Foundations of US Law & Practice
Foundations of US Law & Practice
Our Summer Institute offers international law students, legal educators, and legal professionals:
- Integrated with the Insights: US Law Program, our 8-day Foundations Program builds on the study and practice of law in the US at a premier law school located in greater Boston
- Opportunity to improve legal English skills through reading and analyzing US legal materials—and discussing, presenting, and writing in English under the direction of a BC Law faculty member in a personalized small-group setting
- Opportunity to meet and work closely with BC Law professors and, for entering LLM students, to gain skills to enhance academic success in the LLM program
The Foundations curriculum includes:
- Daily intensive small-group (approximately 10-participant) sessions with BC Law faculty on legal reasoning and communication, including oral and written projects
- Interactive sessions and workshops led by BC law faculty on substantive areas of their expertise
- Workshop led by a judge and a prosecutor who regularly teach courses at BC Law School
- Visits to courts and law offices and conversations with judges and practicing lawyers
No academic credit is given by Boston College Law School for participation in the program. Academic credit, if any, must be arranged by the participant with his or her home institution.
Contact the Director
Susan Simone Kang
Director, International Programs
susan.simonekang@bc.edu
2021 Program Dates & Details TBA
Topics
Small-group sessions focus on legal problem solving in both civil and criminal contexts. In past years, topics in large-group sessions included:
- US Legal System
- Administrative Law
- Civil Litigation Overview
- Contract Law
- Corporate Practice
- Criminal Law
- Constitutional Law
- Consumer Financial Protection
- Family Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Introduction to Experiential Learning
- Introduction to the Study of Law in the U.S.
- Legal Profession & Legal Ethics
- Negotiation
- Role of the State Attorney General
- Property Law
- Tax Law
- Tort Law
Program fee: $3,000. The fee includes:
- All sessions, books, and materials for the program
- Select educational and cultural events
- Lunch on most weekdays
Please note:
The program fee does not include housing, airfare, visa expenses, meals other than those listed, weekend activities, insurance, incidental expenses, or other items not listed.
Prior to the start of the Summer Institute, participants must submit verification that they have obtained medical insurance (typically via a travel insurance policy) to cover unforeseen medical expenses incurred while in the U.S.
Participants are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. Participants who are LLM candidates will require an F-1 visa for entry into the US.
Location and Housing
Most program sessions are at Boston College’s Chestnut Hill Campus, on the MBTA Green “B” line, which provides easy access to downtown Boston. Some sessions are at BC’s Newton Campus, 1.5 miles (approximately 2.5 km) from the Chestnut Hill Campus. Transportation between the two campuses is by free shuttle bus.
We recommend a variety of options for housing in the Chestnut Hill/Brighton area. Please contact us for housing questions.
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"The most exciting academic experience I have ever had."
-Participant from China
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Professor Mary Bilder with Summer Institute participants
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Professor McMorrow leads a Summer Institute session
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Participants meet in small group discussions, assisted by faculty
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Cultural outings in Boston include activities like a "Duck Boat" tour
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Professor Brian Quinn works with Summer Institute participants