JD/LLM with a Concentration in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution (NDR) Program

The Master of Laws (LLM) with a concentration in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution (NDR) program at Washington University prepares practicing lawyers to further their careers as effective and skilled negotiators, advocates, mediators, arbitrators, diplomats, ombudspersons, practitioners, policymakers and business leaders in local, national and international arenas. NDR has grown considerably over the past 40 years and is now the primary vehicle for legal dispute resolution in almost every area of legal practice in almost every country in the world.

Students earn both a Juris Doctor (JD) and an LLM with a concentration in NDR in either the six-semester program or the seven-semester option. The innovative and unique six-semester program allows students to earn both degrees without sacrificing summer employment opportunities, thereby giving students a competitive advantage in the employment market at graduation.

The joint-degree program requires a total of 94 credits for graduation with both degrees, as compared with the 86 credits required for the JD degree. Students must take at least 15 credits of courses from the NDR LLM curriculum.

Students taking the combined degree program would be required to pay an extra semester's tuition at a 40% discount, which is payable during the student's final semester.

Students can still consider the traditional one-year program. Visit the School of Law website for more information about that program.

Admission Process

Candidates must do the following:

  1. Complete the online application. No application fee is required.
  2. Complete the Permission to Release Academic Record/Information form that grants permission for the LLM Committee to access the student's JD records and transcript.
  3. Email gradlaw@wustl.edu after they have submitted the online application.

Application deadlines:

  • Six-semester JD/LLM: May 15 of 2L year
  • Seven-semester JD/LLM: May 15 of 3L year

Additional Information

Visit the School of Law website for more information.

For curriculum information, contact Professor Karen Tokarz, Director of the Negotiation and Dispute Resolution Program by phone at 314-935-6414, by fax at 314-935-5356, or by email at tokarz@wulaw.wustl.edu.

Contact Info