For 27 years Santa Clara Law has been providing an intensive summer course on the Law of the United States. We are pleased to be offering this course again in the summer of 2009.

 

The course includes an introduction to the common law system, historical and constitutional structure of the political and judicial system of the United States, overview of substantive areas of United States Law, and instruction on research methodologies.

 

It is an ideal opportunity to combine a study of U.S. law in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, on a beautiful, historic university campus, with a visit to California and the United States.

 

The program provides not just classes but includes intensive, hands-on instruction on legal methodology and legal research in United States materials, including computer based research. It includes visits to state and federal courts, legal clinics and law offices to observe the actual practice of law. Weekly social events allow participants to meet informally with other students and faculty.

 

As Santa Clara University is located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, participants will have the opportunity to "network" at local law firms and companies as well as travel in one of the most beautiful areas of the United States.

 

Students undertaking an LL.M in United States law will begin their studies with this course. Participants not seeking a degree will be awarded a certificate of attendance upon successful completion of the session.

 

 

We welcome law students from any country outside the United States. The course also has great value to established professionals—lawyers or judges—who need to secure a basic understanding of United States law to broaden their professional horizons.

 

In past years participants came from around the world: Asia, Latin American, Europe, and the Near East. The program thus gives participants an opportunity to meet not only U.S. law students but students and professionals with a wide range of experiences. Classes have been small—under thirty participants each summer—allowing opportunity for questions and discussion.

 

 

Language: Classes are in English, thus participants need to be fluent in English.

 

 

Classes (or visits) usually begin at 9:00 am and will be completed by 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

 

 

• Government Structure. Branches of Government. Federal and State Powers
• United States Constitution
• Civil Procedure. Judicial process and practice in civil litigation.
• Contract and Commercial law
• Business Organizations
• Anti-Trust (or Competition)
• Property and Real Estate Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Tort Law (civil wrongs and injuries)
• Criminal Law and Process
• Employment Law
• Methods of United States Law, Legal Analysis, and common law tradition. Case method and studies — Hands on assistance!
• Legal Research Methods, Including Lexis/Westlaw Training. Individual assistance!
• Visits to courts and other legal institutions

 

 

All classes are taught by full time members of the law faculty of Santa Clara University. Faculty members are recognized experts in the areas of their instruction.

 

Classes are held in university classrooms. Students will have access to University facilities, including the campus libraries and recreation center.

 

 

Tuition for the course is $4,125. The primary text book and other supplemental materials will be provided to you upon the start of the class.

 

 

Download the Application or contact us at llmadmissions@scu.edu

May 1, 2009

 

 

Applicants will need to have valid passports and completed visas for study in the United States. Early application will insure that visas are secured prior to the beginning of classes on July 23.

Housing is not provided as part of the program. Assistance and guidance can be offered by the Office of Graduate Legal Programs. As the program is only three weeks in length, participants often find it convenient to stay in small hotels adjacent to the campus, which provide weekly rates. Lists will be provided on request.

Santa Clara University is the oldest University in the State of California. It has a beautiful park-like campus, centered around one of California's historic Spanish missions.

 

The law school at Santa Clara is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. It offers a three year professional degree in law, the J.D., and graduate (LL.M.) degrees in International and Comparative Law, United States Law (for non-U.S. lawyers), and Intellectual Property Law. It has a widely respected program in international and comparative law (with the most study abroad programs of any U.S. law school). Santa Clara is regularly ranked as having one of the top ten programs in Intellectual Property Law in the United States.

 

The campus is located on the edge of San Jose, California in the Silicon Valley. The University is surrounded by high technology businesses and the legal community that serves this industry.

 

Santa Clara is fifty miles south of San Francisco. A commuter train station adjacent to campus makes travel to and from both San Jose and San Francisco easy and inexpensive.

 

The Pacific Ocean to the West and the Sierra Nevada to the East allow easy weekend travel to beautiful locations.

 

During the summer months it rarely rains. Skies are blue. Temperatures are quite moderate. San Francisco maintains a cooler temperature.