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LLM (Master of Laws) in Arbitration

International trade is currently turning more often to international arbitration to resolve the ever–increasing cases of cross-border investment and commercial disputes. An LLM program in Arbitration examines in detail the process through which the parties in conflict sort out their dispute with the legal assistance of an impartial arbitrator who is appointed through either statutory provision or through mutual consent.

Skills in arbitration will be called into action towards trying and solving any such industrial disputes.

An LLM in Arbitration teaches the students professional negotiation skills, required strategies in performing hearings in arbitration, and methods for enforcing arbitral awards. Besides international arbitration, students will also usually study diverse aspects of construction arbitration and commercial arbitration.

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LLM in Arbitration – what’s it all about?

ArbitrationSo, what is an LLM in Arbitration? Courses in arbitration are mostly ‘taught’ courses, typically lasting one year full-time program or alternatively two years part time culminating in a written dissertation. Often, the courses have an international component to them.

LLM in Arbitration – who’s it for?

The LLM in Arbitration combines broad interdisciplinary training, solid theoretical grounding and opportunities for skills development and individual study. It is suitable for professionals and legal practitioners who want to get to more legal practical skills and specialised legal knowledge to work in a broader legal environment.

Where can you study an LLM in Arbitration?

There are lots of law schools offering an LLM in Arbitration in the United States, for example the Washington College of Law has a highly regarded LLM in International Commercial Arbitration, whilst the School of Law at the University of Miami is positioned prominently both geographically and academically for international arbitration study. Miami is a major global finance and trade center and a much sought-after venue for disputes resolution through arbitration. Another great option for those wanting to study arbitration law in the United States is the School of Law at Pepperdine University, which offers an LLM in International Commercial Arbitration as well as an LLM in International Commercial Law & Arbitration. Pepperdine Law's Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution boasts America's #1 ranked Dispute Resolution program, making it a great choice for LLM programs in this field.

There are also several options for studying an LLM program in Arbitration in Europe. Stockholm in Sweden is recognised internationally as a leader in the fields of academics, arbitration, and in practice. The Stockholm University Master of International Commercial Arbitration Law (ICAL) has built a global reputation for specialised LLM programs. At the highly respected Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, besides the typical requirements for entry, only those applicants who have completed at least one procedural law course or one equivalent topic corresponding to at least 7.5 ECTS, become eligible for the program. The Geneva LLM in International Dispute Settlement (MIDS) delves into relevant issues and fields of today such as proceedings before the ICJ, commercial and investment arbitration, and WTO dispute resolution. The Certificate Course offered at the Fribourg University Law Faculty offers students a choice of 14 different focus areas that include international distribution agreements, the international sale of services & goods, international construction agreements, and several others. Queen Mary School of Law in London is renowned globally by practitioners and academics for offering a 1st class LLM program that has 20 different specialisms including Arbitration.

The LLM Arbitration and Dispute Resolution program at the University of Dubai can be completed in 12 months online.

Number crunching...

Stockholm University’s LLM in Arbitration is among the most sought globally - at this institution there are:

70,000 students

1,800 doctoral students

5,000 staff

What qualifications do you need to study an LLM in Arbitration?

Entry generally requires a bachelors law degree or any other degree that grants access to the judicial profession. Besides the self-directed study high levels, students will be engaged in analysing, comparing and discussing intricate legislation. For that reason, candidates whose 1st language isn’t English will normally be required to possess high IELTS (or similar levels) scoring 7 upwards or TOEFL score of 107 upwards. As requirements changes quite a lot, candidates are advised to regularly check with respective institutions to ensure they meet the requirements.

Career options

Whether you are a qualified lawyer or a law graduate, a Master of Laws (LLM) in Arbitration is a great way of developing specialist skills and in-depth knowledge needed if you want to stand out in a job market that is very competitive.

Graduates in this field will be qualified and fit to work in:

Diverse multinational legal environments
Expert in-house legal counsel
Attorneys in litigation and arbitration practice.

Recommended reading

International and English Law and Practice by Andrew Tweeddale and Keren Tweeddale

Arbitration of Commercial Disputes: Complex Dispute Resolution by Carrie Menkel-Meadow

The College Of Commercial Arbitrators Guide to Best Practices in Commercial Arbitration

Enhanced Dispute Resolution Through The Use Of Information Technology by Arno R Lodder

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