Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Certificate - LLM
USC Gould School of Law

Earning a certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in addition to your LLM degree gives you a thorough grounding in ADR processes and hands-on experience in managing conflicts between parties. It also offers you a credential that demonstrates your specialized training in this growing field.

Students are limited to pursuing one certificate with their degree.

Certificate Requirements

To earn the certificate, you must take at least 12 units of mandatory and elective courses. Sample elective courses are provided below. We encourage students to complete the mandatory courses in their first semester. Students must complete at least 8 units of numeric grading within the certificate courses and should consult with an academic advisor to confirm enrollment in the correct elective courses, as electives may vary by year.

The ADR courses emphasize the importance of acquiring both strong legal skills and familiarity with business concepts. The curriculum features a combination of lecture-style and skill-based courses that are taught in a workshop format.

Mandatory Courses

• ADR Ethics
• ADR Law and Policy, Arbitration and Mediation

Elective Courses (8 or more units)

• ADR Clause Drafting
• Arbitration Advocacy
• Arbitration in the United States
• Cross-Cultural Dispute Resolution
• Divorce & Family Mediation
• Employment Dispute Mediation
• International Arbitration
• International Investment Law and Arbitration
• International Negotiation and Mediation
• Labor Arbitration
• Mediation Advocacy
• Negotiation Theory and Application
• Special Education Law Dispute Resolution

Not all courses are offered every year. Courses are open to all students, not just those pursuing a certificate. You must earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.6 in your certificate coursework to earn the ADR certificate.

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