Program Overview

English for Advanced Legal Study

Overview

This four-week intensive program has been designed in collaboration with Columbia Law School and is intended to prepare international LL.M candidates entering an accredited U.S. law school in the Fall for the demands of their graduate coursework.

Program Details

The program will address all language skills, with emphasis on spoken interaction and basic legal vocabulary. Students will learn to speak more fluently, accurately, and intelligibly and thus be better equipped to participate actively and skillfully in their law school classes. They will also enhance their writing skills, practicing various formats typical of graduate legal study.

Program Components

• Multi-skill language instruction in a legal context
• Lectures by legal professionals and/or law professors
• Private meetings with judges and/or assistant district attorneys

Participant Outcomes

• Participate actively in discussions, debates, & simulations
• Deliver impromptu speeches and prepared presentations on legal matters
• Receive extensive feedback on their oral and written skills
• Learn common legal vocabulary and collocations as well as key legal concepts
• Take notes on live law-themed lectures and talks
• Become familiar with common law school practices such as cold calling
• Practice the IRAC method of academic legal writing
• Learn American email etiquette
• Receive targeted pronunciation help

Testimonials

• "The course surpassed my expectations in every aspect. The progress achieved in 4 weeks is simply incredible...I cannot imagine any other place where I could get this experience."
• "Having a chance to visit the impressive U.S. Court of Appeals and hear an insightful lecture by the Honorable Denny Chin was one of my many precious moments in the EALS course"
• "Apart from being interesting, the course significantly facilitated the transition to the L.LM."
• "The strength of this course is a synergy of studying English and studying law. This course focuses on acquiring the basic legal concepts in the U.S., but at the same time requires us to use English correctly and fluently and provides many opportunities for interaction.”

Dates and Prices

• Summer 2026: July 20 - August 14
• Application Deadline: June 21
• Tuition and Fees:
  • Tuition: $5,071
  • Activity Fee: $100
  • Instructional Support Fee: $90
  • ALP Student Services Fee: $20
  • Technology Fee: $35
  • Health & Related Services Fee: $150
  • Books & Materials (est): $50
  • Estimated Living Expenses: $2,800
  • Total Estimated Cost of Study: $8,206

Application Requirements

• The program is open only to incoming LL.M. students at accredited U.S. law school who will start their studies in the fall.
• Proof of fall admission must be provided at the time of application.
• I-20 Note for Columbia University Law School Students: if you arrive in the US no earlier than 07/12 you can take EALS on your ISSO I-20. If you arrive before 07/12 you will need to apply for an ALP I-20 and we will transfer you to ISSO after you complete your summer course.

Program Staff

• Shelley A. Saltzman, Senior Lecturer, American Language Program; Associate Director for University Partnerships
• Joel Chaffee, Assistant Director of ALP Admissions

Program Location

• 203 Lewisohn Hall, 2970 Broadway, MC 4119, New York, NY, 10027

Copyright Information

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