Master of Laws in Alternative Dispute Resolution

Graduates leave our program confident in their abilities to effectively participate in negotiations, mediations and arbitrations as advocates or neutrals. In addition to skills-based instruction, students develop a deep understanding of underlying policies and legal ramifications for a full range of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options.

The LLM in ADR is a demanding, yet flexible, 24-unit degree program offered on a part-time or full-time basis. Students may begin their studies in the fall semester. This LLM is open to anyone with a law degree (JD, LLB or equivalent).


Format: Part-Time or Full-Time \| On-Campus	Eligibility: JD, LLB or equivalent	Start: Fall

Receive more information about our LLM in ADR degree and be notified of upcoming events:

Through the LLM in ADR degree, you will develop:

An understanding of underlying policies and legal ramifications for the range of available ADR options
An expansive skillset for conducting ADR processes
Appropriate ethical guidelines as a neutral while conducting ADR processes
An understanding of the wide variety of ADR policies and issues that affect practitioners in an ADR practice
An understanding of the arbitration process nationally and internationally, as well as the principles that underscore the enforceability of arbitration agreements and awards (if you select arbitration coursework)
Sensitivity to cultural factors that affect ADR and practical experience in conducting mediations in the litigated case environment (if you select mediation coursework)

The LLM in ADR is ideal for:

Professionals pursuing a career path as a mediator, arbitrator, trainer or dispute resolution consultant
Dispute resolution practitioners who seek to deepen their expertise
Lawyers seeking to become more effective advocates through the dispute resolution process
In-house counsel who assist organizations with conflict management
International attorneys interested in designing dispute resolution processes in their home countries
Academics looking to sharpen their understanding and credentials in dispute resolution
Recent graduates striving to further their career goals

A top-rated law school nationwide, USC Gould is the first law school in Southern California, renowned for its history of innovation and excellence in legal education.

When you join USC Gould, you will become part of a dynamic and diverse law school community, learn from world-class faculty, enroll in small and collegial classes, and join the global Trojan Family network of more than 15,000 law school alumni. Our graduates include partners in the world's largest law firms, pioneers in public service, and presidents and CEOs of industry-leading companies.

Earn a master's degree from a top-ranked law school recognized by LLM Guide as offering one of the top 10 dispute resolution ADR programs in the world.
Complete your degree in as little as one year.
Dispute resolution ADR is one of the fastest-growing fields in the legal industry. Less than 2% percent of lawsuits make it to trial; today, an overwhelming majority of litigation disputes are resolved through alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Convenient and flexible scheduling. Classes are held during the day and in the evening to accommodate working professionals. The law school is located on USC's University Park Campus near Downtown Los Angeles.
Scholarships and housing stipends available. All applicants are automatically considered for scholarship awards. In addition, applicants who apply by our Priority Deadline will be automatically considered for a housing stipend. Scholarship awards and stipends range in amounts.
Receive career development and professional support. USC Gould's Center for Dispute Resolution offers workshops and individually tailored career development advice for mediation or arbitration professionals, as well as mentorship opportunities with dispute resolution experts.

Join the Trojan Family, a renowned network of more than 480,000 alumni who are deeply committed to furthering the success of USC graduates. Our more than 15,000 USC Gould law graduates include partners in the world's largest law firms, leaders of civil rights movements, and CEOs and presidents of multibillion-dollar companies.
Gain hands-on practical skill development. Learn from award-winning faculty with decades of experience and expertise in dispute resolution. You will have ample opportunity to gain hands-on training and professional experience in the form of clinics and competitions.
Create new career opportunities. Organizations increasingly use dispute resolution processes to handle business and human resources issues. ADR expertise increases your marketability for a range of work settings, including business, government, human resources, counseling, education and social work.

LLM Guide's Top 10 List: LLM Programs for Alternative Dispute Resolution

Application Fee Waiver

We will automatically waive our $75 application fee for LLM applicants who apply before our February 1 priority deadline. Below, please find a link to a survey to request a fee waiver code for the LSAC Report for applications to USC Gould.

Request Fee Waiver

At the heart of our educational philosophy is a deep-rooted commitment to student success. Learn more about the student experience from our 1-year LLM alums:

Photo of LLM in ADR graduate Rohit Adlakha smiling in a white shirt in front of a brick building — "Through this program, I have gained a good foundation in international arbitration. The rich selection of international courses and the possibility to tailor the curriculum so as to reflect each student's core interests are strengths of USC Gould's ADR programs."
**Rohit Adlakha, LLM in ADR 2018**

Photo of LLM in ADR graduate Sean Galliher smiling wearing a dark suit with a tie in front of a bookcase — "Through my LLM in ADR program coursework at USC, I was able to upgrade my membership with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. With an amazing faculty and staff, USC Gould should be the first choice for anyone serious about improving their skills in ADR and gaining world-recognized credentials."
**Sean Galliher, LLM in ADR 2019**

"This in-class experience made me realize that I want to use the knowledge that I have about mediation and negotiation to be a better lawyer. I believe that knowing the mediation process, how to negotiate and how to get the best out of these methods will enable me to offer a better service for my clients." Bruna Scotti Abreu (LLM in ADR 2023) — "This in-class experience made me realize that I want to use the knowledge that I have about mediation and negotiation to be a better lawyer. I believe that knowing the mediation process, how to negotiate and how to get the best out of these methods will enable me to offer a better service for my clients."
**Bruna Scotti Abreu (LLM in ADR 2023)**

Students for now. Trojans for life.

When you graduate, you join USC's famed Trojan Family — a vast, global alumni network that will remain one of your most valuable, lifelong professional resources. Thousands of law alumni around the world share a steadfast commitment to nurturing the next generation of students at USC Gould.

Alumni Spotlight: Hazel Navarez (LLM in ADR, 2023)

Alumni Spotlight: Hazel Navarez (LLM in ADR, 2023)

Meet Hazel Navarez, an aspiring legal professional from the Philippines who graduated with an LLM in Alternative Dispute Resolution in December 2023.

February 5, 2024

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Alumni Spotlight: Chen-Yun Weng (LLM 2023)

Alumni Spotlight: Chen-Yun Weng (LLM 2023)

Learn why former product engineer Chen-Yun Weng (LLM 2023) chose USC Gould’s LLM program.

November 14, 2023

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Student Spotlight: Bruna Scotti Abreu (LLM in ADR 2023)

Student Spotlight: Bruna Scotti Abreu (LLM in ADR 2023)

LLM in ADR student Bruna Scotti Abreu found mediation after a path through interests in journalism and employment law. In this Q&A, learn why she chose USC Gould School of Law’s dispute resolution program and what she has planned for her future in law.

March 13, 2023

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