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Legal English Programs

Washington College of Law
American University

June 25 - July 12, 2012

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The Legal English Programs at the Washington College of Law are designed to introduce foreign practitioners, law students, and interested or incoming LL.M. students to legal English concepts. Through daily lectures, written assignments, in-class exercises, contract negotiations and a mock arbitration, participants whose native language is not English will practice a wide array of legal English skills ranging from legal reading and writing strategies to oral presentation of substantive legal issues in American contract law.

Sessions will meet from 9:00am-3:00pm four days a week. There will be breaks in the morning and for lunch. Participants are expected to take part in class exercises and complete homework assignments. Small class size and student-teacher meetings ensure individual attention.

Program Overview
Participants can register for week 1, weeks 1 and 2, or weeks 1, 2, or 3 of the program. Week 1 covers the basics of the US legal system and US contract law. Week 2 focuses on contract drafting and negotiation. During week 3, participants argue in a mock arbitration

Listening and Speaking Skills
With the aim of preparing participants for real world situations such as client meetings, conference calls, and negotiations, the Legal English Program incorporates exercises that focus on listening and speaking skills. Participants will give presentations, negotiate contract provisions, and argue in a mock arbitration.

Legal Writing Skills
Writing exercises will focus on clear and accurate expression, effective legal style, and organization. Participants will write short legal summaries, business letters, draft contract provisions, and prepare arguments for arbitration.

Mock Arbitration
During the last week of the program, participants will argue in a mock arbitration. The mock arbitration will combine all of the skills practiced during the first two weeks of the course.

Certificate of Attendance
Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance upon successful completion of the Legal English Program.

Beyond the classroom
In an effort to give students ample opportunity to practice English in social as well as academic settings, the staff of the programs has planned a number of social gatherings and outings including baseball and soccer games, museum visits, tours of DC and DC courts, and receptions.

Housing
The Legal English Program offers on-campus housing for the summer program. For the January program, housing will be available at one of the local hotels. More information about housing and general accommodations.

Questions
If you have any questions about the program, please contact the Director, Catherine Schenker at (202) 274-4314 or LegalEnglish@wcl.american.edu

Requirements
Participants must be practicing lawyers or law students; however, we do not require the TOEFL.

Teachers
The teachers of the Legal English Programs are all adjunct professors at the American University Washington College of Law and have been working with international students for years. They have taught many legal English courses both in Washington, DC and abroad.

Other Opportunities at the Washington College of Law

Summer Programs: The Washington College of Law offers several exciting domestic summer programs on Human Rights, International Commercial Arbitration, Environmental Law, Health Law and Policy, as well as international summer sessions in Chile, Europe, the Hague, and Turkey.

LL.M. in International Legal Studies: Earn an LLM in International Legal Studies at the Washington College of Law. One of the first truly international programs, the ILSP is one of the top rated LLM programs in the United States and is currently the only program in the United States to offer a dual LL.M./MBA degree.