Conflict and Dispute Resolution (LLM)

The Conflict and Dispute Resolution (CDR) Law track in the LLM program at the University of Oregon School of Law is designed for students who want to specialize in alternative dispute resolution and gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework that governs conflict resolution in the United States. The program is intended to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to address complex disputes and work effectively with clients in this field.

The program consists of a series of courses that cover various areas of conflict and dispute resolution, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and international dispute resolution.

Students can also choose to participate in the school's mediation clinic, which provides hands-on experience working on real cases under the supervision of experienced attorneys.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the knowledge and ability necessary to practice substantive and procedural law and understand the dynamic processes through which law is created, developed, and changed by completing an organized program of courses in a selected specialization.
  • Employ sound and articulate legal reasoning to identify, research, and analyze legal problems.
  • Communicate effectively with clients, decision-makers, and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Recognize the responsibility of lawyers to serve as informed and professional leaders.
  • Appreciate the critical role that lawyers play in ensuring meaningful access to the legal system, promoting the just application of its laws, and serving their clients and the community.
  • Learn how lawyers work together by demonstrating team lawyering skills, managing conflict, and forging relationships.

Conflict and Dispute Resolution Requirements

For JD degree holders

LAW 780LLM Seminar: Writing2
LAW 781LLM Seminar: In Practice2
Core courses11-12
Elective courses in conflict and dispute resolution8-10
Total Credits23-26

For non-JD degree holders

LAW 780LLM Seminar: Writing2
LAW 781LLM Seminar: In Practice2
Core courses14-16
Elective courses in conflict and dispute resolution4-6
Total Credits22-26

Additional Requirements

  • Students who hold a law degree from a non-U.S. institution of higher education are required to take a 2-credit introductory course in American law and a 2-credit course in advanced persuasive legal writing as part of their degree requirements. Depending on a student’s course selection and course availability, a student who is required to take these two courses may take more than 24 credits.
  • LLM Seminar: Writing (LAW 780) and LLM Seminar: In Practice (LAW 781) are required for all students, providing education on topics of current concern. The students also work to improve their skills in making presentations, drafting articles, legal research, drafting transaction documents, and working collaboratively.
  • Master of laws students must complete a written comprehensive paper or project in connection with one of the required concentration-specific courses or as a concentration-focused, independent-study legal research and writing course under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

Full information may be found on the program website.