All spring term courses are scheduled to be offered fully online in an asynchronous format.
2024 Spring Registration
Arbitration
January 14 – March 9, 2024| 2 law school credits
Faculty: Henry Allen Blair, Professor of Law, Senior Fellow, Dispute Resolution Institute
This foundation course covers the salient points of U.S. arbitration law as it relates to domestic and international matters. The course curriculum begins with an introduction to the basic legal concepts that make up arbitration law and to the institutions that are central to arbitration practice. Consideration of the Federal Arbitration Act follows, along with a systematic treatment of the role of contract in arbitration and the function of subject matter inarbitrability. Problems relating to the enforcement of arbitral awards, the role of the arbitrator (focusing on the arbitrator’s functions, duties, and responsibilities), and other practice issues are examined. The basic facets of international commercial arbitration also are introduced. Through lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and simulations, this interactive curriculum is designed to foster effective use of contemporary arbitral processes.
Mediation
January 14 – April 27, 2024| 3 law school credits
Faculty: Jim Coben, Professor of Law, Senior Fellow, Dispute Resolution Institute
Through discussion, simulations, and roleplay, this course focuses on the structure and goals of the mediation process and on the skills and techniques mediators use to aid parties in overcoming barriers to dispute resolution. The course also examines the underlying negotiation orientations and strategies that mediators may confront and employ; the roles of attorneys and clients; dealing with difficult people and power imbalances; cultural, race, and social identity considerations; and ethical issues for lawyers and mediators. In addition, special attention is devoted to the art of successful representation of clients in mediation.
Negotiation
January 14 – April 27, 2024 | 3 law school credits
Faculty: Sharon Press, Director, Dispute Resolution Institute, Professor of Law and Yael Efron, Vice Dean, Safed College School of Law (ZAC)
This course will focus on developing skills through simulated negotiations, case studies, exercises and class discussion, with readings that emphasize practical application. The goals of the negotiation course include the following: 1) providing students with hands-on experience and practice in negotiating deals and resolving disputes; 2) sharing with students proven models and frameworks for effective negotiations; 3) exposing students to a variety of negotiation contexts and approaches; 4) acquainting students with the ethical and legal issues surrounding negotiation practice and implementation; and 5) giving students a broader perspective on a lawyer’s role beyond the adversarial method to resolving conflict.
Questions should be directed to Kitty Atkins, kitty.atkins@mitchellhamline.edu