Pepperdine Caruso Law Leads Successful Online LLM Program in Dispute Resolution Residency
Pepperdine Caruso Law's online LLM Program in Dispute Resolution provides students with the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in both remote and on-ground learning experiences. As part of this enriching curriculum, students travel to campus twice during their degree program to engage in hands-on learning and witness dispute-resolution practices firsthand.
Professor Peter Robinson designed "Residency Two," which offers a comprehensive look into the world of mediation and arbitration. This residency includes visits to key mediation and arbitration providers in Los Angeles, participation in community mediation programs, and interactive on-campus sessions that focus on mediation and arbitration through role-playing and in-depth discussions.
In December, professors Robinson and Stephanie Blondell led a cohort of Pepperdine Caruso Law LLM students on a dynamic exploration of mediation in action throughout Los Angeles. The journey began with a visit to the downtown JAMS office, where students were welcomed by Julie Ware, Business Manager at JAMS, and Ben Root, an alumnus of the online LLM Program and Executive Director of the Mediation Center of Los Angeles. They also heard from Saminh Greenberg of the LA City Attorney's Office Neighborhood Justice Program, who shared valuable insights into community mediation efforts.
After a lunch break at the Los Angeles Police Department café, the students engaged with Sgt. Dr. Thomas Datro who presented the emotional intelligence curriculum he leads in the LAPD's Training Division. The day concluded with a visit to the American Arbitration Association (AAA), where students met with industry professionals Fernanda Flores, ICDR director; Erin Brennan, ICDR director; Michael Powel, vice president AAA; and Lise Prisarojn, an MDR alumna and AAA mediation aanager.
The first day ended with a social dinner hosted by Caruso Law academic dean Jason Jarvis at his home. The event allowed students to reflect and connect in a more informal setting.
On day two of the residency, participants studied President Abraham Lincoln's historical and legal legacy with professor Tom Stipanowich, explored practice development strategies with commercial mediator Denise Madigan, and examined an arbitration case study led by Greg Wood, a Pepperdine ADR certificate graduate and seasoned arbitrator.
The residency experience enhanced students' academic knowledge and provided them with real-world exposure to dispute resolution practices, broadening their perspectives and equipping them with practical skills for their future careers.
A memorable moment captured during the program features two students—a current mayor and a former mayor—standing together at the LAPD campus. The mayors embody the program's diverse and accomplished student body.
Pictured:
Casey Hoffman, mayor, Menominee, MN
John Tomlinson, former mayor and council member, Dana Point, CA