Summer Language and Law Institute

The Summer Language and Law Institute is an intensive four-week training experience exclusively for foreign legal professionals and students.

The institute is designed to:

• Introduce students to the practice and study of law in the U.S.;
• Provide students with a practical introduction to U.S. legal research and analysis; and
• Improve students' English language skills through an integrated English for Legal Purposes program.

Conducted daily at the School of Law, which is located on the scenic urban campus of Case Western Reserve University in the cultural hub of Cleveland's University Circle, the institute is an advanced program intended to broaden and polish foreign students' already strong English communication skills while introducing them to American common law practice and preparing them for the rigors of American law school study.

Intensive English language study

English for Legal Purposes is an innovative, integrated and practical program that emphasizes the reading, analysis, research, writing and comprehension skills necessary to participate in legal discourse. The lecture series, attorney discussion sessions and Case Western Reserve method will introduce legal professionals—whether planning to attend an LL.M. program or simply broaden general knowledge of the U.S. legal system—to the practice of law in the U.S.

Prospective LL.M., S.J.D., or J.D. students trained in a foreign educational and legal system will be introduced to the study of law in the U.S. prior to attending their respective programs.

Students have ample opportunity to practice conversation and comprehension skills, while becoming familiar with American classroom dynamics, including the "Socratic method." Developing language skills in a law-related context for the specific purpose of the legal study and acclimating to classroom dynamics gives students a head start and confidence in undertaking any U.S. legal studies program and interacting with U.S. attorneys as a legal professional.

The Summer Language and Law Institute is open to any foreign legal professional and any international student. In some cases, completion of the institute will be a requirement for admission to the Foreign Graduates LL.M. program at the School of Law.

Preparation for law study

Instruction for the institute includes four weeks of courses, scheduled Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to noon (total of 120 contact hours). All classes will be held in the law school. Because we want students to derive the maximum benefit from the Summer Language and Law Institute, we will expect students to attend classes full-time, 30 hours per week. Mid-session evaluation and progress reports will be issued, as well as a final evaluation and the Certificate of Completion.

Two morning hours per week will focus on readiness for law school by sharpening language skills through the introductory study of basic first-year law school courses. Students will increase their use of law-related vocabulary and expressions. Afternoon sessions will introduce materials and resources of the law library and the law school computer facilities. Students gain invaluable experiences in both traditional and electronic legal research and analysis.

Friday afternoons offer free time for students to become familiar with the Case Western Reserve University campus and the many cultural attractions of Cleveland, including the world-famous Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Museum of Art, University Circle, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.