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Required Clinic Component Harvard Dispute Systems Design Clinic (3-5 spring clinical credits). This clinic and course are bundled; your enrollment in the clinic will automatically enroll you in this required course.

Additional Co-/Pre-Requisites: None.

By Permission: No.

Add/Drop Deadline: August 21, 2026.

LLM Students: LLM students may enroll in this clinic through Helios.
Placement Site: HLS.

This 2-credit seminar is the required classroom component for students doing work through the Dispute Systems Design Clinic. Students will read and discuss works related to the various models for conducting conflict assessments, designing dispute systems, and working as an effective dispute system designer. In addition, readings and discussions will focus on the practical and ethical quandaries and special challenges faced by professionals in conflict resolution, mediation, and dispute systems design. Some sessions will require students to present problems related to the clinical work in which they are currently engaged to the members of the class for discussion and brainstorming. 

This two-credit seminar is the core classroom experience for students participating in the Dispute Systems Design Clinic. Designed as an interactive and practice-focused course, the seminar equips students with the tools, frameworks, and critical perspective needed to assess conflict environments and design effective, sustainable dispute systems.

Through readings, case studies, and collaborative discussion, students will explore leading models for conducting conflict assessments, building dispute resolution systems, and navigating the complex role of the dispute systems designer. The course bridges theory and practice, examining not only what works, but why—and under what conditions.

Special attention is given to the real-world challenges professionals face in conflict resolution, mediation, and systems design, including ethical dilemmas, stakeholder resistance, power imbalances, and organizational constraints.

A central feature of the seminar is its integration with students’ ongoing clinical projects. Students will regularly present live issues arising from their clinical work, inviting the class to engage in structured problem-solving and strategic brainstorming.