Alternative Dispute Resolution Courses

This seminar provides an opportunity to explore emerging issues in dispute resolution through research and writing. The goal is to produce a publishable quality article.

This course presents the theory and practice of negotiation, mediation, and arbitration that constitute the foundation of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) through lecture and simulations.  Examines the different theories and approaches to ADR, as well as the wide range of issues that arise in the selection and application of these dispute resolution techniques.

This course explores the nature and characteristics of environmental disputes, examines alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes, and assesses policy and practical considerations that are relevant when selecting a process (including litigation) for resolution of a particular dispute. Statutes, including the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act and the Negotiated Rulemaking Act, will be examined. Simulations, including mediation and arbitration of siting disputes, are used to provide practical exposure to the ADR processes studied.

Knowledge of the arbitration process is essential for lawyers, non-lawyer advocates, administrators, and managers.  It is an efficient and expeditious alternative to litigation that has traditionally been used where the parties having a continuing relationship, e.g., commercial, construction, and labor contract disputes.  More recently, it has been institutionalized in court systems, as a settlement device in the litigation process, and in federal and state regulatory schemes.

Explores the range of processes that are used to resolve environmental disputes with particular emphasis on consensual processes such as negotiation and mediation. Instruction will be based on lectures and discussions of the theory of dispute resolution and environmental law and simulations to practice the skills needed to resolve environmental disputes. A JD skills class.

This simulation-based course introduces knowledge and behaviors needed to accomplish interviewing and counseling and negotiation tasks successfully.  Topics include working relationships with clients, gathering information from clients effectively, and helping clients make decisions in both dispute resolving and transactional contexts.

This course examines the nature of mediation and explores theoretical and practical aspects of the process. It will analyze each component of the mediation process and provide students with the opportunity to apply theories and skills in simulation exercises. The course will also address ethical and practical issues.

This interactive workshop examines the dynamics, constraints, and skills of the negotiation process. It focuses equally on the use of negotiation in planning and dispute resolution. Students learn specific techniques through simulation experiences, and issues related to the use of negotiation are addressed through classroom discussions.