Developed in consultation with the
Department of Linguistics at Northwestern University, The Legal
English Summer Institute is a full time, four-week series of
intensive Legal English classes, held on Northwestern's beautiful
downtown Chicago campus. The purpose of the program is to prepare
international legal professionals to communicate effectively
in English, whether in the classroom or the courtroom. The
curriculum is tailored to legal contexts, bringing together
law faculty and experienced professionals in the field of teaching
English to speakers of other languages. Through language activities,
lectures, guided practice, simulations, and group projects,
students will become more proficient and more comfortable speaking
English in legal contexts.
Whether you want to prepare for study in a Master of Laws (LL.M) program or operate more effectively in your current area of expertise, The Legal English Summer Institute offers you the opportunity to enhance your spoken and written English abilities in a professional environment. Read a
from a former student now in law school.
Program Content
Classes are held from 9:30am to 11:30am Monday through Friday, and from 1-4pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays. On Mondays, students meet with legal professionals over lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 to practice networking. On Tuesdays, field trips and social events that provide additional opportunities for language practice take place from 1:00 to 5:00pm. On Fridays, classes meet until 1:30pm, leaving the rest of the afternoon free. This full-time program includes 26.5 clock hours of instruction per week.
Legal Writing and Rhetoric
Write about legal issues accurately, concisely, effectively,
and persuasively
Develop familiarity with the rhetorical
modes of law school and legal practice
Master advanced
English grammar in the context of writing practice
Accurately
incorporate legal terminology into writing
Legal Vocabulary and Argumentation
Coursework covers vocabulary, grammar, and everyday expressions useful for conversing informally in spoken English
Learn the norms for expressing yourself politely and effectively in an American classroom
Participate effectively in small-group and class discussions of reading materials and current legal controversies
Discover how Americans expect information to be organized and presented in formal speaking contexts
Make informal presentations and lead class and small group discussions on legal issues introduced in the reading materials or in authentic texts focusing on law in society
Etiquette and Ethics for Legal Professionals Meets once per week over lunch (provided)
Discuss American culture and its impact on legal ethics in the United States
Learn the norms for participating in social situations in the US, including meals with colleagues and clients, receptions, and other events
Practice strategies for networking and building relationships in informal contexts
The $2, 800 fee includes classes, lunches on Mondays and Fridays, and guest lectures. A $100 activity fee covers transportation and event costs for Monday/Friday lunches and field trips. These fees do not include room and board, transportation, textbooks, or insurance.
Who Should Attend
This program is designed for two populations:
students who will be attending an LL.M program in the United States in the fall
foreign legal practitioners who wish to improve their ability to communicate in English
Note - If you plan to take the NY bar exam after completion of your LL.M studies, this course will improve your reading and writing skills - enabling you to master two critical elements for success in the exam.
Please contact the School of Continuing Studies at ncpdp@northwestern.edu for more information about visa requirements and eligibility.
For answers to many registration and program questions, please view our Frequently
Asked Questions (PDF
Format) .
How to Register
Registration information can be found on the
course
listings page. We encourage you to
register online
or download
the registration form. If you are an international student not currently admitted to or attending Northwestern, or attending class at another American university, please read the following instructions regarding applying for a student visa:
Northwestern University has been authorized by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to sponsor international students for the Legal English Summer Institute under the F-1 student visa classification. In order to apply for the F-1 visa, prospective students must receive a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students, Form I-20 A-B from Northwestern University. Students who have been admitted into this program will receive further information on how to apply for the I-20 form. Once you obtain the I-20 or DS-2019 you must pay the SEVIS fee and apply for a U.S. visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside of the U.S. Information pertaining to visa appointments can be found on the Department of State website. Application guidelines and materials vary by country; check the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be applying for the visa stamp to obtain the visa application and determine the specific requirements. Please do not make your visa appointment until you have obtained your I-20 or DS-2019 from NU.
The Northwestern University Legal English Summer Institute will be held at Northwestern's Chicago Campus on the shore of Lake Michigan, near Magnificent Mile shopping and recreation, as well as at our Chicago Loop location downtown. Students may register online at www.scs.northwestern.edu/pdp/npdp/courses/?Program=LLM or download a registration form and fax it to 312-503-4942.
Accommodations are not included as part of this program. Students will be emailed a list of housing resources upon registration.
Northwestern Excellence
Northwestern University is a preeminent university recognized internationally as a hallmark of academic excellence.
School of Continuing Studies programs provide students with exceptional opportunities for intellectual, professional and personal growth.
SCS instructors bring outstanding academic credentials and relevant professional experience to the classroom to create a highly interactive, collaborative, and challenging learning environment.
SCS students study with peers who have rich, diverse backgrounds and can provide lifelong learning connections.
