Summer Legal English Institute |
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Washington College of Law |
The Summer Legal English Institute at the Washington College of Law is designed to introduce foreign practitioners and incoming LLM students to legal English concepts, speaking and writing. Students whose native language is not English will practice a wide array of valuable legal English skills and learning techniques ranging from:
- Legal reading and writing strategies
- In-class exercises
- Contract negotiations
- Moot court exercise (in the 3 week course)
- Oral presentations of substantive legal issues in American law
Classes in both the 4 day and 3 week programs will meet from 9:00-3:00 Monday through Thursday. Students are expected to participate in class exercises and complete homework assignments. Small class size and student-teacher meetings ensure individual attention.
Class structure consists of daily lectures and written assignments matched with in-class exercises and oral presentations.
Participants in the Summer Legal English Institute will receive a Certificate of Attendance upon successful completion of the program.
Listening and Speaking
With the aim of preparing students for an American law school classroom and real world situations, students will work on listening activities and oral presentations. During the morning lecture on substantive legal issues, students will focus on note-taking skills and interactive discussions. In the afternoon session, students will give oral presentations, discuss legal scenarios and participate in pronunciation workshops.
Understanding Legal Materials
In preparation for the morning law lectures, students will read cases, statutes, and other materials. During the afternoon session, students will review the legal vocabulary and legal concepts discussed in these materials. In addition, students will synthesize information from the readings and the lectures.
Legal Writing
Writing exercises will focus on clear and accurate expression, effective legal style and organization. Students will brief cases and write short summaries, reports, client letters and reaction papers on legal subjects.
Moot Court
During the last week of the 3 week course, students will argue in a mini moot court based on cases read during the first two weeks of the program. The moot court will combine all of the skills practiced during the first two weeks.
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 summer institute has planned a number of social gatherings and outings.
Housing
On campus housing is available to all students enrolled in the Summer Legal English Institute in both the 4 day intensive English course (May 19-22, 2008) as well as the 3 week course (July 28-August 14, 2008). Participants in the 4 day course will be housed on American University’s main campus – about a 10 minute walk from the law school. The AU WCL shuttle runs between the dorms and the law school. Participants in the 3 week course will be housed on American University’s Tenley campus – also a 10 minute walk from the law school. A second shuttle runs between the Tenley dorms and the law school. Most rooms are doubles, though there are some singles and triples available as well.
For more detailed information about housing, please visit the following website: www.dcinternhousing.com. Please be advised that AU housing rates are significantly less expensive than corporate housing.
Rates |
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| Single/Double as a Single | $55 per night |
| Double | $39 per person per night |
| Triple | $33 per person per night |
WCL Legal English Institute |
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| Dates of Event: | May 19 - 22 and July 28 - August 15 |
| Dates of Housing: | May 19 - 22 and July 28 - August 15 |
| Estimated # of Residential Participants: | 15 at max. |
| Rooms Tentatively Reserved: | Capital 202-206 |
Temporary corporate housing options are also available to students, however, their fees are more expensive. Prices range from 2,000-4,000/month at a 30 day minimum, along with a 14% DC sales tax.
Not an LLM student? Not even at the Washington College of Law?
The Summer Legal English Institute is open to anyone who wishes to enroll. No matter if you attend another law school, are a JD, SJD student, or practicing lawyer, if you want to brush up on your legal English skills, this program is still open to you!
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Registration Deadline
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Other Opportunities at the Washington College of Law
Summer Programs: The Washington College of Law offers several exciting domestic summer program regarding Human Rights, International Commercial Arbitration, Environmental Law, Health Law and Policy, as well as international summer sessions in Chile, Europe, the Hague, and Turkey.
LLM 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 ten rated LLM programs in the United States and is currently the only program in the United States to offer a dual LLM/MBA degree.
Summer Legal English Institute
Washington College of Law, Room 345
4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
USA
