Opportunities for Lawyers and Judges
There are several options available for Lawyers and Judges looking for additional training in dispute resolution. Our Professional Training Programs and Conferences are available for those looking for short-term training options while our Certificate and LLM programs in Dispute Resolution provide a more comprehensive educational experience. Both academic programs can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis so candidates don't need to put their practices or lives on hold to participate in our academic programs, and can cater the program to meet their schedule!
Professional Training Programs and Conferences
The Straus Institute offers a variety of Training Programs and Conferences ranging from three-day conferences to six day mediation training programs. The Professional Skills Program Conference (PSP) is offered in Malibu (summer), Baltimore, Maryland (spring), and our newest program in Nashville, Tennessee (fall). The skills building workshops cover a full range of dispute resolution topics including negotiation, introductory mediation, advanced mediation, arbitration and a variety of area s of specialization. Participants arrive annually from locations all over the nation and the world from a variety of professions, and in 2007 included a group of judges from Jordan.
Those looking to mediate in the courthouse or with other panels can receive more extensive training through the Mediating the Litigated Case Program. Mediating the Litigated Case is a 42 hour mediation and negotiation program for lawyers, judges and other professionals in the field offered several times a year traditionally in Malibu, West Los Angeles, Orange County, and Washington D.C., and also in select locations which have included Malaysia, Chicago, Hawaii, and China. Participants and organizations from all around the nation participate in this program in either the one week or two weekend format. This program traditionally sells out months in advance, so register early!
Academic Programs
Judges and Attorneys looking to establish themselves as experts in the field of dispute resolution can participate in our Certificate or Masters of Laws (LLM) in Dispute Resolution program. Straus' Academic Program was created for professionals in the field, and their academic program can be catered to meet the full-time or part-time needs of the students. The two-weekend course format has enabled students to commute from all over the nation including Alaska, Hawaii, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas.
Certificate in Dispute Resolution
The Certificate program is a 14 unit program consisting of foundational courses in Mediation, Negotiation and Arbitration. Students can complete the program full-time in one semester or over three years as a part-time student. Attorneys and Judges who participate in the Certificate program are looking for more depth than can be provided by professional training programs and the additional credibility of the Academic Certificate Program. Those that complete the Certificate program and want additional training can reapply for our LLM, and if accepted can transfer their Certificate units into the LLM program.
Masters of Law (LLM) in Dispute Resolution
The Master of Laws or LLM is a 26 unit advanced law degree available exclusively for attorneys or judges. Applicants for our LLM program must have completed the first degree of law required to practice or teach law. For candidates in the United States this requires a JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school. The following LLM programs are available at Pepperdine:
- LLM in International Commercial Arbitration (ICA)
- LLM in International Commercial Law and Arbitration (ICLA)
- LLM in International Commercial Law and Dispute Resolution (ICLDR)
- LLM in US Law and Dispute Resolution
- LLM in US Law and Entertainment Media and Sports
The LLM can be completed as a full-time student in two semesters, or can take up to three years as a part-time student. The LLM programs with focus on international commercial arbitration, including the ICA, ICLA and ICLDR programs, will have a requisite sequence of courses that will start in the Fall and continue into the Spring semester. Students electing these degrees are encouraged to start in the Fall semester, those not doing so will need to start with their elective coursework.
Most LLM programs will provide enough electives for international students to be able to sit for the New York or California bar exam. Those electing the ICLA or ICLDR may need to take extra coursework to qualify for a bar exam.
