• Program Description
• Location
• Tuition
• Visas
• Health Insurance
• Accommodation
• Registration
• Contact Information

The Summer Institute in Transnational Law and Practice

August 29 - September 15, 2008
University of Washington School of Law
Seattle, Washington
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Get a great foundation in the structure, culture and thinking of the U.S. legal system and practice in just two weeks.

Program Description

The Summer Institute in Transnational Law and Practice was developed by the University of Washington School of Law-one of the world's leading centers for innovative teaching and research on international, comparative and U.S. law. Our extensive experience in teaching and researching global and cross-jurisdictional issues translates into two notable strengths of the Summer Institute:

1. For International Practitioners and Legal Scholars
   With the interdisciplinary and global legal practice and legal policy of today, lawyers and legal scholars need a sophisticated understanding of legal and regulatory systems beyond their own. For international practitioners and scholars seeking short term professional development, the Summer Institute provides an excellent overview of the American Legal System and Practice.
    
2. For International LLM/JD Candidates*
   For international students planning to undertake a LLM/JD program in the United States at the University of Washington or at another law school, the Summer Institute provides the skills needed to successfully complete their studies in a competitive U.S. law school environment. Students trained in a Civil Law legal system will particularly benefit from the introduction to the structure of legal reasoning in the U.S. Common Law System, while refining both oral and written communication skills in English within the U.S. legal context.

The Summer Institute program focuses on three areas-Introduction to the American Legal System and Practice, Legal Skills and Methodology, and Legal English. Sample topics include the U.S. Constitution, branches of government and sources of law, criminal and civil court systems and procedures, alternative dispute resolution, the common law system, how to read and brief case law, and persuasive legal writing and argumentation.

Using both traditional U.S. law school-style instruction and small group tutorials and practice sessions, Participants will familiarize themselves with the methods of legal analysis and argumentation practiced in the United States in core legal areas. All Summer Institute sessions are taught by law faculty and practitioners who are experienced in cross-cultural communication. Reference librarians and advanced American law students will provide additional tutoring.

Institute registrants will also have the opportunity to visit a courthouse and one of Seattle's largest transnational law firms, as well as enjoy social events in the beautiful University of Washington campus and around Seattle.

Download a sample program schedule (pdf).

* Incoming foreign-trained LLM candidates in the University of Washington Asian and Comparative Law program and the Intellectual Property Law and Policy program are strongly advised to register for the Summer Institute. These LLM programs will not duplicate material covered in the Summer Institute. Tuition for the Summer Institute is separate from and in addition to the LLM program Tuition.

Location

• All Summer Institute sessions will be held in William H. Gates Hall, the new building housing the University of Washington School of Law, centrally located on campus near downtown Seattle. Gates Hall and the Law Library provide ample study space and complete wireless access, as well as several available computer stations.
• Both Seattle and the Pacific Northwest region enjoy mild summer climate and extended daylight, and provide numerous attractions and recreational opportunities within easy reach. For additional information about life in Seattle see http://www.law.washington.edu/Asianlaw/teach/other.html

Tuition

• Tuition for the program is $1600 (due no later than 8/29/08).
• A separate $100 non-refundable registration fee is due at time of registration.
• Tuition includes course materials, supplies, field trips, coffee and refreshments, and a closing banquet. It does not include travel arrangements, visa fees, or accommodation.

Visa

• A student visa is required to attend any full-time program of study. Separate fees apply. Please apply for your visa early. Sometimes more than three months are necessary to process a visa. Be sure to include proof of financial support. The I-20 application will be sent to you when you register. Please e-mail aid@u.washington.edu if you have visa related questions.
• Institute registrants continuing to an LLM or JD program in the University of Washington School of Law may use their student visa provided they enter the U.S. on or after 8/26/08.
• Visiting Scholars at the Law School may use their existing visa

Health Insurance

• All international students are required to maintain adequate health insurance while attending a program of study at the University of Washington, regardless of visa category. Proof of insurance is not required when applying for the visa but you will need to provide proof of insurance for the duration of the Summer Institute upon arrival.
• Institute registrants continuing to a LLM or JD program in the University of Washington School of Law will be required to separately purchase UW Student Health Insurance for the year. For more information see http://depts.washington.edu/uwiso/stu/hi.shtml

Accommodation

Hotels

Information regarding hotels near the UW campus can be found at http://www.washington.edu/univrel/visitors/accommodations.html

Special rates are available for Summer Institute participants, depending on availability (many hotels sell out early during this period).

Homestay Organizations

If you would like to live with a host family, you will need to make arrangements directly with the host family provider. Several host family providers are available. Some of these providers can also assist you with dormitories or apartment arrangements:

• Abode Homestays
  12730 3rd Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98177, USA
  Telephone: (206) 527-8654; Fax: (206) 524-7780
  Website: www.abodehomestay.com
  E-mail: info@abodehomestay.com
   
• Intercultural Homestays
  PO Box 27184, Seattle, WA 98125, USA
  Telephone: (206) 367-5332; Fax: (206) 367-5320
  Website: www.ihincusa.com
  E-mail: ihincusa@aol.com
   
• USA International, Inc.
  9614 NE 201, Bothell, WA 98011, USA
  Telephone: (425) 483-5974; Fax: (425) 485-1891
  Website: www.ushomestay.com
  E-mail: info@ushomestay.com
   
• Seattle Homestay
  PO.Box 25615, Federal Way, WA 98093-2615, USA
  Telephone: (253) 835-4337; Fax: (253) 835-4341
  Website: www.seattlehomestay.net
  E-mail: info@seattlehomestay.net

Registration

Four ways to register:

• Online: https://uwcle.safeserver.com/register_transnational.php
• Mail: Send your registration form (pdf) and payment to:
  
  Continuing Legal Education
  University of Washington School of Law
  William H. Gates Hall, Room 321
  Box 353020
  Seattle, WA 98195-3020
  
• Fax: Send your registration form (pdf) by fax to (206) 685-3929.
• Phone: Use a VISA or MasterCard by calling (206) 543-0059.

If you have questions regarding registration, please contact CLE at uwcle@u.washington.edu.

Contact Information

• Summer Institute Program information - uslaw@u.washington.edu
• Registration questions - uwcle@u.washington.edu
• Visa-related questions - aid@u.washington.edu