When I decided to focus my postgraduate studies on international arbitration, there was simply no doubt that the only option for me was Straus. So far, it’s the best decision I’ve made for my career. It has not only an excellent program that provides unparalleled exposure to the theory and practice of international dispute resolution, but it has faculty and staff that are among the finest in the field and are recognized for their solid backgrounds in international law and practice. — Victor M. Ruiz (LLM ’08) Partner at Ruiz-Silva Abogados, S.C.
1 Preparing the Next Generation of Peacemakers 2 Message from the Directors
3 About the Straus Institute 4 Reputation 5 Location
6 Diverse Student Body
1 3 Certificates and Extensive
7 Admissions, Scholarships, and
1 4 US Law and Legal Writing
Class Formats
8 LLM Programs 9 LLM Descriptions 1 0 Other Program Options 1 2 Master of Dispute Resolution
Course Options Seminar
1 5 Training Programs and Conferences
1 6 Clinical Opportunities and Externship Opportunities
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Advance Your Career
PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PEACEMAKERs I
n 1986 the Pepperdine University School of Law saw the future of the dispute resolution movement and accepted the challenge to provide international leadership to an emerging discipline. Over 30 years later the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution is the undisputed pacesetter in its field and universally recognized for its innovative programs that have served more than 40,000 students and practitioners around the world. The ability to resolve disputes in a thoughtful, respectful, and insightful manner is essential to shaping lawyers and professionals who will positively affect national and international institutions that seek to deliver justice and advance the rule of law. The Pepperdine School of Law is privileged indeed to be the home of the prestigious Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution where thousands of students and practitioners from around the world have engaged in rigorous training and dialogue, preparing them to assist in resolving some of society’s most challenging conflicts. The work of the Straus Institute is one of the manifestations of the Pepperdine commitment to being teachers, scholars, and learners who base our work on the centrality of Christian values to our mission. I am honored to be a part of this noble endeavor.
Paul L. Caron
Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean and Professor of Law
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Message from the Directors COME PREPARED TO LEARN, GET EQUIPPED TO LEAD, GO COMMITTED TO SERVE
Thomas J. Stipanowich
Sukhsimranjit Singh
William H. Webster Chair in Dispute Resolution, Professor of Law, and Associate Dean, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
Managing Director, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and Assistant Professor of Law and Practice
Obtaining your degree from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution will be like nothing you’ve ever experienced.
From its beginning the Straus Institute has been committed to three programmatic themes:
Instead of asking you to memorize pages and pages of content out of books, we provide a broad set of skills and insights for approaching problems and resolving conflicts in all aspects of life. You can choose from more than 50 separate courses that explore the dynamics of conflict and a wide array of options to manage or bring an end to disputes. You will learn the secrets of powerful negotiation; examine the human behaviors that create, increase, or dispel conflict; explore how to communicate across cultures; and master making the most of out-ofcourt processes like mediation and arbitration. As an adequate description of our unique program cannot be expressed through a letter or brochure, I invite you to speak with our institute team to learn more about the program and how you can tailor it to your personal needs and schedule. Better yet, visit our beautiful campus, observe a class, and sit down with a faculty or staff member to explore your interests and goals. We want to do everything possible to acquaint you with the exciting educational programs at Pepperdine Law and demonstrate why law school faculty across the country have consistently ranked the Pepperdine dispute resolution program among the best in the country—and the world. I look forward to seeing you at the Straus Institute!
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Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
1. Developing academic programs for studentsthat advance their skills and insights regarding dispute resolution and conflict management 2. Promoting more effective professional practice through conferences and continuing education workshops 3. Playing a leading role in dispute resolution scholarship and global initiatives that advance policies, practices, and service efforts in mediation, arbitration, and conflict management Straus is an energetic and u nique place where inquisitive students have ample opportunities to learn and grow in the field of dispute resolution. ur excellent faculty focuses on real-world issues and O creates discussions and curricula with a practice-based approach that is informed by scholarship and expertise. he result is a classroom experience that invites students T to explore the real challenges of practicing dispute resolution. If your goal is to create a professional dispute resolution practice, the programs at the Straus Institute have been designed for you.
About the Straus Institute T
he Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine Law is one of the world’s leading dispute resolution education programs. Straus offers two tracks of training: professional training programs and academic programs in dispute resolution that include the Master of Laws (LLM), the Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), and the Certificate in Dispute Resolution. Repeatedly recognized as the foremost academic center of its kind, Straus brings together an unparalleled full-time teaching and research faculty with scholars and practitioners from Asia, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and the US. Its broad and deep curricular offerings serve emerging lawyers as well as experienced mid-career professionals, businesspersons, and religious and community leaders. In the more than 30 years since its founding, the Straus Institute has established itself as the standard of excellence in preparing effective negotiators, peacemakers, and problem solvers, as well as a driving force for improving the culture of conflict in America.
100%
Ranked
#1
of Students Are Considered for
Dispute Resolution Program
scholarship
by U.S. News & World Report
in the country
Number of
59%
Male
Female
14
professors 7 Visiting47Faculty FullTime
41%
languages
and Practitioners
Spoken Among Staff
More Than
Founded in
1986
9
Degrees and/or
Programs Available
Courses Offered
24 28 to
Average
Class Size straus.pepperdine.edu
3
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
25 miles
Getty Villa
10 miles
Reputation THE STRAUS INSTITUTE HAS LONG BEEN CONSIDERED THE PREMIER INSTITUTION FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION For more than 30 years the Straus Institute has built a program that has been recognized for excellence throughout the world and in a variety of areas.
THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY In the annual U.S. News & World Report rankings, faculty across the nation have rated Pepperdine as the Number 1 dispute resolution program for 13 out of the past 14 years.
THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION COMMUNITY The Straus Institute has also been recognized by the Association for Conflict Resolution’s Peacemaker Award, the California Dispute Resolution Council’s Outstanding Contribution to the Profession of ADR Neutrals Award, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ADR in Education Award, the International Academy of Mediators’ Excellence in Education Award, the ABA Section on Dispute Resolution's D'Alemberte-Raven Award (awarded to Thomas Stipanowich), and the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution's James F. Henry Award (awarded to Thomas Stipanowich).
AAA LIBRARY AND INFORMATION CENTER COLLECTION Founded in 1954 the American Arbitration Association’s Library and Information Center Collection has long been considered the world’s largest collection of materials on conflict resolution. Relocated to Pepperdine in 2007, the AAA library reflects Pepperdine’s commitment to research and scholarship in the field.
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Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
Hollywood Bowl
32 miles
Santa Monica Pier
13 miles Griffith Observatory
Downtown Los Angeles
29 miles
Century City
20 miles
37 miles
Venice Beach
15 miles
Los Angeles
Santa Monica
Pepperdine
Location
O
ur location in Malibu, California, just 30 miles from Downtown Los Angeles, provides access to the thriving Downtown legal and business communities, the area’s diverse culture, and the heart of the entertainment industry while providing a calm and comfortable living environment. Known for its beautiful weather, stunning beaches, and vibrant community, Malibu features many unique recreational, dining, and sightseeing experiences.
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Diverse Student Body D
iversity and inclusion are central driving values of the Straus Institute, and we firmly believe that our curriculum and community are enhanced by the unique experiences of our students, faculty, and staff. The institute's talented student body is rich with a diversity of cultures, religions, ages, and professional backgrounds. In bringing together recent graduates just embarking on their careers, retired judges, law enforcement officers, counselors, and mid-career human resources professionals—to name a few—our program prepares leaders with a complex, real-world understanding of timely issues in dispute resolution.
ALUMNI FROM Afghanistan
Brazil
El Salvador
Indonesia
Mexico
Saudi Arabia
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Argentina
Canada
France
Iran
Moldova
United States
Armenia
Georgia
Ireland
Nepal
SerbiaMontenegro
Thailand
Chile
Australia
China
Germany
Israel
Nigeria
Ghana
Italy
Pakistan
Greece
Jordan
Panama
Guatemala
Kuwait
Philippines
Hong Kong
Latvia
Romania
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
India
Lebanon
Russia
Sweden
Austria Belarus Belgium Bhutan Bolivia
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66 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Ecuador Egypt
Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
Singapore South Africa South Korea Spain
The Netherlands Uzbekistan Venezuela Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates
Vietnam
Admissions, Scholarships, and Class Formats Classes are offered year-round and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials four months in advance in order to meet the following time frames:
APPLICATIONS BY
PROGRAM START
April
August Fall
TERM
September
January
Spring
January
May
Summer
ENGLISH CENTER PARTNER PROGRAMS International students applying for admission to the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution are required to demonstrate English proficiency by taking the TOEFL or IELTS exam. For those candidates requiring additional language support, Pepperdine has partnered with several language programs that will allow candidates to demonstrate their language proficiency by completing their designated advanced level rather than taking the TOEFL or IELTS exam.
STRAUS INSTITUTE SCHOLARSHIPS All students are considered for scholarships at the point of admission. Applicants for the Master of Laws (LLM) programs have the option to apply for corporate-sponsored scholarships. Some of these scholarships have been sponsored by the Beijing Arbitration Commission and Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Please check our website for available scholarships, law.pepperdine.edu/straus/academic-programs/admissions/financial-aid.htm.
FLEXIBLE COURSE FORMATS Choose a path that meets your busy schedule with the flexibility to take courses on a part-time or full-time basis. Class options: One week Two weekends Once a week for 15 weeks 10-day international study tours
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LLM Programs The LLM, a 26-unit program available on a part-time or full-time basis, is an advanced law degree and requires an ABA-accredited JD degree. For international candidates, the LLM requires that candidates hold the first degree of law required for law practice or teaching law in the country in which they pursued their law degree. Pepperdine attracts domestic and international students looking to receive specialized training in dispute resolution and provides US law training for international students.
LLM PROGRAM OPTIONS LLM in Dispute Resolution with Concentrations Available in Mediation, Arbitration, or Litigation LLM in Entertainment, Media, and Sports Law LLM in International Commercial Arbitration
LLM in International Commercial Law and Arbitration LLM in International Commercial Law and Dispute Resolution LLM in US Law LLM in US Law and Dispute Resolution
International students can study US law and qualify to sit for the bar exams in California and New York. Those selecting an LLM in International Commercial Law and Arbitration or International Commercial Law and Dispute Resolution may need to take extra course work to qualify for the bar exam.
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Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
LLM descriptions All LLM degrees require completion of 26 units.
LLM IN DISPUTE RESOLUTION The LLM in Dispute Resolution is considered the nation's premier program in dispute resolution and offers students flexibility in completing their education. Students will focus on a variety of ADR mechanisms including negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, as well as gain practical experience through the requisite externship program or various clinics.
LLM IN ENTERTAINMENT, MEDIA, AND SPORTS LAW Straus’ LLM in Entertainment, Media, and Sports Law is the country's only program that prepares students for advocacy and dispute resolution in these specific fields. With its proximity to Los Angeles—the entertainment capital of the world— Straus offers externships with a number of major media organizations. Students may choose from electives offered by the institute and by the Graziadio Business School.
LLM IN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION The LLM in International Commercial Arbitration is designed to combine a robust academic foundation, a capstone practice experience in which every student will gain experience in a mock international arbitration setting, and methodical examination and practice of the negotiation and mediation processes.
LLM IN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL LAW AND ARBITRATION The LLM in International Commercial Law and Arbitration is designed for students who want to develop expertise in both business law and international commercial arbitration. This program allows students to receive personalized attention from leaders in the arbitration field.
LLM IN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION The LLM in International Commercial Law and Dispute Resolution is designed for students who want to develop expertise in both business law and dispute resolution. The required CrossCultural Conflict and Dispute Resolution course prepares students for serving a global community.
LLM IN US LAW The LLM in US Law is designed for international legal professionals looking to study US law under internationally recognized scholars. The LLM in US Law offers a Fundamentals Track for students interested in sitting for a US bar exam and a Flexible Track for those interested in maximizing the flexibility to design their own program.
LLM IN US LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION The LLM in US Law and Dispute Resolution is designed for students looking to focus on general law courses to qualify for the US bar exam while gaining exposure to dispute resolution practices.
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OTHER PROGRAM OPTIONS Straus offers opportunities for students from all five Pepperdine schools. Students earning a JD, MBA, Master of Public Policy (MPP), or undergraduate degree may take dispute resolution classes and earn a concentration or certificate in conjunction with their primary degree. Students in the Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology may also elect to participate in Straus’ certificate program in tandem with most programs the school offers.
JOINT DEGREES In addition to the variety of certificate and concentration offerings that students may pursue, qualifying Pepperdine students may earn an MPP/MDR or a JD/MDR.
LLM/JD TRANSFER PROGRAM Pepperdine LLM students may apply to the JD program as transfer students without taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The applicant’s grades and relative difficulty of course work pursued in Pepperdine’s LLM will be very important factors. Successful applicants will usually have good grades in at least four doctrinal law courses tested on the bar exam. If the applicant is accepted into the JD program, he or she may transfer the units from law classes taken toward completion of the LLM degree. The student must then complete the first-year curriculum in his or her second year at Pepperdine. In the third year, enough advanced courses must be completed in order to satisfy the JD graduation requirement. Students transferring from the LLM to the JD will be awarded the JD degree upon completion of the JD requirements and will not be awarded an LLM degree. Only students currently enrolled in Pepperdine’s LLM program may apply.
Having attended seminars at Straus, I realized that I wanted more of what the academic program had to offer. The mid-career decision to embark on the LLM program was not an easy one with a thriving law practice two thousand miles away, but the journey was immeasurably rewarding and fulfilling. The class schedules met my needs, and the instructors and fellow students were the best. Not only did the Straus program increase my professional skills as a dispute resolution professional—it opened my mind to areas of the profession that I had never before considered. — Mark Travis (LLM ’07) Mediator and Arbitrator, Travis ADR Services, LLC
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Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
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MASTER OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION The MDR is a 32-unit program available to those with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. It attracts law and non-law professionals across the nation looking for specialized training in conflict management. These include professionals in human resources, business, consulting, the medical field, counseling, international diplomacy, and other areas. Required Courses:
Arbitration course
Mediation Theory and Practice
Cross-Cultural Conflict and Dispute Resolution
Negotiation Theory and Practice
Introduction to US Law (for non-lawyers and non-law students)
Psychology of Conflict Communication
[4 UNITS OF EXTERNSHIP] 16 units of elective courses
The best part about Straus was being in a community of people from different backgrounds who share a hunger for service and purpose, and who want to be leaders in their communities. The conversations were always amazing. Not everyone who goes to Straus ends up being an attorney or a mediator. Some take those same skills and they become teachers, firefighters, or police officers. Iron sharpens iron, and being around people and professors who challenged me and made themselves available to me was incredibly important. It's something that I cherished. —Louis Boney (’11, MDR ’12) FINRA Contractor, Case Administrator
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Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
CERTIFICATEs DISPUTE RESOLUTION The Certificate in Dispute Resolution is a 14-unit program open to those who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and who are looking to receive foundational training in dispute resolution. Arbitration course Mediation Theory and Practice Negotiation Theory and Practice
UNDERGRADUATE CONFLICT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM In 2004 Pepperdine Law partnered with Seaver College to offer a certificate in conflict management. Available to current Pepperdine undergraduate students, this program offers students from a variety of majors specialized training in conflict management topics.
8 units of elective courses
Extensive Course Options The Straus Institute offers more than 50 courses in dispute resolution, including:
Apology, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation Conflict Consulting and Coaching Cross-Cultural Conflict and Dispute Resolution Dispute Resolution and Religion Employment Disputes Entertainment Industry Disputes Facilitating Dynamic Groups
Faith-Based Diplomacy and International Peacemaking International Commercial Arbitration International Investment Disputes Mediation Clinic Ombuds Psychology of Conflict Communication Systems Design
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US Law and Legal Writing Seminar During the summer Straus offers a US Law and Legal Writing Seminar for international attorneys and judges. This four-week program is designed to strengthen legal speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities for non-native English speakers. The seminar covers topics in legal research and writing and US legal vocabulary and concepts, as well as advanced reading and grammar. The program features a number of professional site visits including trips to the Los Angeles Superior Court and JAMS, as well as meetings with lawyers specializing in international law practice. Cultural excursions, such as to the Hollywood Bowl, a Dodgers game, and other events in Los Angeles are also offered.
As an attorney from China, I can say that the field of dispute resolution is still growing in my country. Before attending Pepperdine, I knew little about arbitration, mediation, and dispute resolution. At Pepperdine, professors don’t just focus on the theory but share real and interesting stories of resolving disputes, issuing arbitral awards, convening mediations, and facilitating negotiation impasses. Through the program I not only got a deeper understanding of dispute resolution theory, but was able to gain real experience. This is crucial for a foreigner, because I can apply the skills I learned at Pepperdine in my practice in China. Pepperdine’s reputation internationally gives me additional credibility in the field, and I am proud to be a member of the Straus family. — Jie Xu (LLM ’10) Beijing Arbitration Commission
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Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
Training Programs and Conferences The Straus Institute offers a variety of training programs ranging from three-day conferences to six-day training programs for judges, attorneys, and non-law professionals.
MEDIATING THE LITIGATED CASE Mediating the Litigated Case is our most comprehensive mediation training program. This sophisticated six-day program is for experienced litigators, in-house counsel, and other practitioners. Lawyers and established professionals can spend a full week or two three-day sessions learning basic mediation and negotiation skills. Pepperdine has hosted judges from Thailand and has presented this program in Brazil, China, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Uganda.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS PROGRAM For over 28 years more than 250 participants from around the world gather each year for the annual threeday Summer Professional Skills Program in Malibu. This program provides an opportunity for novice practitioners to learn basic mediation and negotiation skills, as well as for experienced mediators and arbitrators to participate in advanced or specialized courses such as Complex Construction Mediation, Family Law Mediation, or Elder Care Mediation.
CONFERENCES ON A VARIETY OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION TOPICS CONFERENCES HAVE INCLUDED: A Conversation with Ken Feinberg Dispute Resolution in the Korean Community International Task Force on Mixed-Mode Dispute Resolution Summit Managing Conflict 4.0: A New Wave of Opportunities for Businesses Around the Globe Rescuing Relationships: Apology, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation Women in Hollywood: 100 Years of Negotiating the System Young Arbitrators Forum: International Arbitration Procedure, Ethics, and Neutrality
WOMEN’S NEGOTIATION ACADEMY The Women's Negotiation Academy is designed to expose both beginners and the most-experienced negotiators to techniques that will increase their effectiveness as negotiators through the lens of gender, with an eye toward the most recent research on gender issues in negotiation. While the role-plays are designed for women in business and the law, everyone is welcome and can benefit from the tools taught in this interactive, two-day workshop.
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TRANSLATING THEORY INTO PRACTICE
Clinical Opportunities MEDIATION CLINIC Straus’ goal to teach students dispute resolution skills is partially fulfilled by student participation in the Mediation Clinic and externships. The Mediation Clinic requires students to mediate at least 20 liveclient disputes. By the end of the experience, students know they can successfully mediate. Pepperdine Mediation Clinic students mediate or co-mediate 800 cases for Los Angeles County citizens each year.
INVESTOR ADVOCACY CLINIC Established in fall 2010 through a grant funded by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), students have the opportunity to handle arbitrations and mediations before FINRA on behalf of California investors. Cases considered by the clinic are brought by California investors who have claims less than $100,000, household incomes less than $100,000, and arbitral disputes with their securities brokers and/or brokerage firms.
EMPLOYMENT LAW MEDIATION CLINIC Pepperdine Law has partnered with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) to give students the opportunity to work with its senior attorney-mediators to prepare cases for mediation under the Fair Employment and Housing Act. DFEH is California’s civil rights agency whose mission is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, in housing and public accommodations, and from hate violence.
Externship Opportunities The dispute resolution programs at Pepperdine focus on the balance of theory and practice. Once students have grasped the theoretical components in the classroom, they can gain practical experience and network with professionals in the field by completing an externship. PAST EXTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES HAVE INCLUDED: American Arbitration JAMS Association Kaiser Permanente, Beijing Arbitration Ombuds Office Commission, China Los Angeles Superior FINRA Court
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Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
ICC in Paris
United Nations
IVAMS
Warner Bros.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO HELPING YOU
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER Straus’ accomplished faculty serve as academic mentors to our students, and our program uniquely focuses on students’ professional development. Our career development professionals possess an expertise in cultivating students’ careers, and they work with Straus alumni and employers in diverse industries to strategically connect students with opportunities to advance their professional goals.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES One-on-One Career Advising Our career advisors work individually with students to explore opportunities that align with their interests and experience.
Job Search Preparation Students may have their curricula vitae, resumes, and cover letters reviewed by career development experts. Staff members also equip our students with essential interviewing skills and conduct mock interviews to prepare for a potential or upcoming job interview.
Online Jobs Board The Straus Institute receives job listings from alumni and employers for a variety of positions throughout the academic year. Students have access to an online database where they may view and search available listings.
Career Workshops and Special Presentations The Straus Institute invites speakers from various firms, agencies, and companies to speak with our students, providing them an opportunity to learn more about various practice areas, ask questions, and network with potential employers on-campus.
Straus’ career development professionals were an invaluable resource and a great guiding hand in helping me with my job search. They constantly shared career opportunities with me and advised me throughout the application process—from networking with potential employers to sharing interviewing techniques— even helping me evaluate and negotiate my offer. All in all, it was great to have them in my corner. — Dhruv Pendurkar (LLM ’18) Legal Professional, the Roy Legal Group
The Straus LLM in Dispute Resolution is a unique experience for anyone who is interested in arbitration and mediation. As a German attorney at a major international law firm with clients from around the world, my training at Pepperdine has been very helpful. I’ve seen international commercial arbitration develop into a very important dispute resolution tool. LLM students not only study the various processes, but can learn the cultural aspects of international conflict resolution and best practices in the field. — Anke Meier (LLM ’08) Partner and Head of Arbitration at a Major International Law Firm
dracademics@pepperdine.edu | 310.506.4655
STRAUS.PEPPERDINE.EDU
LS1804620
24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California 90263