USC Gould School of Law Launches Certificate in U.S. Legal Studies

Contact: Gilien Silsby at (213) 740-9690 or (213) 500-8673

USC Gould School of Law is launching a new certificate in U.S. Legal Studies, a two-year program that allows international students to spend one year developing English skills before beginning their LL.M. program. USC is the first school in California and the third top 20 law school to offer a two-year program designed to bolster students’ English proficiency in a legal setting. Between 30 and 40 students are expected to enroll in the program in fall, 2016, said Misa Shimotsu-Kim, director of USC Gould Graduate & International Programs. “This is a unique program that allows students to master the skills they need to succeed in both our LL.M. program as well as in their legal careers after graduation,” said Shimotsu-Kim.  “We created these courses based on our understanding of the LL.M. program as well as the skills and tools that lawyers use in their day-to-day practice.  Students will have the opportunity to learn a variety of practical skills, such as client communication and oral advocacy alongside foundational U.S. law.” During the first year of the U.S. Legal Studies program, students will develop their legal reading and comprehension skills, case briefing skills, legal analysis and synthesis skills in the U.S. common law system. They will also hone basic research and citation skills, as well as their exam-writing skills.  Students will be grouped with the same cohort throughout the year. “Many of our students have requested a program that would allow them to spend more time learning about American law and acclimating to the culture and practice of law in the U.S.,” said Shimotsu-Kim. The new certificate is the latest innovation conceived by USC Gould Dean Andrew Guzman, who took the helm in August. Guzman believes that offering more options for international students is one of the keys to bringing greater diversity and international perspective to USC Gould. “We recognize that the practice of law is becoming increasingly international.  Through our programs, we seek to share our knowledge of U.S. law, as well as gain insight into the laws and cultures of other countries,” said Guzman.  “At USC Gould, students have the opportunity to interact with future practitioners from around the world, and in doing so, develop an international perspective and cultivate meaningful relationships that span the globe.” For more information on the  certificate in U.S. Legal Studies, please visit http://gould.usc.edu/how/gip/2-year/ or contact the Graduate & International Programs office at [email protected] or 213-821-5916.