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Advocacy & Dispute Resolution Certificate

Develop real-world skills needed to avoid or end legal conflicts. Explore our advocacy and dispute resolution certificate program to advocate for clients.

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Earn a Certificate in Advocacy & Dispute Resolution

We encourage externships and hands-on learning experiences. Through our certificate, law students will develop the right skills to become an arbitrator, mediator, negotiator, or ombudsman.

Why pursue a certificate in Advocacy & Dispute Resolution at Willamette?

  • Career options. Adding a certificate to your JD highlights your dedication and prepares you for specific career paths. Take courses taught by active judges and retired Oregon supreme court justices.
  • Advocacy is our strength. Prepare to advocate for your clients through exercises and working with real clients. Our students have secured a variety of externships in advocacy to better their skills in dispute resolution.
  • Explore more paths. Join the Moot Court Board or consider a joint JD/MBA degree. No matter your interests, Willamette offers a variety of paths to get you there.
Curriculum

Through our learning outcomes, students will develop strong negotiation skills. Learn how to problem solve and manage emotionally charged situations. Take classes in litigation, dispute resolution, negotiation, and arbitration. Our program curriculum changes from semester to semester, so follow up with our program director for specific course information.

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Our Faculty

Our faculty members are experts in arbitration, negotiation, and the mediation process. They'll provide helpful training to prepare you for your career. Tackle reading assignments, professional development opportunities, and more with support from our professors.

View All Faculty and Staff

Our program director, Professor Cook, has been in private practice since 1996, focusing on protective proceedings, estate planning, probate and trust administration. Her practice includes wills, trusts, estate and disability planning, guardianships, conservatorships, and probate matters.

Meet Professor Cook

Headshot of Susan Cook

Get Involved with Advocacy & Dispute Resolution

No matter what you're interested in, we offer a variety of ways to connect and develop the right skills for your career path. Gain hands-on experience through student groups, centers, and other options on campus.

  • Family Law & Child Advocacy Association

    The Family Law and Child Advocacy Association connects students passionate about family and child law. Connect with peers and lawyers, attend events, and volunteer.

  • Willamette Journal Of International Law And Dispute Resolution

    The Willamette Journal of International Law and Dispute Resolution focuses each issue on a single theme. Gain experience with legal research and review experience.

Program Requirements
Students are required to complete a total of 14 course hours in addition to a capstone. Students can complete their capstone requirement in one of two ways: (1) complete the graduation writing requirement in a course that is both certificate-approved and GWR-approved; or (2) complete an experiential learning course that is both certificate-approved and experiential-learning-approved.
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Admission Details

Only current students can apply to our certificate program. In their online application, students must attest to their academic good standing and provide a 250-word personal statement explaining why they wish to pursue their certificate. The director may cap the size of the program, based on advising capacity and capstone course availability. Please contact the Program Director for further information.

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FAQs

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