Summer Legal English Institute
Washington College of Law
American University
Intensive 4 Day course – May 18-21, 2009
3 Week course – August 3-20, 2009
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 moot court exercise (in the 3 week course), 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 in both the 4 day and 3 week programs will meet from 9:00-3:00 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.
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 role play both in-person and teleconference meetings with clients and will negotiate contract provisions.
Understanding Legal Materials
Participants will read and summarize cases, statutes, and other legal materials such as articles and contract provisions. SLEI exercises and readings are based on the basics of the US system and US contract law.
Legal Writing
Writing exercises will focus on clear and accurate expression, effective legal style, and organization. Participants will write short legal summaries, business letters, letters of intent, contract provisions and mini court briefs.
Moot Court
During the last week of the 3 week course, participants will argue in a mini moot court. The moot court 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 and receptions.
Housing
Housing is not included in the price for SLEI. The SLEI staff will post other housing options in Washington DC shortly.
Questions
If you have any questions about the program, please contact the Director, Catherine Schenker at (202) 274-4314 or SummerLegalEnglish@wcl.american.edu
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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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
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. Registration will be available shortly. |
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.
Congratulations to our 2008 SLEI Class!
Summer Legal English Institute
Washington College of Law, Room 345
4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
USA
