The nation's top-ranked hub for the art of dispute resolution

Wars & Conflicts · Published 16 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While most law schools focus on litigation, one institution has spent over a decade dominating the field of peacemaking. For 13 consecutive years, the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine Law has been ranked number one in the nation, training professionals to navigate complex conflicts and international negotiations.

The Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution serves as a cornerstone of the Pepperdine University Rick J. Caruso School of Law. It provides specialized professional training and academic programs in mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and international dispute resolution. Its reach extends beyond traditional law students to include mid-career professionals seeking to become more effective leaders and problem solvers in workplace conflict and complex transactions.

The school's prestige is bolstered by significant philanthropic support and high academic standards. In 2019, billionaire alumnus Rick Caruso provided a $50 million gift to establish scholarships and loan forgiveness, leading to the school's current name. For the class of 2021, the school maintained a selective admissions process, accepting 24.97% of applicants with an average LSAT score of 164 and an average undergraduate GPA of 3.8.

Beyond dispute resolution, the school emphasizes global justice and professional formation. The Sudreau Global Justice Program, endowed with an $8 million gift in 2017, focuses on international human rights and the rule of law. Students also engage in global justice programs in Uganda and India, while the Parris Institute pairs first-year students with practicing attorneys or judicial alumni to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

The school's impact is reflected in its employment outcomes and diverse offerings. Approximately 75.3% of the Class of 2019 obtained full-time, long-term legal positions within nine months of graduation. Furthermore, the school offers unique joint degrees, including JD/MBA and JD/Master of Dispute Resolution, and provides online Master of Legal Studies programs for non-lawyers needing a foundation in legal concepts.

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