Summer Legal English Institute
Washington College of Law
American University
June 28 - July 15, 2010
Register for 1, 2, or 3 weeks
REGISTER
The Summer Legal English Institute (SLEI) at the Washington College of Law is designed to introduce foreign practitioners and incoming LLM 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 Monday through Thursday. 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.
Participants in the Summer Legal English Institute will receive a Certificate of Attendance upon successful completion of the program.
Program Outline
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
With the aim of preparing participants for real world situations such as client meetings, conference calls, and negotiations, the SLEI 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
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.
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 including baseball and soccer games, museum visits, tours of DC and DC courts, and receptions.
Housing
SLEI offers on campus housing. 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 SummerLegalEnglish@wcl.american.edu
Requirements
Participants must be practicing lawyers or law students; however, we do not require the TOEFL.
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Teachers The teachers of the Summer Legal English Institute 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. |
Cost *Students can register for week 1, weeks 1 and 2, or weeks 1, 2, or 3. Students cannot register for two nonconsecutive weeks.
Payment is due upon registration. Payment can be made online by credit card, by personal check made out to American University, or by wire transfer. Please note that there is a $200.00 cancellation fee. Register now. |
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.
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 rated LLM programs in the United States and is currently the only program in the United States to offer a dual LLM/MBA degree.
Congratulations to our 2009 SLEI Class!
Summer Legal English Institute
Washington College of Law, Room 345
4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
USA