Dispute Resolution Concentration
Dispute Resolution is a concentration focusing on the processes used to settle disputes outside of the courtroom or reach agreements in other contexts. Primarily, the concentration prepares students to participate in three processes: negotiation, mediation and arbitration. However, the concentration also introduces students to other dispute resolution processes and concepts, such as ombuds, online dispute resolution (ODR), and dispute system design (DSD).
To concentrate in Dispute Resolution, a student must earn at least a C+ (2.33) in each course taken for the Concentration. Courses offered for a grade may not be taken pass/fail in satisfaction of the requirements. Students who have questions about substituting courses to meet the Concentration requirements should consult with faculty advisor Professor Nancy Welsh.
Core Courses (all required)
- ADR Survey (1)
- Arbitration (3) OR ADR in the Workplace* OR ADR in the Workplace Seminar** (2)
- Evidence (4)
- Mediation* (3)
- Negotiation Theory and Practice Practicum* (3) OR The Business Negotiator* (3)
Elective Courses
(
Minimum of two credit hours required; note that courses taken to satisfy the “Core Courses” category requirement above may NOT also be used to satisfy the requirements of this category)
- ADR in the Workplace* OR ADR in the Workplace Seminar** (2)
- Advanced Criminal Procedure (3) OR Advanced Criminal Procedure Seminar** (2)
- Advanced Topics in Negotiation Seminar** (2)
- Arbitration (3)
- International Commercial Arbitration (2)
- International Oil and Gas Dispute Resolution* (3)
- Labor Law (3)
- Labor Negotiations Workshop* (1)
- Mediation* (3)
- Negotiation Theory and Practice Practicum* (3)
- Perspectives on Dispute Resolution Practice in Texas (1)
- Tax Dispute Resolution Clinic* (4)
- The Business Negotiator* (3)
- Any ADR competition for which classroom credit has been awarded by the Law School as meeting the experiential learning requirement.
- With the permission of the Dispute Resolution Concentration faculty advisor:
- Any “special topic” course focused on negotiation, mediation, arbitration or other dispute resolution procedures (e.g., LARW III – ADR Writing, Dispute System Design Seminar: Hot Topics in Criminal Legal Reform).
- Any clinic that provides students with substantial involvement in negotiation, mediation or arbitration procedures.***
- Any law school course that provides substantial substantive coverage of negotiation, mediation or arbitration procedures.
* Counts toward meeting the Law School “Experiential Learning” requirement
** Fulfills the Law School “Rigorous Writing” requirement
*** Likely to require working with the clinic instructor to identify a case and/or project that will involve negotiation, mediation or arbitration