contact e-mail address:
orientation2007@ili.org

LEGAL ENGLISH ACADEMIC PROGRAM

The Introduction to Legal English and Writing seminar combines an intensive language course and a workshop on legal research and writing. The seminar provides a foundation in legal terminology for individuals whose first language is not English.

This program develops the participant’s ability to recognize, understand, and use American legal terminology in oral and written formats, and to understand the special nature of the English language when used in a legal context.

This seminar will also teach students the advanced skills they will need to succeed in their legal research and writing assignments in their legal practice or at law school. The course emphasizes the use of plain language in both written and oral formats. The course will engage participants in a process of active learning that will improve the skill sets required for legal practice. Each participant will develop his or her own writing project during the seminar.

Introduction to Legal English and Writing is not a review of English language structure. It is a highly participatory course that requires an excellent command of the English language in order for a student to participate successfully; no TOEFL scores are required to participate. In all sections, participants will engage in a process of active learning that will improve skills in reading, writing, note taking, and oral communication.

The course is taught by a team of law professors with expertise in teaching legal writing to legal professionals who speak English as a second language. Their unique experience enables them to adjust course materials and instruction levels that will challenge the participants. 

Professor Kevin Fandl, course advisor of the seminar, has been an adjunct faculty member in the International Legal Studies Program at American University Washington College of Law since 2004. He specializes in international trade and development law. He is currently the Director of the Executive Secretariat for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is a former Fulbright fellow (Colombia). Professor Fandl has experience teaching foreign students and has also taught Legal English in Chile, Colombia and the Dominican Republic