U.S. Law & Language
U.S. Law & Language, previously called "English for Lawyers" or EFL, is a certificate course in which students learn to use English in a legal context and become better prepared for class discussions and assignments in American LL.M programs.
The U.S. Law & Language program will be offered
on our Pittsburgh campus July 15- August 1, 2013
The University of Pittsburgh is one of very few law schools in the United States to offer this type of comprehensive introduction to Legal English and American legal education. It is offered on our campus for three weeks every summer and at foreign law schools upon request.
Professors Ann Sinsheimer and Teresa Brostoff, course creators and teachers, are authors of the leading textbook in this field Legal English: An Introduction to the Legal Language and Culture ofthe United States.
- Program Dates: Offered for three weeks every July, beginning on the second Monday following Independence Day.
- Program Costs/Tuition: $1,900: This includes the price of all books and materials.
- Housing: If you are interested in housing opportunities, please contact the CILE office for the most current information.
- Academic & Social Program: Students attend class in the mornings and participate in lectures and visits to courts, law firms, and other legal institutions in the afternoons. Special social events will also be arranged.
- Medical Insurance: Students are required to have medical insurance for the entire length of their stay.
- Application Process: The completed application (available soon on this website) should be sent with a check in the amount of $200 (nonrefundable tuition deposit) to:
Center for International Legal Education, Room 318,
University of Pittsburgh School of Law,
3900 Forbes Avenue,
Pittsburgh, PA 15260 U.S.A. - Payment: The tuition balance is due in full on the first day of class. Payment may be made through an international money order, an international draft, or a check drawn on a U.S. domestic bank, made payable to “The University of Pittsburgh.” Please write the student’s name on the check.
- Application Deadline: Space may be limited and acceptance will be based on the date on which an application is received. We suggest that applications be submitted as early as possible.
Inquiries should be addressed to the CILE office at the above address, or via phone at (412) 648-7023. You may also contact us by email at: cile@pitt.edu.
In the News
Pitt Law Professors Teach English to International Lawyers, Students
PACIE News (2005)
Summer School at Donetsk National University
UCIS Around the World (2002)
Cream, Please and other Legal Matters: Workshop for foreign lawyers explains legal system, language ... and culture
University of Pittsburgh Campaign Chronicle (2000)
Teaching lawyers the languages fo the law: Frensh, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese
University Times (2000)
Testimonials
"The quality of the class was beyond my expectations. Professors Brostoff and Sinsheimer reflect the great education offered by this School of Law and University."
"There is no doubt that the English for Lawyers Program will be extremely helpful...I had a wonderful time. Now I feel more confident for my LL.M Program."
"I've learned many things. Much more than I thought and I am grateful for that. The experiences I have had are very important for this year and for my life."
"I liked the fact that CILE gave us an opportunity to go to the court downtown and sit in sessions, meeting with some of the prominent city lawyers."
"Its introduction to the legal system was extremely useful and its emphasis on reading and understanding a court decision was crucial when the LLM program took off late August. It ought to be mandatory."
To arrange for CILE to present the U.S. Law & Language course at a foreign law school, please contact CILE Director Ronald Brand.
