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Where Will Your Legal Education Take You?

Dispute Resolution Practitioner

Dispute Resolution Practitioner Lego Illustration

Graphic by Alondra Pulido

Dispute resolution practitioners work to resolve a variety of issues, including family, business, housing, employment, personal injury, and environmental disputes. The dispute resolution processes allow the parties involved to have greater control over the outcome of their dispute, as well as a greater say in reaching a solution. Dispute resolution practitioners may advocate for their clients or serve as counsel, and their role in the process changes on a case-by-case basis.

The process of dispute resolution comes in many different forms. The process may involve anything from arbitration and divorce coaching, to mediation and private judging. Dispute resolution is often used when the parties want to use communication to preserve a relationship, or to avoid a trial (whether the reason be expenses, time, or formalities). Dispute resolution can also overcome the winner-loser dichotomy of a trial, with both parties trying to achieve a win-win solution.

Dispute resolution practitioners may work abroad, especially in developing countries, seeking to improve access to justice and promote development. Although not a substitute for the judicial system, alternative dispute resolution can complement the system or serve as an alternative, particularly in regions where certain groups are not fairly served by the judicial system. This is significant because alternative dispute resolution can reduce the cost and time associated with the judicial system, and encourage economic development, rule of law objectives, and support disadvantaged groups (learn more about International Development Lawyers).

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Current JD students who would like to learn more may be interested in completing the Dispute Resolution Concentration through the UW School of Law. Law students interested in pursuing a career in dispute resolution and who seek a higher legal degree should consider obtaining the General Law LL.M. degree from the University of Washington School of Law. The program suits those who wish to pursue a higher degree, but whose interests do not fit perfectly in line with one of the more specialized LL.M. programs. Through the flexibility of the program, students can tailor their curriculum to best suit their interests and may choose a more interdisciplinary curriculum or focus their studies in dispute resolution specifically. Interested law students may also consider the Mediation Clinic at the University of Washington School of Law.

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