Certificate in Dispute Resolution (CDR)
(14 academic credits)
Established in 1996, the fourteen-credit Certificate Program in Dispute Resolution helps students to develop their ADR knowledge and skills in an organized, thoughtful, and scholarly way. Students take a foundation course in conflict theory, complemented by three distinct ADR "process" courses: negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. After this nine credit introduction to theory and practice, students round out their certificate curriculum with five elective credits chosen from a rich array of pre-approved elective courses. Over 150 students are currently enrolled, including a broad cross‑section of law and other graduate students, practicing lawyers, human resources and business personnel, and other professionals. This intentional variety of students is designed to mirror the contemporary lawyer's work in increasingly multi‑disciplinary settings.
Eligibility
The Certificate is available for degree-seeking graduate students, attorneys, and other professionals. For applicants not currently enrolled in a graduate program, proof of eligibility for graduate-level education is required (including list of schools attended and submission of official transcipts). Hamline J.D. students beginning their law school career in Fall 2008 or later are not eligible for the Certificate in Dispute Resolution; they should instead enroll in the Certificate in Advocacy and Problem-Solving. Hamline J.D. students just finishing their first year in Spring 2008 may elect to complete either the Certificate in Dispute Resolution or the Certificate in Advocacy and Problem-Solving.
Certificate Course Requirements
Four "core" courses (9 academic credits)
Arbitration (2 credits)
Qualifying Courses:
Arbitration (Fall or Spring semester; Summer Institute)
Introduction to the US Law of Arbitration (London Study Abroad)
Mediation (3 credits)
Qualifying Courses:
Mediation (J Term, Summer Institute, Fall or Spring semester)
Mediation and Other Methods to Foster Democratic Dialogue (Budapest Study Abroad)
Negotiation (2 credits)
Qualifying Courses:
Negotiation (J Term, Summer Institute, Fall and/or Spring semester)
Negotiating International Business Transactions (Rome Study Abroad)
Negotiation & International Organizations in Norway (Bergen/Oslo Study Abroad)
Negotiation Theory and Practice (Graduate School of Business)
Theories of Conflict (2 credits)
Qualifying Courses:
Theories of Conflict (J Term and Summer Institute)
Conflict Theories (Graduate School of Business)
None of the ADR Certificate "core" courses have prerequisites; however, we recommend that you try to take Theories of Conflict as early as possible in your academic program.
Five Elective Credits
Any course offered in DRI January Term, Summer or Study Abroad (other than courses required above)
ADR Moot Courts (Client Counseling; Mediation Representation; Negotiation; ODR; Willem C. Vis Arbitration Moot)
Advanced Litigation Practice
Clinic: Employment Discrimination Mediation Representation
Clinic: Mediation
Conflict Resolution from the Religious Traditions (Israel Study Abroad)
Dispute Resolution Practices: ADR and Technology
Collective Bargaining and Labor Arbitration
International Civil Litigation
Lawyering Skills
Litigation Skills
Restorative Justice Practice and Principles
Seminars or Selected Topics in Dispute Resolution and/or Advocacy
- Summer Term 2008 (Seminar--High Profile Trials; S/T Art of Argumentation; S/T Legal Drafting; and S/T Deposition Practice)
- Fall Semester 2008 (Seminar--Lawyers & Leadership; Seminar--Business Ethics; S/T Grand Jury Mystique)
- Spring 2009 (Seminar--Is ADR a Better Way; Seminar--Persuasion)
Trial Advocacy
With permission of the DRI director, students may import up to four credits from other graduate institutions (requires syllabus review and advance approval)
Why Choose to Complete a Certificate in Dispute Resolution?
Embarking on a coordinated body of study will show an employer that you have a serious interest in, and greater understanding of, the field of ADR. Participating in certificate program courses will allow you to mix with and learn from: scholars and practitioners who are recognized both nationally and internationally for their expertise; and professionals practicing in a variety of fields. This exposure is extremely valuable in a world where dispute resolvers increasingly work in cross-disciplinary teams.
How to Enroll in the Certificate Program:
Complete an application form. Currently enrolled graduate students at accredited institutions are automatically accepted into the program upon confirmation of good academic standing. Other applicants must demonstrate eligibility for graduate level education by submitting transcripts with their completed application. After admission to the program, the DRI Director will contact you to schedule a curriculum-planning meeting.
Course Availability:
DRI Courses: Certificate courses are offered during the DRI Summer Institute (late May through early August each year) and during the law school's January Term (typically the first two and half weeks of each new year). Most summer institute courses are designed to accommodate the schedules of working students -- with a two credit course most commonly being completed over a ten day period, using a combination of evening classes and one or two Saturdays. Certificate courses also are offered as part of DRI's two summer study abroad programs (Hungary and Rome) and the month-long Arbitration Certificate program in London. All DRI-sponsored courses are open for enrollment by graduate students and professionals from all fields. As a result, the classroom typically provides a rich, cross-disciplinary learning environment.
Regular Law and Graduate School Courses: Students also may elect to take certificate courses during the regular law school fall and spring semesters. And, ADR course offerings that satisfy certificate requirements also are available in the Hamline graduate school. Please be advised that Hamline law students have priority for enrollment in law school semester classes and space will only be offered to non-law students when a course does not fill within the law school.
Special Information for Hamline Law Students: Law students enrolling in the certificate program can apply certificate course credit toward their J.D. degree. Certificate program enrollment gives registration priority for three of the four core required courses (Arbitration; Mediation; and Negotiation). However, please keep in mind that registration priority is NOT a guarantee of enrollment in any particular course. To maximize your enrollment opportunities, complete registration priority forms prior to each semester's registration period AND register as early as possible in the registration period.
For help in planning the courses you should take, including list of qualifying elective classes, please view the Guide to ADR Courses (pdf), which is updated in advance of each registration period.
Procedure for Obtaining Your Certificate
Certificates are issued three times a year:
- at the conclusion of January Term
- at the conclusion of Spring Semester
- at the conclusion of Summer Term
In order to initiate the printing and issuance of your formal program certificate, it is your responsibility to contact DRI Associate Director Kitty Atkins (katkins@hamline.edu) by the conclusion of the term during which you will complete your last certificate requirement. She will then verify that you have successfully completed the program requirements and sign off on certificate issuance.