Alternative Dispute Resolution

• Semester: Fall 2020
• Course ID: 381R
• Credit Hours: 3
• Unique: 28260
  Online-only Class Unique: 28264

Description

The 28260 section of this course will be taught in person but with the option of occasional remote participation via Zoom.  If students require all remote participation, they must register for the 28264 section of this course, which is identical but web-based.

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (3 HOUR COURSE) The Alternative Dispute Resolution Survey course is designed to provide a broad-based introduction to negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, for students interested in either advocacy or transactional practices.  ADR methods are now more common than the courtroom for resolving civil disputes; more than 99% of civil cases are settled before trial, if cases are even filed at the courthouse. Many commercial agreements now contain mandatory mediation/arbitration provisions, and statutory and case law both favor ADR. This course will examine the policy and business reasons for the rise in ADR; explore the various ADR methods; discuss negotiating and why lawyers must learn successful negotiating skills; and provide students with an opportunity to experience these concepts through class exercises. The professor is a 30-year litigation attorney with substantial experience to both trial and ADR disputes, and he brings a practical, real-world approach to the lectures and exercises. There will be no exam, but a final written project is required. Class grading will be based upon class participation, attendance, and the final project. Please note:  Electronic devices are not permitted. Students may only miss two classes per semester, additional absences will be reflected in a lower grade.