and Advocacy*
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
Ethical Considerations in International Commercial Arbitration
Faith-Based Diplomacy and International Peacemaking 
International Commercial Arbitration Procedure and Practice*
International Commercial Arbitration Theory and Doctrine *
International Investment Disputes
International Litigation+
Interviewing, Counseling and Planning
Introduction to U.S. Law (non JD only)
Lawyering Process+
Psychology of Conflict Communication
Restorative Justice
Selected Issues in Dispute Resolution:
      Advanced Decision Analysis

      Apology, Forgiveness and Reconciliation

      Conflict Consulting and Coaching

      Decision Making Under Conflict

      Dispute Resolution Systems Design

      Dispute Resolution and Technology

      Employment Disputes

      Entertainment Industry Disputes

      Ethical Practices in Dispute Resolution

      Facilitating Dynamic Groups

      Healthcare Dispute Resolution

      Ideological Foundations for Third Party Processes

      Intellectual Property

      International Identity Based Conflict and Dispute Resolution

      Labor Disputes

      Managing Litigation and Conflict for Corporations and Organizations

      Mediation Advocacy

      Ombuds

      Online Dispute Resolution

      Products Liability and ADR

      Settling Mass Torts

      Sports Disputes

      Strategic Alliances

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 LLM candidates.
This course meets the MBA Global Requirement