Legal English

• Required: Legal English Studies (40 hours) 

The objective of this course is to introduce students to fundamentals of the American legal system. The following topics will be addressed in Module 1: Origins of the legal system, The Constitution and Constitutional Law, The Court Systems (including jurisdiction, appeals, and the jury system). The following topics will be addressed in Module 2: Criminal and Civil Law and Procedure, Torts, and Corporate/Business Law and Contracts. The course also familiarizes students with words and phrases that occur frequently in legal, academic, and professional contexts. 

Students will also take two of the following classes:  

• Professional Presentation Skills (20 hours) 

This course covers techniques used to create and give dynamic presentations for various professional purposes. Course topics include organization, structure, audience rapport, vocal techniques, and body language. 

• Professional Writing Skills (20 hours) 

The focus of this course is to provide instruction and practice that you will need to produce clear and correct professional documents. You will draft memos, emails, reports, and everyday correspondence. You will work on elements of grammar and style such as sentence variety, word choice, and conciseness.  

• Professional Discussions (20 hours) 

This course will cover different topics and situations that arise in a professional setting. Course topics include managing and communicating within a meeting, understanding group dynamics, handling conflicts, and project planning. 

• Pronunciation and Fluency Seminar (20 hours) 

This course is designed to help students speak English more clearly and fluently. It includes instruction and practice on sounds, sound combinations, intonation, and other important areas of pronunciation. The course will focus on tips and tools needed to refine your pronunciation in a professional setting. 
 

Curriculum 

Program Topics include: 

• Origins of U.S. Legal System 
• U.S. Constitution and Constitutional Law 
• The Court Systems 
• Criminal Law 
• Civil Law 

Legal English is taught in two modules and students may take the program two times. 

Legal English also includes: 

• A visit to a courthouse to observe a public proceeding  
• An expert guest speaker on a selected area (or areas) of Law 

In the 15-hour* per week part-time Legal English schedule, not all listed topics will be covered, and some projects will be omitted. 
 
Duration: 4 weeks
 
Levels: 6-8 
 
Delivery method: In-person
 

Visa & Financial Verification Requirements: 

For F-1 Student Visa / J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Holders:

• 20 hours per week: A minimum of $ 5,384 USD per session must be documented via a bank statement or equivalent proof of funds.
• Dependents: Add $ 200 USD per week for the first dependent and $ 100 USD per week for each additional dependent. (Only spouses and children qualify as dependents.)

For Tourist / ESTA Applicants:

• 15* hours per week: No financial verification is required.

Program Schedule:

• Monday - Friday
• 15* or 20 hours per week

Sample Schedule:

*The 15-hour-per-week program does not qualify for the Form I-20.

Age: 18+  

Language Proficiency: Pre-Advanced or Advanced (levels 6-8)
 
Placement Test: For the best learning experience, every student must take the ELI placement test (delivered online before students arrive) to determine their ELI English level before starting the Legal English program. This test helps us understand your current English level, ensuring you start the program at just the right spot for your study abroad journey.

Optional: You may want to check your English language level using one of these free online tests before applying to the Legal English program. You will still need to take the ELI placement test as described above after you are admitted.

Pre-Arrival Orientation: All enrolled students are required to complete an online pre-arrival orientation before the beginning of the program. This orientation includes essential information for studying at UCSD ELI and is a crucial step in preparing for the Legal English program.
 
 Previous Legal experience (work or study) preferred.

2025 Dates 

• January 6 - 31
• February 3 - 28: CLOSED
• July 7 - August 1 
• August 4 - 29 

2025 Prices 

• Application Fee: $225 (nonrefundable) 
• Part-time Tuition: $2,490 (15 hours per week / 60 hours total), OR 
• Full-time Tuition: $2,790 (20 hours per week / 100 hours total) 
• International Student Service Fee: $250 
• UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance: $240 
• Books/Materials: Approximately $150-175 (Payment CANNOT be made in advance. Books and materials must be purchased upon arrival at UC San Diego.)

For all 2025 program dates and prices, visit the Dates and Prices page or download the 2025 Dates & Prices document. This document also lists the financial verification required for your program application if you need the Form I-20 for a student visa.

*The 15-hour-per-week program does not qualify for the Form I-20.