Courses

 

MEDIATION: REPRESENTING CLIENTS (ADVOCACY AND LEGAL SKILLS - 6060)

2 credits

This intensive, interactive course first introduces students to an overview of mediation theories and practices, and then develops a coherent approach and the essential skills for effective client representation in mediation. The course will examine attorney responsibilities in advising clients about dispute resolution options, in preparing both the case and the client for mediation, in representing clients in the mediation session itself, and in drafting ADR clauses. The course will culminate in the students participating in a mock mediation. Students' final grade will be based on their demonstrated mastery of course material, judged by both required written submissions, quality of mediation representation skills demonstrated in the final mock mediation, and quality of seminar participation. Students are encouraged to take Alternative Dispute Resolution either prior to or concurrently with this course.

MEDIATION SKILLS: DIVORCE (ADVOCACY AND LEGAL SKILLS - 9040)

3 credits

Mediation is becoming a preferred forum to address legal conflicts and settle cases. The highly interactive course offers distinctive and innovative training on the transformative approach to mediation, one of the four leading mediation ideologies. Students will gain an understanding of the theory and basic skills necessary for the practice of transformative mediation. Students will then learn the application of transformative mediation skills in divorce cases, and how transformative mediators navigate the specific practice challenges inherent in the divorce context. Although the course focus is on learning mediation skills, students will also be educated about attorney advocacy skills in mediation. Grades will be based on a written final examination and class participation.

NEGOTIATION (INTENSIVE) (ADVOCACY AND LEGAL SKILLS - 8020)

2 credits

The Intensive Negotiation course is a compressed, inter- active course examining the skills, constraints, and dynamics of the negotiation process. Students will explore the theoretical framework for understanding negotiation practice in a variety of contexts, including both the settlement of disputes and the creation of value through bargaining. Legal and ethical constraints on lawyers in negotiation will be considered. Students will apply the concepts learned by participating in simulated exercises involving realistic negotiation situations. Grades are based on a final examination, along with classroom participation, the submission of written work, and performance on the simulations and exercises. A student may take only one of the following: Negotiation, Negotiation (Intensive), or Negotiation (Comprehensive).

RESOLVING INT'L CIVIL DISPUTES (ADVOCACY AND LEGAL SKILLS - 7090)

2 credits

In an increasingly globalizing world, practicing attorneys must be skilled in how to resolve international civil disputes. How is the practice of international civil dispute resolution different from domestic practice? First, the students will be introduced to an overview of the competing systems available to resolve international civil disputes. Then students will have an opportunity to work on selected issues in international litigation and dispute resolution, such as evaluation of the benefits and risks of different approaches to dispute resolution, strategic planning (before and after disputes erupt), advocacy considerations, and cultural competence. Students will learn from a combination of lectures, simulations, field visits and drafting exercises. Lawyers engaged in international practice will be invited to selected class sessions. Rome will be used as a window to examine the dynamic challenges of international dispute resolution. The course grade will be based on the quality of classroom participation and a final examination