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International Students Participate in Thomas Jefferson School of Law’s Legal English Program

February 13, 2018

Last month, Thomas Jefferson School of Law hosted thirty law students and lawyers from Brazil for its Legal English Program. 

The Thomas Jefferson School of Law Legal English Program is a three-week program where international students have an opportunity to immerse themselves in American culture and improve their English language skills.  The international students learned about the US legal system, visited a Federal court, and a California State court. The program was organized and conducted by the Thomas Jefferson School of Law Graduate Program and Law Library staff. 

“I was very impressed with the students who participated in this year’s program because of their English proficiency and knowledge of legal concepts. They were also very engaged with the program, which made teaching this class a lot of fun,” said Thomas Jefferson School of Law Reference Librarian Lisa Foster. 

“My thanks to Marie Templo, Lisa Foster, and Emily Ngo, the Librarians who taught in the program. Also, our special thanks go to the Fourth District Court of Appeals, particularly Clerk of the Court Kevin Lane and Justice Patricia Benke. Thanks also to the United States District Court, Southern District of California, particularly Community Outreach Coordinator Kathleen Walford and Judge Margaret Mann,” said Thomas Jefferson School of Law Director of the Library and Assistant Professor of Law Leigh Inman.

The talented faculty of the school also delivered special seminars to the students on current legal topics. Such topics included the Road to Same-Sex Marriage Recognition in the US from Professor Steven Berenson, DACA and Immigration Law from Professor Ilene Durst, and Trademark and Music Law from Professor KJ Greene.  

All students who participated in this program received a Certificate of Participation to commemorate their experience. 

“This is the second time we delivered the program and it has proven to be an enjoyable experience for international students. The program has helped each student improve their knowledge of English and the US legal system,” said Thomas Jefferson School of Law Assistant Dean for Program Development and Distance Education Jason Fiske. “The program’s success would not be possible without Leigh Inman and her talented staff.”

The Legal English Program is slated to run every January and July.