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This summer certificate program is a unique opportunity in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area to be in a classroom setting with general contractors, subcontractors, owners, and attorneys to discuss real-world cases and best practices to efficiently resolve difficult construction disputes. We will discuss the standard form contracts of the leading construction law associations worldwide, with particular focus on U.S. constructionÌýpractice. In two weeks, the condensed courses provide a solid conceptual basis and through case studies they allow discussing cutting edge issues that arise in today's large construction projects.

This certificate program is the result of the collaboration between the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Washington College of Law'sÌýCenter on International Commercial Arbitration, directed by Prof. Horacio A. Grigera Naón, and the Hospitality and Tourism Law Program, directed by Prof. Steven Shapiro.

This program is particularly attractive for:

• Practitioners and law students from around the world who wish to take the courses for a certificate of participation (without final exam) or diploma (with final exam) from the prestigious Center on International Commercial Arbitration and the Hospitality and Tourism Law Program at Â鶹ÊÓƵWCL in Washington, D.C.
• Law students from law schools across the United States may apply for credit recognition for their respective J.D. programs, while enjoying classes in the Nation's capital.Ìý
• Law students enrolled in our law school's J.D. or LL.M. programs may join the program to earn academic credit.Ìý

Networking activities such as special lectures, coffee hours, luncheons, and site visits to D.C. law firms and institutions provide participants with ample opportunities to network beyond the classroom setting.

Courses

The International Arbitration Summer Institute consists of six courses in English and six in Spanish, offered between May 27Ìýand June 19, 2025. Participants can take all courses, or select only the ones in either language or just pick out the ones they are most interested in.ÌýThe available courses are:

Week 1 - June 2-6, 2025

• Construction Law & Dispute Boards (registration link coming soon!)

Week 2 - June 9-12

• Ìý(14 hours or 1 academic credit)

Monday, June 9Ìýto Friday, June 12, 2025
2:00 PM to 5:10 PMÌý
Professors:Ìý
This course provides an in-depth view of construction arbitration, and how it differs from other types of commercial arbitration. The classes will identify the commonalities of construction arbitrations no matter the arbitral forum or seat, as well as the differences as between international and domestic US construction arbitrations. This course is ideal for those wanting significant insight to the world of construction arbitration, whether on the basis that construction disputes may occasionally be encountered, or because a career emphasizing construction disputes is being considered.

• Ìý(14 hours or 1 academic credit)

Monday, June 9Ìýto Thursday, June 12, 2025
6:00 PM to 9:10 PM
Professor:ÌýHernando Otero
This course reviews theÌýphases ofÌýa typical mediation, from start to finish. The professor discusses each phase with the students. Following the general discussion, participants will take on the roles of mediators and advocates and actively conduct a simulatedÌýmediation process. They will receive expert coaching advice along the way. In addition, the course touches on issues associated with building a practice as mediator, applicable ethical codes and guidelines, an analysis of theÌýinternational growth in the field, and much more.

Diploma and Certificate of Attendance

This program offers the possibility of earning aÌýDiploma or a Certificate of Attendance.

Participants who take less than three courses or do not take the final exams will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

To earn the Diploma, participants must be enrolled in allÌýthreeÌýcourses and pass the examsÌý(24-hour take-home).

Registration and Eligibility

U.S. Practitioners, Foreign Attorneys and Students

Any U.S. or foreignÌýattorney or student may enroll in the Certificate ProgramÌýto earn the Certificate of Attendance or the Diploma. Please register through the general registration page, availableÌýhere.Ìý

Â鶹ÊÓƵ Washington College of Law andÌýVisiting J.D. and LL.M. Students

Any student enrolled in a U.S. law school (ABA accredited) can enroll for academic credit. Â鶹ÊÓƵWCL students should enrollÌýÌýSee Academic Calendar for registration dates. Visiting J.D. studentsÌýmust complete the registration form available here.

CLE credit

Â鶹ÊÓƵ Washington College of Law is anÌýapproved CEL provider for Pennsylvania and Virginia. Attorneys licensed in Alaska, Connecticut, Colorado, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, and Wisconsin may obtain CLE credit for courses approved by Pennsylvania or Virginia.

Upon request, the Continuing Legal Education Program at Â鶹ÊÓƵ Washington College of Law will provide attorneys with all necessary documents and information to obtain CLE credits for all other MCLE jurisdictions that have not specifically approved this course. Please contact cle@wcl.american.edu if you have any questions.

Housing in Washington, D.C.

The entire 2025ÌýCertificate Program will take placeÌýin-person in Washington, D.C. Participants may opt to stay in the Â鶹ÊÓƵ's East Campus dormitories. Please reach out to us for information on the housingÌýregistration, which is open only during a short period inÌýspring. Please note there is only very limited capacity in the student dorms, and alternative housing is recommended.Ìý

Please also see below, in the additional resouces section, for more information about housing.Ìý