Photos & Testimonials

Every year, lawyers from all over the world are attending IUSLAW’s summer program.  Below are testimonials from a number of past participants.  If you would like to contact an alumnus, please send an email with the name of the alumnus in the subject line to alumni@iuslaw.org.

“The IUSLAW program in Washington D.C. was a great experience for me both from a professional and personal point of view. I attended lectures on the U.S. system with very qualified teachers who provided me the chance to compare the Italian legal system with the American one. This was very useful in improving my professional skills, since I work in the corporate department of my law firm which has strong working relationships with foreign clients. From a personal point view, this program offered me the opportunity to meet a lot of friends from all over the world. I spent some wonderful moments that I will never forget. I recommend this course to all young foreign lawyers.”

Valentina Zanelli (Italy)
La Scala & Associati, Milan

“When I decided go to Washington to take the course I didn’t really know what to expect, and to my surprise, I had the most amazing time of my life. From the first moment I arrived to the Airport and the people from the Institute picked me up, to the last day when I left, it was an extraordinary experience. From an educational point of view, we had classes with great teachers from the top law schools in the country and with extraordinary lawyers from the most prestigious law firms in the U.S.  They give you an overview of the U.S. legal system that helps you to understand better the American legal system, and the lectures and readings also help you to improve your legal English skills. All of this has been very helpful to my work here in Mexico. Another thing I have to emphasize is that the lectures are held at the George Washington University Law School, which has a great and gorgeous building and classrooms.  From a social point of view, you meet a lot of distinguished lawyers from all around the world that not only leaves you with great friends but also helps you to learn about different cultures and legal systems.  I also have to say that the people from the Institute are great and they do an amazing job.

For all the above reasons and more, I definitively recommend attending the course. It is a one time opportunity that gives you the most exciting time in your life; don’t hesitate – make the decision to take the course and you are not going to regret it.”

Miguel Angel Cantú Ch. (Mexico)
Santamarina y Steta, S.C.

“Attending the course offered by the Institute for U.S. Law, entitled “U.S. Legal Methods: Introduction to U.S. Law,” was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. This is true not only from an academic perspective, although I received a general vision of the legal system of the United States through a series of short conferences given by some of the most prestigious law professors in the country, but also because I learned a lot from the exchange of ideas of my classmates, who mostly were young attorneys from all the regions of the world. The Institute took care of every detail regarding the well-being and comfort of each student, as well as the academic, lodging and extra-curricular activities.  However, the most valuable lesson of this seminar was the fact that they made us live a real “American experience” through the conversations we were all able to have and share with law professors, alumni, attorneys and the visits we made to various public institutions that are located in Washington D.C., which helped us to comprehend the truly legal world of the United States.”

David Garces (Ecuador)
Garces Pastor, abogados

“Amazing time and rewarding results from the four weeks of study, networking and friendship!!!!  It was the best mixture between professional and academic interest and interacting with students and professionals from around the world.  When I first arrived in D.C., I had a broad idea about what to expect from this program. The classes and the professors coming from the most prestigious schools of law in the U.S. (e.g., George Washington University, Harvard, University of Pennsylvania) gave me the “big picture” of the US legal system.  For a person who envisions ultimately pursuing a LL.M. in the U.S., I think that this course is a "must be taken" first step.  I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know many unique people from all over the world, as well as Americans with various professional backgrounds.  The discussions with my colleagues, respectable law professionals in their countries, opened my views towards other legal systems from countries all over the world, as well as offered me the chance to make very good friends. It was an insight into the professional, social, cultural and economic development in the U.S. and on the great challenges young professionals face on their critical path towards success.  It was a great experience and I highly recommend this program as the best way to acknowledge the basic concepts of the US legal system.  You should participate! You should definitely come and be part of the great IUSLAW team!”

Vlad Peligrad (Romania)
Salans

“The Institute for U.S. Law provides an amazingly complete summer course on U.S. law. The quality of the lecturers as well as the organization, led by Edward Andries, went beyond my expectations. The program was also remarkable because it gathered attorneys from all over the world and such combination enriched all the legal debates that we had in class. The combination of lectures and readings, on the one hand, and social activities, on the other, was also perfectly balanced. Visiting courts and the World Bank was also a bonus.”

Sergio Baches Opi (Spain)
Roca Junyent

“I find it very important to known how American lawyers think, because in the global world we are in contact with international lawyers all the time, especially with American lawyers. Attending IUSLAW’s summer program in Washington D.C. has been a perfect way for me to learn about U.S. law. Besides the interesting lectures that we had every day, we also visited important organizations, law firms and Courts.”

Ernesto Mandarino (Brazil)
Gama, Mandarino & Noguerol Advogados e Consultores Legais

“I had a very useful and interesting experience during the IUSLAW summer program for foreign lawyers. I had a chance to improve my legal knowledge and to meet a lot of extraordinary people from different parts of the world. We exchanged information about our cultures and legal systems and we had a great time getting acquainted with Washington, D.C. and with American lifestyle in general.”

Nadejda Macari (Moldova)
Rascani Association of Lawyers

“The summer was great and I enjoyed the entire course. All the lectures were wonderful and important for the study and understanding of American Law. It was a great experience and the people were wonderful. I am still in contact with many people from the program, and I know that I have many new friends.  Because we did many things and we lived together for one month, it felt like we were a big family. Thanks again for all!”

Maribel Trigo (Mexico)
Goodrich, Riquelme y Asociados, A.C.

“In an effort to bridge the gap between the very developed and the developing worlds as well as to encourage attorneys to gain a broader international outlook, IUSLAW’s summer program allowed me to gain an enormous wealth of knowledge from both attorneys in academia and those engaged in either the world of business or actual courtroom practice.  The lectures are delivered in an interactive manner which enables participants to share their experiences from their home countries.  Besides the on-campus lectures we had the privilege of using one of the conference rooms of the World Bank for lectures on the activities, job opportunities and related topics at the World Bank.  We also had the opportunity of witnessing actual courtroom proceedings and meeting with judges and a congressman.  The academic programs are interspersed with entertaining events such as dinners and visits to historical sites like the U.S. Capitol.  This enhances socialization and networking among participants.  In conclusion, the IUSLAW summer program provides a springboard for attorneys who wish to pursue further studies in the United States.  It also serves as a channel for those who want to become transnational lawyers to realize their dreams.”

Samuel S. Sackey (Ghana)
Practicing lawyer and law professor, Regent University

“IUSLAW’s summer program ‘U.S. Legal Methods: Introduction to U.S. Law’ helped me to develop a greater understanding of the U.S. legal system.  The program covers many areas of U.S. law and the U.S. legal system.  It helped me to comprehend and obtain a greater in-depth view and hands on experience of the common law system, strengthening my ability to work with U.S. lawyers, law firms, clients and government agencies.  The classes were interesting and well prepared and taught by distinguished professors, judges and lawyers within the U.S. who have vast experience in their respective areas of law.  The program has definitely been a useful experience in my educational development, specially serving in my professional preparation and consequently as a basis for my future LL.M. studies in the U.S.”  

Roberto Arguello (Nicaragua)
F.A. Arias & Munoz

“In my practice as a corporate and securities lawyer with Baker & McKenzie I was constantly confronted with U.S. clients and law firms and often had difficulties in understanding U.S. legal issues. To overcome my lack of knowledge and to work and communicate better with U.S. practitioners I decided to enroll in IUSLAW’s intensive four week certificate course “U.S. Legal Methods: Introduction to U.S. law” in summer 2004. I haven’t regretted this decision, because the program proved to be an excellent introduction into the legal system of the U.S.: First, the course is highly educational, as the well-balanced curriculum covers all major aspects of U.S. law, including legal writing and legal research. Second, a high profile teaching staff - comprising both academics and practitioners - makes the course an intellectually rewarding experience. Third, the program is extremely effective for networking among participants from all over the world. Moreover, the “capital setting” in Washington D.C. made my stay a real “American experience,” showing me not only the legal principles of the U.S. but also culture, politics and beliefs of Americans in general. I would definitively like to thank the IUSLAW executive director Edward Andries for his professional management of the program: He not only provided a most stimulating curriculum, but he also put a strong emphasis on “live experiences” of legal institutions, in particular through excursions to congress, courts, international organizations and law firms and through numerous social events with the opportunity to talking to U.S. practitioners from a variety of professional backgrounds. On the whole, I would particularly recommend the IUSLAW summer program to advanced law or politics students trying to get a “first flavor” of the U.S. legal system, to practitioners working with U.S. clients or lawyers, and to persons interested in preparing to attend a graduate program at a leading U.S. law school.”

Dr. Matthias Dühn (Germany)
Current LL.M. student; formerly with Baker & McKenzie, Frankfurt

“I attended the program prior to entering the LL.M. program at Harvard Law School and found it to be very helpful for purposes of my future studies and career. I especially enjoyed the “inside access” to the Washington legal community and the new friendships I made with wonderful attorneys from all around the world.”

Claudia Serra-Nova (Dominican Republic)
Oficina Melo Guerrero, Santo Domingo

“An unforgettable experience at every level – academically, professionally and socially. It was an excellent introduction to U.S. law and a very valuable preparation for my LL.M. studies.”

Nicoleta Mihalache (Romania)
formerly with Deloitte, Bucharest
(2005 LL.M graduate from George Washington University)

“I am very thankful, proud and happy for having had the chance to participate in the U.S. Legal Methods program, which has also been very useful for my job and my English practice.”

Ramon Bado (Uruguay)
Partner, Estudio Dr. Mezzera, Montevideo

“The lessons learned during the “U.S. Legal Methods: Introduction to U.S. Law” program were immeasurable.  In the classroom I learned to bend my mind so as to grasp the core of the legal system. In discussions, I treated my mind to ideas never before considered.  With friends, I learned how to apply and turn my thoughts and values in better imagined shapes. Visits to the museums, the White House, Capitol Hill, and the Library of Congress gave the experience of a lifetime. And over dinners with my colleagues, I treated my taste buds to the tastes of Italy, Mexico, Ethiopia, and many others.”

Abeje Tesfaye (Ethiopia)
Currently MA Candidate in International Law and Settlement of Disputes - The University for Peace

“The course is a valuable experience. I attended the program a year before my LL.M. at Georgetown University Law Center, and it gave me the basics to understand the dynamics of a U.S. law school, as well as providing a good foundation in U.S. law and the U.S. legal system.  I have worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, and the IUSLAW program – located in Washington – also provided the valuable opportunity to meet people from the U.S. government and other important U.S. legal professionals.”

Tomas Solis (El Salvador)
Currently with the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), The World Bank, Washington, D.C.

“I am now a candidate for the LL.M. degree at George Washington University Law School. I attended the IUSLAW summer course in 2005 just before my LL.M. studies. My country has adopted a continental law system, and in my country, the so-called Socratic Method is not common. I was worried about these differences. But IUSLAW's summer course provided me with substantial knowledge of the basics of the US legal system and the experience to feel the atmosphere of a US law school classroom. The professor for each subject was selected carefully and was very special. They were kind and accessible, too. In addition, to be with other attendees from various countries was a good experience. And we could take advantage of studying in the capital of US: the summer seminar had several tours to visit main governmental faculties. I recall the beautiful summer and the special atmosphere of that period. I really recommend you to take this course for the inducement of or preparation for your subsequent U.S. LL.M. studies.”

Setsu Sasamoto (Japan)
A.Aoki, Ishida and Associates, Japan/ candidate for GW LL.M. 2005-2006.

“As a young lawyer from Poland, I participated in the IUSLAW summer program “U.S. Legal Methods: Introduction to U.S. Law” in Washington, D.C.  I recommend that program to all foreign lawyers especially because it is the only chance to understand the basis of the U.S. law system, both in practice and in theory.  Throughout the program there were many possibilities to see what a lawyer’s job in the USA means.  Those four weeks were a particularly great time for meeting people from almost the whole world.  It was really an incredible opportunity to share different cultures, histories and points of view.  On the other hand, it was also great to acquire a significant amount of knowledge in a short period of time and to enter into new relations – professional and unofficial.  This is also a time for sightseeing and having fun!

From my experience, the IUSLAW summer program is very beneficial for anyone who wants to go through the rules of U.S. law and widen his viewpoint. This is a great chance to know the secrets of the lawyer’s job in the USA.”

Ada Kobylinska (Poland)