Pepperdine’s Master of Laws in International Commercial Arbitration Is Shaping the Future of Global Dispute Resolution

As international business transactions continue to expand across borders, legal disputes have become increasingly complex, creating a growing need for legal professionals with specialized expertise in cross-border dispute resolution. Pepperdine University’s Caruso School of Law, through its world-renowned Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, offers a premier Master of Laws (LLM) in International Commercial Arbitration designed to prepare attorneys and law graduates to navigate and lead in this increasingly interconnected legal landscape.

The LLM in International Commercial Arbitration is an advanced degree that equips legal professionals with the knowledge and practical skills to address complex cross-border business disputes through arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. Now offered in both online and on-ground formats, the program provides greater flexibility for legal professionals around the world to pursue this specialized education without compromising their professional commitments. 

The online format enables working attorneys and international practitioners to earn their LLM from anywhere in the world while remaining active in their practices and at home with their families. Conversely, the in-person program on Pepperdine’s Malibu campus offers direct engagement with faculty, peers, and the vibrant law school community.

The program can be completed in 12 to 24 months and combines rigorous academic study with practical training, preparing graduates to effectively navigate the evolving demands of international commercial arbitration and cross-border dispute resolution.

From remote learning options to on-campus courses, the LLM in International Commercial Arbitration is designed to meet a multitude of student needs.

Alumni Testimonials

For alumni of the program, the experience continues to shape their approach to the practice of law long after graduation.

"My time at the Straus Institute’s LLM program was truly transformative, offering specialized courses in the wider field of dispute resolution that go far beyond what is typically available in curricula," shared  Anke Meier (LLM '08), head of arbitration at Noerr law firm in Germany. "The exceptional faculty were from a variety of backgrounds, combining academic rigor with real-world experience that shaped how I approach conflict resolution to this day. As a lawyer practicing international arbitration, I draw on these skills daily, and I could not recommend this program more highly to anyone serious about a career in dispute resolution."

"My experience at Pepperdine’s Straus Institute was one of the most valuable parts of my professional development. This program gave me an opportunity to deepen my understanding of international arbitration while learning alongside an exceptionally diverse group of students and practitioners," said Artūrs Kazāks (LLM '22), an associate in the Sorainen Latvian office’s dispute resolution and risk management practice group. "It combined exacting academic training with a highly practical perspective, which has continued to influence how I approach complex international disputes in my legal practice and how I teach students in my lectures." Kazāks added, "What I particularly valued was the combination of world-class faculty, a genuinely international environment, and the close-knit community at Straus. Studying at Pepperdine gave me not only a stronger foundation in international arbitration, but also a network of colleagues and friends that I continue to value several years after graduating."

"The Pepperdine LLM program ignited a passion for dispute resolution that now defines my career," explained Joy Atkinson (LLM '18). "The experience ultimately inspired me to build my own ADR practice, Atkinson Resolution, and, on a personal note, led me to meet my spouse in the United States, making Pepperdine the place where both my professional and personal futures began."

“My experience at Pepperdine was tremendously rewarding and transformational. The program emphasized practical exercises that developed real-world skills, while opportunities beyond the classroom provided invaluable exposure to the field." said Gladys Gondwe (LLM '25), high court judge of Malawi. "As an international student, I enjoyed  Pepperdine’s close-knit community and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with fellow students and faculty. The program has exponentially advanced my career, enabling me to apply my mediation skills to improve access to justice and reduce case backlogs in Malawi. I was also honored to be designated by the chief justice as coordinator of the Malawi-Pepperdine University partnership, which is advancing ADR mechanisms nationwide.”

"Pepperdine Law offers world-renowned scholars, an open and friendly environment, helpful and capable staff, and a view that puts resorts to shame," shared Marcio Vasconcellos (LLM '16), an attorney licensed in Brazil and in the US, where he is a senior associate for international disputes at King & Spalding . "Looking back at my time there, I feel fortunate for the experiences I had and friends I made along the way. The in-depth dispute resolution program at Straus was instrumental in my development as an international arbitration lawyer. I would not have the job I have today—and I would not be the lawyer I am today—if not for my time at Pepperdine."

Core Curriculum and Practical Simulation

The International Commercial Arbitration curriculum is crafted to develop actionable legal and advocacy skills by combining foundational doctrine with practical application. Primary subject matter will include international commercial arbitration theory and doctrine to examine key legal principles and international frameworks, followed by specialized courses in Procedure and Practice, Negotiation and Mediation, and a real-world Capstone Mock Arbitration simulation. International attorneys must complete specialized foundational courses, including Introduction to US Law and Legal Research and Writing.

The LLM program provides students with practical legal and advocacy skills that will advance them in their careers.

World-Renowned Faculty and Global Legal Network

Courses in the International Commercial Arbitration program are taught by prominent, internationally recognized legal scholars and arbitration practitioners, including distinguished experts such as Jack Coe and Tom Stipanowich

Students learn alongside a highly diverse cohort consisting of US and international attorneys, many with significant legal experience, as well as corporate counsel and judges. This global student body fosters rich cross-cultural exchange, varied legal perspectives, and long-lasting professional networks.

Admissions and Program Prerequisites

The LLM program accepts applications from both US and international legal professionals on a rolling basis via the Law School Admission Council. Applicants must possess the requisite primary law degree from their jurisdiction, such as a JD for US applicants.

For complete tuition, financial assistance, and program information, visit the LLM in International Commercial Arbitration program's official page.