“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 might envision 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)
Clifford Chance

“The course on U.S. Legal Methods offered by the Institute for U.S. Law (IUSLAW) is great for both those starting their legal careers and postgraduate experienced lawyers, who, like myself, are mainly focusing on legal advice of international, English-speaking clients based in their home countries. Although it was extremely hard to find time off from my lasting job commitments, the entire IUSLAW staff and leadership was very accommodating in some special requests regarding my registration and daily schedule. The four-week intense program is extremely well organized and is better than any sort of professional-cultural exchange one could imagine. You will enjoy quite entertaining, unforgettable Socratic method lectures aimed at interaction with students, in which Ivy League law school professors teach you U.S. corporate law, contract law, and so many other subjects. Also, the Big Law professionals will report to you on the current legal status and recent trends in areas such as Mergers & Acquisitions, Securities, International Arbitration in the States, International Taxation, Labor & Employment and many other topics.  Also, the library at the George Washington University Law School (hosting IUSLAW program) has an amazing five-story collection of every legal reference material imaginable.  The course gives good balance between the academic life and the social life, especially for those who like to go out or do sports. IUSLAW offers some phenomenal professional networking and cultural opportunities including law firm visits and receptions, visits to the U.S. Supreme Court, lower courts and the U.S. Congress, as well as visits to the top of the Washington Monument and to the many amazing museums in green and spacious Washington DC. Surrounded by individuals who allow me to have insightful discussions, I made many new good friends in the IUSLAW program from all over the world (the U.S., Italy, Mexico, Japan, Holland, Brazil, Greece, etc.). After all, I loved this program very much, like a dream come true and somehow leading me to an idea of returning to the States one day for a longer study period.”

Rustem Karimullin, PhD, LL.M., MCIArb (Moscow - Russia)
Karimullin Law Firm

“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.

“My IUSLAW experience is one that I will always treasure. Currently holding two positions in the Senate of the Philippines--Chief Legislation Officer of a Senator concurrent with my position as Director of the Research Service--I really appreciated having the chance to be part of a very diverse class giving me a different perspective of how the legal profession is in other parts of the world. More than the academic knowledge you acquire from competent professors of the U.S. Legal Profession, the experience of having continuous interactions with them as well as with the U.S. Legal System is incomparable and in fact unquestionable. All of us in the 2016 U.S. Legal Methods program were able to gain valuable added knowledge and added friends as well. If you want to have a good break with your life as a law practitioner but still want to learn, take the IUSLAW course!!!!”

Atty. Marivic DL. Laurel-Garcia (The Philippines)
Senate of the Philippines

“As a member of a law firm which has clients from different parts of the world, I consider two things extremely important: having a great command of the 'legal' English language, and having a constant increase in your international networking. I firmly believe that my experience in the 2015 IUSLAW summer programs (both 'U.S. Legal English' and 'U.S. Legal Methods') gave me those things and even more. Not only was I able to enhance my knowledge of legal English, of the Common Law system and of the U.S. Law in general, but I also made contacts with lawyers from all over the world. Related to this, our visits to the most important Law firms in Washington DC and meetings with their Senior Partners really helped in that aim. Besides the professional aspect, I met wonderful people among my lawyer-classmates with whom I spent great moments in every social activity. A wonderful and useful experience.”

Leonardo P. Cippitelli (Buenos Aires - Argentina)
Abeledo Gottheil Abogados

“I was really impressed by the overall quality of the presentations. The cultural diversity of the participants was an inexhaustible enrichment. As a lawyer for 20 years in a system of written law, the 2016 U.S. Legal Methods program brought to me some important added value in my resume and new clients. I thank IUSLAW for this opportunity.”

Joel Beauchamp (Haiti)
United Nations; Cabinet Patrick Laurent & Associes

“Attending the IUSLAW program 'Introduction to U.S. Law' has been one of the best decisions in my life. Not only did I learn and understood the U.S. legal system better from an educational perspective, but I also learned a lot of the business side of the law. Within the program, we were able to network with many of the top DC and International law firms, visiting their offices and socializing with their top partners and attorneys. We also visited many of DC's landmarks like the U.S. Congress and the Supreme Court. The experience was so important to me that because of it, I ended up applying the next year to Georgetown Law's LL.M. Program and subsequently landed a job at a top firm in DC. I will always cherish my experience at IUSLAW, especially the relationships that I still keep to this day with my former peers. I have recommended this program to friends and relatives and they have had the same experience!”

Ricardo Pellerano Nadal (Dominican Republic)
Pellerano & Herrera, Attorneys at Law

“When I decided to join the 2016 Summer Law Programs at the Institute for U.S. Law I would never have guessed how nice it would be. Professors from very important universities, experienced practitioners and excellent lawyers and advanced law students from all over the world, together in Washington. The classes were always exciting and interactive and we had the opportunity to visit many law firms and the various federal and state courts. The US Legal Methods classes served perfectly to introduce the student to the common law methodology and definitions. During those days, through the lessons and prepared materials developed especially for foreign attorneys, we could better understand how the American system works. Indeed, one could easily undertake prolonged and in-depth studies of the many individual subjects as a next step, and the course provided an excellent general view of the content. From Constitutional Law to Torts and to the many other topics, I can definitely say that the way the course is designed just opened my eyes to the extent and complexity of the system. Although already an experienced practitioner in Brazil, the Institute for U.S. Law summer programs (both U.S. Legal English and U.S. Legal Methods programs) gave me the confidence and clarity of purpose to pursue a LL.M. program in the United States. After Professor Juli Campagna, Director Edward Andries and all the many professors and participants that I have been with, I recommend to people having this amazing experience too. Washington is a wonderful Capital City and putting together the monuments, museums, classes and events, there is no better place in the U.S. to be during July and August.”

Mariella Pittari (Brazil)
Public Defender

“In my practice at that time 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 the summer of 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 President, 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 talk with U.S. practitioners from a variety of professional backgrounds. On the whole, I would particularly recommend the IUSLAW summer program to practitioners working with U.S. interests, advanced law or politics students trying to get a “first flavor” of the U.S. legal system, as well as persons interested in preparing to attend a graduate program at a leading U.S. law school.”

Dr. Matthias Dühn (Germany)

“The IUSLAW program in Washington D.C. was a great experience for me in the summer of 2005 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)
Carnelutti, Milan

“I completed the LL.M. degree at George Washington University Law School and 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 the 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

“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.

“I attended the program years ago 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)
Salans, Bucharest

“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)

“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 foundations and 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)

“The IUSLAW Summer Program is a great possibility to get introduced to the American legal system. I was really surprised how great each lecturer was. Their experience was immense. Every question was welcome either during class or afterwards. The topics covered a wide range of law. A special experience for us, educated in the civil law system, was the so called "Socratic Method" in some lectures. Even though it was quite some work to prepare for those classes I really enjoyed this kind of learning and the classroom discussions which arose due to the use of this method. This program helped me with my decision if I want to attend an LL.M. program in the U.S. The four weeks in this great city gave me new friends from all over the world. Although all participants had a different cultural background, we all got along very well. We had refreshing discussion comparing the pros and cons of the different law systems. I can recommend this program to everybody who wants to check out how the American Legal System works ahead of time before doing an LL.M.”

Elke Willy (Germany)

“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

"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

Amazing, extraordinary and life-changing experience!  IUSLAW summer programs are an excellent way of professional development, networking and making world-wide friendships.  The program “U.S. Legal Methods: Introduction to U.S. Law” provides a thorough insight into the U.S. legal system and the overall picture of structure and organization of the main U.S. institutions. The program provides detailed knowledge of the main branches of law in the U.S. and therefore it is ideal platform for someone wanting to take further studies or to pursue a legal career in the U.S.  It also helps non-U.S. lawyers understand the common law system and the valuable insights in U.S. lawyers’ way of thinking, which certainly facilitates cooperation with U.S. law firms and clients originating from the U.S.  Classes held at George Washington University Law School are interactive and thaught by eminent professors and lecturers from prestigious law schools as well as partners from top law firms. The group was very diverse and it was my great honor to meet amazing professionals from all over the world – lawyers from diverse branches, judges, translators, high-ranking government and international organizations officials. . . .   Since participants were from different parts of the world, lively discussions often involved comparative legal analysis, from which I learned a lot about other legal systems. The program also includes visits to leading Washington D.C. law firms and the most significant institutions such as the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Capitol Building, as well as visiting local courts with related presentations and observations of hearings and trials.

Staff from the Institute for U.S. Law, headed by the President Edward Andries, from the first day made us feel welcome and took care that we have a perfectly organized schedule, which allowed us to take the maximum of the program and also to have many social and cultural activities.

If you are thinking about taking the courses do not hesitate any moment, it will be a one-in-a-life-time experience!

Svetlana Pekez (Serbia)