Posted by Stephen Horowitz, Lecturer of Legal English
Fun with punctuation. (via social media)
Month: September 2024
Reflections on Georgetown Law’s Two-Year LL.M. Program by Sheika Al Kamyani
Posted by Stephen Horowitz, Lecturer of Legal English
Sheika Al Kamyani is from Oman and is currently in her second year of the Two-Year LL.M. Program at Georgetown Law, specializing in International Business & Economic Law. This fall, she secured an externship with Foley Hoag LLP. Over the summer, she interned at Three Crowns LLP in London. Sheika previously worked as a Legal Advisor at the Foreign Ministry of Oman and holds an LL.B. from Sultan Qaboos University. Her hometown, Nizwa, is known for its rich history.
As I reflect on my first year in Georgetown Law’s Two-Year LL.M. program, I am reminded of the transformative journey it has been. From the moment I arrived, filled with hope and uncertainty, to where I stand now, confident in my direction, the growth has been both profound and unexpected. For those who may be feeling uncertain or lost in their journey, I hope my reflections will offer some helpful insights.
Pursuing an LL.M. in the United States was a hard-fought dream. Yet, even after achieving this milestone, I found myself questioning: What comes next? What is the real purpose of this degree, and what do I truly want to do with my life? Does this sound familiar? At some stage, we all ask the same questions. Below are a few key strategies that guided me toward a clearer sense of purpose—strategies that may also serve you.
- Be Curious: Explore Events and Connect with People
Curiosity, I learned, is one of the most valuable tools during your time at Georgetown Law. With such a vibrant and diverse international community, the law center offers a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and opportunities to explore. Every day offers a new event—whether academic discussions, professional networking, or community engagement. I highly recommend that you attend some of these events and immerse yourself in areas you might not have initially considered. By broadening your horizons, you open doors to unexpected interests and valuable connections.
To put this into action, make it a habit to scan the weekly emails sent by Georgetown Law outlining upcoming events. Choose those that resonate with you, mark them in your calendar, and attend them. Some events may require advanced registration, so stay organized!
Reflecting on this, as an introvert, these events took a great deal of my energy, and I needed to prioritize the ones I chose to attend. But, in the end, it was worth it. I gained clarity on what I wanted to do, and I learned about the different areas of law practice.
- Try Different Things: Experiment and Learn
If you’re unsure about your interests, the best way to figure them out is by trying different things. Take diverse courses, participate in externships, and engage in extracurricular activities like moot court competitions. Through this process, you’ll discover what excites you and what doesn’t. It’s easy to think you know what you like, but only by immersing yourself in new experiences will you truly understand your passions. In the end, you have your unique interests, and you can discover what they are by trying new things.
- Do not wait until the last minute: Think ahead and make a plan
If you feel lost, rather than giving into your anxiety, think ahead. For example, you might already know that you want to apply for an externship. Figure out the steps you need to take. You could start by preparing your resume. Get it reviewed, revised, and polished so that you’re ready when opportunities arise.
When it comes to applications, there are two strategies. One approach is to apply widely—submit as many applications as possible and hope to secure a few offers. The other approach, which I used, is more focused. I targeted specific opportunities that aligned with my goals. This method worked for me and helped me land a meaningful summer internship. Both approaches have their merits, and you should choose the one that best suits your style.
- Seek Guidance: Don’t Hesitate to Ask
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to ask for help. Whether from professors, teaching assistants, or peers, never hesitate to seek guidance. Initially, I was reluctant to ask questions, but every time I did, I was glad I had. People are often more than willing to assist, and each conversation I had led me to new insights or opportunities. Sometimes, a simple conversation can provide clarity or direct you toward resources you didn’t know existed. Don’t be shy about reaching out.
- Be Patient: Growth Takes Time
Lastly, give yourself permission to grow at your own pace. You don’t need to have everything figured out immediately. The LL.M. program is a time of exploration, so don’t rush through it. Enjoy the process, and be kind to yourself during moments of uncertainty or challenge. Personal and professional growth is gradual, and every experience—whether a success or a setback—contributes to your long-term development.
Final Thoughts
The path to self-discovery during my first year at Georgetown Law wasn’t linear, but it was incredibly rewarding. By staying curious, trying new things, planning ahead, and seeking guidance, I gained a clearer sense of purpose and direction. I hope these reflections will help you as you navigate your own path, wherever it may lead!
2-Year LLM Summer Internship: Eduany Pedro
Post by Stephen Horowitz, Lecturer of Legal English
Eduany Pedro hails from Palanca, a modest neighborhood in Luanda, the capital of Angola. He is a candidate in the Environmental and Energy Law LLM program at Georgetown where is currently completing the second year of Georgetown Law’s unique Two-Year LLM Program. Eduany has a law degree from Catholic University of Angola and a postgraduate diploma in Law and Oil and Gas Business Management from Agostinho Neto University. You can learn more about him from his LinkedIn profile.
My summer internship at Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown (TCMB) in Rio de Janeiro exceeded all my expectations, becoming one of the most enriching experiences of my life. The idea of pursuing an international internship first took root two years ago, during my time in Austin, Texas.
In 2022, after arriving in the U.S., I enrolled in the Academic English Program at the University of Texas at Austin (UT). After a year of intensive language study, I realized that pursuing a Two-Year LL.M. would be the ideal next step for two main reasons: (i) It would provide a comprehensive understanding of the American legal system, which is essential for my career, and (ii) it would offer the opportunity for an international summer internship, enhancing my global legal exposure. I vividly remember the moment I received the email from Georgetown inviting me to join the program—I was attending the International Energy Conference in Miami, organized by the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN), and I couldn’t stop smiling. It was the perfect convergence of events, reinforcing that I was on the right path.
The journey to secure the internship was a focused effort. From the outset of the LL.M. program, I set a clear goal to gain practical experience in the energy sector. I was diligent in attending energy conferences and networking with professionals, ensuring the right people knew my aspirations. Through these efforts and consistent conversations, my former professor Norman Nadorff and my friend Leandro Duarte advised me to apply for a specific internship opportunity. I followed their advice, applied, and was thrilled to receive the positive news.
I joined the Oil & Gas Practice Team at TCMB in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Working alongside many professionals I had already connected with through international conferences and professional platforms like LinkedIn. My responsibilities included conducting legal research, drafting energy contracts, assisting in creating business plans for clients interested in investing globally, and preparing legal reports and memos. My previous legal experience, combined with my first academic year at Georgetown, proved invaluable. For example, the Contract Drafting course with Professor Dundon directly aligned with my first assignment at the firm. I was tasked with reviewing an oil and gas contract, and the project was almost identical to my final exam in Professor Dundon’s class. Although I was initially nervous because a partner personally assigned me the task, I recalled that I had earned an ‘A’ in the course and used the same approach, adapting the content to the specific legal regime involved.
Additionally, skills from my U.S. Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing course with Professor Hoffman and Legal Writing with Professor Lake were more beneficial than I had anticipated, allowing me to contribute effectively and meet tight deadlines.
My experience at the law firm exceeded my expectations in several ways:
- As a native Portuguese speaker, I naturally expected that most of my work in Brazil would be conducted in Portuguese. However, to my surprise, nearly all of my assignments were in English. This unexpected shift not only challenged me but also provided a great opportunity to refine my professional English skills, which made the experience even more rewarding.
- I expected the firm, given its size and reputation, to have a highly pressured, perhaps even distant, working environment. Instead, I found the atmosphere to be friendly, collaborative, and supportive. The partners, contrary to the stereotype of “Big Law,” were approachable and down-to-earth.
- The workload was intense, but the dedication and enthusiasm of my colleagues were inspiring. I often found myself working late into the night alongside peers, and no one ever complained. The shared sense of purpose and drive to excel, especially among those younger than me, was both fascinating and motivating.
In conclusion, my internship at TCMB not only solidified my professional skills but also reshaped my perceptions of the legal industry. The unexpected challenges, such as working extensively in English and the fast-paced environment, pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The collaborative culture and the dedication of my colleagues made the experience truly fulfilling. This journey reaffirmed my passion for international energy law and demonstrated the value of seizing opportunities, building meaningful connections, and continuously pushing my own boundaries. I feel more confident and prepared for the next phase of my career, with a clearer vision of the impact I want to make in the global legal landscape.
Updates from the Georgetown Legal English Faculty (September 2024)
Post by Stephen Horowitz, Lecturer of Legal English
Here’s what the Georgetown Legal English faculty have been up to since the end of the spring 2024 semester….
****************
Ben Cheng
Returning from parental leave, Prof. Cheng is set to teach sections of Legal English I and Professional Responsibility this fall. Additionally, he is working on a new Legal English Negotiations curriculum for the spring 2025 semester.
John Dundon
Professor Dundon had a busy summer, which started with his teaching an Advanced Contract Drafting class to LL.M. students at IE Law School in Madrid, Spain. It was his fifth summer teaching at IE Law, and he always feels very honored to be there – the school community is very welcoming, and the students themselves are always extremely impressive.
Next, Professor Dundon presented his research at two linguistics conferences in the United Kingdom: the i-Mean 7 Conference on Meaning in Social Interaction in Bristol, and then the 5th European Conference of the International Association for Forensic & Legal Linguistics in Birmingham. His first presentation was an explanation of procedural and evidentiary rules in U.S. trials that can affect linguistic analysis of trial testimony. The second presentation summarized Professor Dundon’s recent research about how U.S. Supreme Court Justices and attorneys at oral arguments sometimes speak “on behalf” of institutions and clients, and how this phenomenon manifests in linguistic features.
Professor Dundon then spent a month in Taiwan, teaching Contract Drafting in English to law students at the National Chengchi University College of Law and practicing attorneys at the Taipei Bar Association. It was one of his largest-ever classes (over 100 students), and Professor Dundon learned an incredible amount about the Taiwanese legal system from his students. He’s been invited back for a similar program next year and hopes to expand the course offerings to cover additional material.
Finally, Professor Dundon taught U.S. Legal Research, Analysis & Writing in Georgetown Law’s Summer Experience Program for entering LL.M. students.
Heather Weger & Julie Lake
It is hard to believe that the summer is almost over! We have several personal and professional highlights to share.
Vacations & Family Time
Since our last blog post, we took time to relax with our respective families.
Professor Julie Lake spent much of the summer with family and friends in Cape May (New Jersey), Chapel Hill (North Carolina), and Philadelphia (Pennsylvania). Though the sun was in full force in Cape May (aka, the “beach”), the jellyfish prevented her from swimming in the ocean. (It is hard to conquer these lifelong fears!) She was able to spend time with her husband and daughter, watching movies and TV shows about unicorns, playing her guitar, and completing kid-friendly art projects.
Professor Heather Weger traveled to Chicago (Illinois) and Richmond (Virginia) to visit her husband’s family), and she spent time with her Mom (from Arkansas) and sister (from North Carolina) as they visited her here in DC. She also spent a week at the beach (North Carolina), binge watching the Olympics, collecting sea shells with her children, and catching up on pleasure reading. Reconnecting with family always brings a renewed sense of identity and energy!
Summer Projects
Between family trips and vacations, we have continued to refine our asset-based approach to teaching Legal English. Specifically, we presented at the Legal Writing Institute (LWI) Biennial Conference in Indianapolis in July. In our presentation, “Linguists in Law School: Rebooting Legal Education to Empower Multilingual Law Students,” we highlighted the value that multilingual law students bring to law school and showed effective pedagogical strategies to enhance their Legal English. We also enjoyed the presentations we attended, and we came away with practices ratified (e.g., mindfulness of cultural and linguistic references in teaching), new practices introduced (e.g., a new approach to cultivating creativity), and some practices overturned (e.g., unexpected ways of handling plagiarism).
The Upcoming Academic Year
We look forward to another academic year with the Two-Year LL.M. program!
We are offering a newly designed course to the Two-Year LL.M. students, Academic Legal English: Special Topics, which engages students in experiential learning to enhance their oral communication skills, grammar skills, and professional language skills. The course topics include:
- Reflecting on Legal English Skills
- Listening to a Law School Lecture
- Optimizing Study Strategies for Law School
- Using (& Not Using) Generative AI in Law School
- Participating in and Facilitating Law School Discussions
- Using Grammar in Legal Contexts: Conditionals
- Writing Academic and Professional Emails
- Exploring the Scholarly Writing Genre
We also look forward to some exciting upcoming projects with our legal English colleagues at several Ukrainian law schools.
- We will continue to participate in the monthly working group with Ukrainian linguists teaching in the law context.
- We are working on designing and delivering a writing retreat for colleagues at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in December 2024.
As we reflect on its evolution over since 2008, we are proud of the quality legal English curriculum that the team has developed. We welcome the new cohort of students and look forward to staying in touch with the students in their second year!
Stephen Horowitz
16th Global Legal Skills Conference (Bari, Italy; June 6-8, 2024)
Had a fantastic and productive experience at the 16th Annual Global Legal Skills Conference in Bari, Italy where I presented on the topic: “Making Legal English Accessible: Ukraine, Afghanistan & the US Bar Exam.”
I was also extremely honored to receive an “Individual Award”Recognition of Achievement in Global Legal Skills Education” award from the Global Legal Skills Institute for “creating collaborative exchanges between US and Ukrainian Legal Educators and for Promoting Legal Skills Education Around the World.”
The other fantastic part was getting to meet so many wonderful members of the Global Legal Skills community in person, including Mark Wojcik, David Austin, Lurene Contento, Chantal Morton, Kim Holst, Artem Shaipov, Louise Kulbicki, Natasha Costello, Claudia Amato, Lindsey Kurtz, Susan Dudley, John Thornton, Shelly Saltzman, Bythia Loudon, Kateřina Chudová, and many others. And particularly special was getting to finally meet in person Ukrainian law professors Oksana Kiriiak (Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University) and Nadiia Maksimentseva (Oles Gonchar Dnipro National University), who had both been active participants in all of the legal English trainings over the past year.
Fact of the day: The bones of St. Nicholas (aka Santa Clause) are buried in the Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari. And thanks to a recommendation from a friend, I just started reading an amazing novel of historical fiction titled Nicked by M.T. Anderson which is set in Bari which tells the somewhat fictionalized story of how Santa’s bones ended up there.
Sri Lanka
Flew to Sri Lanka to lead workshops on legal English curriculum development for the University of Colombo and University of Jaffna in connection with USAID’s Efficient and Effective Justice (EEJ) Program in Sri Lanka. Also met with faculty from the Open University of Sri Lanka and University of Peradeniya to lay the groundwork for legal English curriculum support. Similar to the situation in Ukraine, law schools in Sri Lanka are in the process of moving to English-only curriculum.
Ukraine
- Initiated conversations with Georgetown Law faculty to establish a sort of umbrella “Ukraine legal support” group within the Georgetown Law community in order to identify and connect the various people and entities within the law school that have been involved with providing law-related support to Ukraine. The goal is to be able to increase opportunities for collaboration and info sharing and also establish a central point of contact for inquiries, events, getting involved, etc.
- Looking forward to re-starting the weekly Legal English Conversation sessions for Ukrainian law and legal English faculty that I’ve run for the past year. In each session, some subset of the 30+ Ukrainian faculty members and 30+ US/EU faculty members join and are paired off in breakout rooms for legal English conversation. (If interested in being added to the list of volunteers, please feel free to email me at stephen.horowitz@georgetown.edu.)
- Looking forward to continuing to support the organization of Legal English trainings for Ukrainian law and legal English faculty.
- Looking forward to continuing to support the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Peer-to-Peer Writing Project, which matches KMA students with American law students, including several from Georgetown Law for all three semesters the program has run so far.
ABA Afghan Legal Professionals Scholarship & Mentoring Pilot Program
Continued providing the online self-guided pre-LLM legal English program for fellows in the ABA Afghan Legal Professionals Scholarship & Mentoring Pilot Program. The course, which I co-created, is hosted on the USLawEssentials learning management system. The course is made available for free to all fellows in the program who have completed the legal English assessment designed by Prof. Lindsey Kurtz (Penn State Law), Prof. Dan Edelson (Seton Hall Law), and me last year to support the ABA Pilot Program.
The International Jurist
Was quoted in the article “Legal English Bridges law and language for foreign-educated LLM students,” written by Joshua Alter (Associate Dean of International Programs at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law) which appeared in The International Jurist June 21, 2024.
Bar Exam Support for LLM Students
*Once again co-taught with Prof. Daniel Edelson (Seton Hall Law) a 4-week bar essay skills course (for MEE and MPT) this summer through USLawEssentials using a “pay what you can” model to make legal English bar support accessible to all LLM students who need it.
Online Legal English
Continued my annual tradition of teaching part of the summer pre-LLM English for American Law School course for incoming LLM students at St. John’s Law School. After leaving St. John’s in 2020, I collaborated with Daniel Edelson to create an online version of the summer legal English program in St. John’s Canvas system. The course content, which we designed to be used as both a synchronous or self-guided course, helps students learn the basics of the US legal system, US law school culture, legal writing, and case reading and analysis.
Fall 2024 Semester
Excited to be teaching sections of both Legal English and US Legal Research & Writing this semester to the Two-Year LLM students this fall semester!
Annual Newsletter from the Georgetown University Department of Linguistics
Thanks to my Legal English colleague Prof. John Dundon (who is also in the middle of completing his PhD in linguistics at Georgetown) for putting the Georgetown University Department of Linguistics Annual Newsletter on my radar. One of the unique benefits of being part of the Legal English faculty at Georgetown Law is getting to exist and work in the same university as one of the top linguistics programs in the U.S.
The Newsletter highlights an amazing range of talented folks and fascinating accomplishments. It also provides a great overview of what “linguistics” covers in the current era. Below is a small sampling of items from the newsletter.
*****************
*****************
*****************
*****************
*****************
*****************
*****************
