Law Seminar

The Law Seminar offers an immersive introduction to the American legal system, crafted to prepare you for law school in the U.S. or a career in international law. Build global connections, gain a strong foundation in U.S. legal principles, and sharpen the specialized legal English skills essential for success in this field.

Ideal applicants for the Law Seminar are those with advanced English proficiency and at least three years of undergraduate study in law or a related discipline. Many participants are practicing attorneys looking to deepen their understanding of American law and broaden their international expertise.

[cal] Important Dates

Program Dates:
Session B, June 30 - August 1, 2025

Application Deadline:
May 5, 2025

The 2025 application will open in mid-January 2025.

Law Seminar Courses

The U.S. Legal System and the Constitution

This content-rich course, taught by an experienced attorney and law professor, provides an in-depth exploration of the U.S. legal system and foundational constitutional principles. Using a combination of lectures and the Socratic method—a hallmark of U.S. law schools—this course offers an authentic learning experience that simulates a real U.S. law school classroom.

Course topics include key areas such as civil procedure, contracts, professional responsibility, constitutional law, criminal law, torts, and corporate law. Students will examine contemporary legal principles and their historical origins, including essential rights like freedom of speech, religion, privacy, and civil rights.

In addition to lectures, students will engage in practical exercises, including preparing and presenting arguments based on actual case readings. The course culminates in a Moot Court debate, where students collaborate in teams to argue cases before a panel of student judges and the professor. This course is ideal for those seeking a solid foundation in U.S. law and a deeper understanding of the constitutional principles that shape it.

[point] Participants will be offered the opportunity to take field trips. In past years, participants have visited places such as:

• A federal and state correctional facility (a prison)
• State and federal courts to observe a criminal trial and to meet with judges before and after the trial
• The United Nations in New York City

Written Communication Skills: Legal Writing and Rhetoric

This course explores key rhetorical modes within a legal context, focusing on skills like summary writing, paraphrasing, reporting, and persuasive writing. Students will learn essential legal vocabulary and practice applying these techniques across a variety of legal formats.

Course highlights include:

• Reading and Interpreting Legal Texts: Develop strategies for reading complex legal materials, including contracts and case briefs.
• Writing Legal Documents: Gain hands-on experience writing case briefs, business letters, contracts, and research papers.
• Mastering the IRAC Format: Practice the IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) structure—a fundamental approach for law school essays and Bar exam responses.
• Engaging in Debates*: Participate in debates to strengthen your persuasive skills and build confidence in your argumentation.
• Simulated Legal Conference: Conduct research, deliver formal presentations, and craft written reactions as part of a simulated legal conference.

This course is designed to sharpen your ability to argue, analyze, and communicate effectively within legal and academic contexts, providing a solid foundation for further study or practice in the legal field.

Oral Communication Skills in Legal Contexts

This course is designed to build effective speaking skills for a range of legal settings, including interviews, discussions, debates, presentations, and group projects. Students will gain valuable insights from practitioners on legal communication strategies used both inside and outside the courtroom. Through practice in formal and informal oral presentation techniques, students will develop confidence and poise when speaking in semi-professional and professional contexts.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Communicate Effectively in Legal Settings: Practice speaking confidently in interviews, debates, and presentations.
• Engage with Legal Professionals: Gain exposure to real-world communication styles from practicing attorneys and legal experts.
• Strengthen Presentation Skills Build a foundation in both structured and spontaneous speaking, tailored to legal and semi-professional environments.
• Collaborate in Group Projects: Work in teams on mock cases and group presentations, honing teamwork and communication skills essential for legal practice.

This course empowers students to develop clarity, persuasiveness, and professionalism in oral communication, preparing them for a range of scenarios in legal and related fields.

Legal Topics and Profession in Film 

This evening course offers students the chance to refine their reading strategies while exploring ethical dilemmas within the legal profession. Through in-depth discussions, students will examine the traditional role and image of lawyers, drawing insights from Anthony Kronman’s The Lost Lawyer as well as portrayals of lawyers in selected film excerpts.

Key components of the course include:

• Exploring Legal Ethic: Engage in discussions on ethical challenges facing the legal profession, examining both historical and modern perspectives.
• Analyzing Media Portrayal: Reflect on representations of lawyers in film and literature, considering how these portrayals influence public perceptions of the profession.
• Conducting Research on Ethical Issues: Complete a research paper on a chosen ethical topic, which can include a relevant issue in your home country and potential solutions.

This course is ideal for students interested in the ethical complexities of law and its societal implications, providing critical perspectives that complement academic and professional legal studies.

Law Seminar Daily Schedule*

*Individual schedules may vary. This is for reference only.

Tuition and Fees

For other fees and residential costs, please visit our Tuition and Fees page. All tuition and fees, including room and meal charges, must be paid in full three weeks before the program start date.

Financial Assistance

Yale Summer Session only offers financial assistance to Yale College students. Financial assistance is not available for visiting students at this time. Visiting students should contact the financial aid office at their home institutions to discuss their options for financial assistance.

Application Information

To apply, review the application requirements for international students and fill out the Yale Summer Session application. The English Language Institute programs are offered under Yale Summer Session B course listings. Proof of English proficiency is not required for this program.