Areas of Emphasis
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation and other Alternative Dispute Resolution Practices are used around the world in courts of law and in business settings such as hospitals, real estate, and even higher education. A trained mediator is a neutral third party who assists disputants voluntarily to reach a mutually acceptable settlement of the issues in dispute. Mediation saves disputants money, time, and emotional anguish and stress.
The UNC Charlotte Mediation Program offers students courses, mediation tournaments, and service to the university and larger community. Through its many opportunities, students bridge the gulf between classroom theory and the real world disputes and leave university life prepared to mediate real problems under realistic situations.
The Mediation Tournaments require our students to use critical thinking skills on disputes similar to what they will face daily in their personal and professional lives. The tournaments are not about “winning” (although there are trophies), but rather sharing. Champion students are those who share. Students co-mediate with students from other universities. Listening and sharing are the keys to success.
Resources
Organizational Law
The study of Organizational Law will be covered in LEGL 3000, a Topics course. This class will explore contracts, torts, business associations, the concept of agency, fraud, intellectual property law, and a variety of other legal and regulatory regimes. In addition, the course will examine current topics related to organizational law, such as corporate governance, compliance, and federal regulation. Special attention will be paid to the investigation, adjudication, and regulation of white-collar criminal behavior, particularly the adequacy of typical sentences in punishing deviant behavior and in deterring further such behavior. Finally, the course explores legal issues related to the public sector and international legal issues such as violations of sovereignty by corporations (bribery) or by other nations (warfare).
Law School
The minor in Legal Studies is not designed to prepare students for law school or for training as a paralegal. There is no single major or minor recommended for students who want to go to law school. You may study in any discipline and go to law school. The minor in Legal Studies will help you develop your ability to think, analyze, speak and write critically. These are skills that law schools identify as important in an undergraduate curriculum.
Mock Trial
The Mock Trial team is a member of the American Mock Trial Association. They participate in various mock trial tournaments throughout the course of the academic year. Team members can play attorney and witness roles (students with acting experience are encouraged to join!), learning valuable insights into the trial process and the legal system. While this is a great opportunity for pre-law students, we encourage anyone with strong critical thinking and public speaking (and acting!) skills to consider the program. Students interested in the program are strongly encouraged to take the Introduction to the Trial Process course that is taught every Fall semester. Additionally, students participating in the program may receive one-hour of Political Science credit. If you are interested, contact Dr. John Szmer.
Pre-Law Society
The UNC Charlotte Pre-Law Society is a student organization open to anyone interested in a law-related profession or in attending law school. The Society is open to all students regardless of year or major. It strives to promote an increased awareness and interest in the law by hosting experienced lawyers, law school representatives, professors, and experts in the field of law throughout the academic year. The Pre-Law Society prepares students for law school and their eventual careers by providing them opportunities to become more familiar with the law school admissions process and various legal professions.
Contact Kathleen Nicolaides if you have questions regarding the Pre-Law Society.