About Negotiation & ADR
Negotiation and dispute resolution are key skills for the practice of law. Lawyers play a critical role in helping clients resolve legal disputes and negotiate agreements. Major transactions, contracts and other deals often involve lawyers at every step. In addition, the vast majority of legal disputes do not end in courtroom verdicts but rather settle through some form of negotiated agreement or formal ADR process.
This pathway is intended for students interested in developing and improving their skills in negotiating, advocating in ADR processes, and serving as a neutral to resolve disputes. This pathway will also provide students with the opportunity to understand and explore the various theories and approaches to negotiation and ADR.
Every student who expects to advocate on behalf of a client must understand and be familiar with negotiation and the fundamental ADR processes, including mediation and arbitration. These are increasingly essential “tools” in any lawyer’s toolbox, and are relevant to all substantive areas of law as well as the litigation process.
Negotiation & Alternative Dispute Resolution
A student who aspires to a career as a neutral, e.g.. as a mediator or arbitrator, should understand that although relevant educational experiences (classes and competitions) are helpful in developing neutral skills, establishing oneself as a neutral is a long and at times serendipitous process that begins largely after law school. Asking “How do I become an arbitrator” is comparable to asking how one becomes a judge.
Center for Negotiation and Justice - The Center offers a broad range of curriculum for students on dispute resolution, drafting and negotiating. The Center also provides scholarship and community service opportunities for students. .
» Consider public service opportunities at William Mitchell related to this Pathway.
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