ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
2017 NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
APPLY AT gould.usc.edu/go/ADRdegrees
n Minimum of Bachelor's degree for M.D.R. n Minimum of Law degree (J.D., LL.B. or the equivalent) for LL.M. in ADR n Official transcripts from all universities attended n Personal statement n Two letters of recommendation n Résumé n Completed application n LSAT: not required
EARN A MASTER’S DEGREE IN ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION FROM A TOP-RANKED LAW SCHOOL
Apply at gould.usc.edu/go/ADRdegrees Questions? Contact Dr. Jack R. Goetz, Esq., Associate Director, Judge Judith O. Hollinger Program in Alternative Dispute Resolution, at jgoetz@law.usc.edu
The Judge Judith O. Hollinger Program in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a comprehensive program at the USC Gould School of Law. The ADR program offers a wide range of mediation and arbitration courses, an ADR certificate, as well as hands-on practical experience through its award-winning Mediation Clinic, practicums/externships, workshops and mock mediation/arbitration competitions. Through the program, students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of ADR, and the skills courses will teach them to mediate, arbitrate, negotiate settlements outside of court, and manage ADR processes.
Dr. Goetz, an award-winning mediator for the Los Angeles Superior Court, has taught hundreds of new mediators at California State University campuses during the last decade in addition to his work at USC. He currently arbitrates, mediates and is Vice-Chair for the Los Angeles County Bar Association in attorney-client fee disputes, arbitrates for FINRA, and mediates for the Ventura Superior Court. Dr. Goetz teaches the Practical Mediation Skills Clinic and ADR Legal Principles course.
Jack R. Goetz, Associate Director, Judge Judith O. Hollinger Program in Alternative Dispute Resolution
For additional information on courses, deadlines, scholarships and more, visit gould.usc.edu/go/ADRdegrees To contact us, email ADR@law.usc.edu or call (213) 821-5916
M.D.R. & LL.M. Master of Dispute Resolution and Master of Laws in Alternative Dispute Resolution
Master of Laws in Alternative Dispute Resolution (LL.M. in ADR)
from USC Gould School of Law
Degree Overview n Educational requirement - Law degree (J.D., LL.B. or the equivalent).
ADR is one of the fastest-growing fields
n Ideal for lawyers - Classes will build strength as an advocate in ADR processes, as well as result in a prestigious credential as an ADR neutral.
Less than 2% of lawsuits make it to trial; an overwhelming majority of litigation disputes are resolved through alternative dispute resolution. Organizations are also increasing their use of dispute resolution processes to handle business and human resources issues.
Convenient and flexible scheduling The majority of classes are offered in the evenings and weekends to accommodate working professionals. The law school is located right on the main USC campus in Los Angeles.
Earn a degree from an elite, top 20 and nationally recognized law school ADR graduate degrees available for lawyers and other professionals
Career and professional support Workshops and individually tailored advice are integrated into the program to assist students with devising their personal career plan for mediation or arbitration.
Create new career opportunities ADR expertise at the graduate-degree level adds a new dimension to professionals in business, government, human resources, counseling, education and social work, as well as dispute resolution neutrals. Lawyers additionally benefit as advocates by achieving better outcomes for their clients.
Become part of the Trojan Family Network Over 375,000 USC alumni members make up a powerful network deeply committed to the success of USC graduates.
Scholarship funding available Partial scholarships will be offered to all members of the inaugural classes for the Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 semesters.
n Two specialized tracks offered - Arbitration and mediation.
Hands-on practical skill development Learn from faculty who are top-tier neutrals that bring decades of experience in dispute resolution. Clinical and experiential learning creates ADR proficiencies that enable one to become a seasoned professional.
Attend law school in the heart of Los Angeles L.A. is one of the largest commercial markets and users of alternative dispute resolution.
"We are proud to introduce two new degrees that offer professionals an opportunity to advance their careers in the growing field of alternative dispute resolution. Our program emphasizes the practical application of ADR concepts, enabling students to build their skill sets and establish credentials from a top-ranked law school."
Andrew T. Guzman Dean and Carl Mason Franklin Chair in Law
n Arbitration track - Coursework in both domestic and international arbitration, as well as legal principles related to the enforceability of arbitration agreements and arbitration awards.
Master of Dispute Resolution (M.D.R.) Degree Overview n Educational requirement - Bachelor’s degree. n Ideal for professionals - Build and deepen ADR skills as a mediator or arbitrator, as well as develop and hone business management skills for leadership roles in ADR organizations. n Interdisciplinary track - Students can take business management, public policy and communication courses to prepare them for leadership roles in ADR. Courses are offered through the law school, as well as other renowned USC schools on campus, including Marshall, Price and Annenberg. n Degree outcomes - Gain negotiation, mediation and arbitration skills to assist parties in resolving disputes outside the courtroom and without a trial. Acquire credentials to serve as an ADR neutral or advocate. n Short time to degree - Completion in one year (27 units) on a full-time schedule; part-time options are also available. n Flexible scheduling - Evening and weekend classes offered.
"I have been involved in arbitration and mediation for more than 20 years, and I see the important role neutrals and advocates play. As more and more cases are being settled out of court, we need professionals who have a deep understanding of arbitration and mediation practices.”
Richard Chernick USC Gould Adjunct Professor, Vice President and Managing Director of Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS)
n Mediation track - Coursework includes ethical constructs and cross-cultural dispute resolution concepts. Clinical and experiential learning creates ADR proficiencies that enable one to become a seasoned professional.
n Short time to degree - Completion in one year 24 units) on a full-time schedule; part-time options also available. n Flexible scheduling - Evening and weekend classes offered. n Career Services support - Program includes workshops and individually tailored career advice to assist students with devising their personal career plan for mediation or arbitration. Through cooperative programs with distinguished dispute resolution professionals, students are mentored in how to conduct dispute resolution proceedings. n Affordable - Partial scholarships will be offered to all members of the inaugural classes for the Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 semesters.
n Degree outcomes - Gain negotiation, mediation and arbitration skills to assist parties in resolving disputes outside the courtroom and without a trial. Gain deep understanding of underlying policies and legal ramifications for the full range of ADR options. n Chartered Institute of Arbitration (CIArb) recognized - Students who pass the International Arbitration (LAW-817) course gain an additional credential as a CIArb member, a professional credential with international recognition.
n Career Services support - Program includes workshops and individually tailored career advice to assist students with devising their personal career plan for mediation or arbitration. Through cooperative programs with distinguished dispute resolution professionals, students are mentored in how to conduct dispute resolution proceedings.
Professor Klerman is the Director of the Judge Judith O. Hollinger Program in Alternative Dispute Resolution and a Clinical Associate Professor of Law. Prof. Klerman has taught at the law school since 2006 and is the founder of the law school's award-winning Mediation Clinic and Advanced Mediation Clinic. In addition to her teaching and administrative responsibilities at the law school, Prof. Klerman also maintains an active mediation practice and has mediated over 1,000 cases.
n Affordable - Partial scholarships will be offered to all members of the inaugural classes for the Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 semesters.
Lisa Klerman Director, Judge Judith O. Hollinger Program in Alternative Dispute Resolution
M.D.R. & LL.M.
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REASONS TO PURSUE an ADR DEGREE