News Archive

IU McKinney School of Law and Escola da Magistratura/AJURIS in Brazil launched the inaugural Series in American Legal Education. The first cohort was made up of 12 judges from Brazil who took part in “English for Legal Professionals” May 17 to August 2. The program was designed to allow the jurists to delve into the linguistics of statutory interpretation, rule synthesis, and case reading. The judges also practiced their spoken legal English by interviewing clients and presenting oral arguments.

Catherine Beck, who is the Legal English Specialist for IU McKinney’s LL.M. Program and teaches as an adjunct professor at the law school, taught the series via Zoom. The judges wanted to focus on the language of the U.S. legal system, particularly in the areas of common law and precedent, she said.

Precedents were of particular interest to the students as Brazil is adopting a similar system, inspired by the American model, said Judge Patricia Antunes Laydner. She also serves as vice dean at Escola Superior da Magistratura/AJURIS.

Class participants said they were challenged by the exercises that prepared them for the oral argument portion of the course. Writing the arguments involved a great deal of technical vocabulary. “Still, and perhaps because of this, it was also the most interesting activity,” Judge Laydner said. “I would strongly recommend the course to my colleagues.”

“During the classes, I realized the peculiarities of some words and expressions that I got in touch with,” said Judge Josiane Caleffi Estivalet of Rio Grande do Sul State Tribunal de Justice. “So, now I know that it's essential to improve my vocabulary to have a better comprehension of the American legal system and its own way of communicating.”

The students appreciated Beck and the way she taught the course. “Our teacher was amazing because she was always kind and approachable,” Judge Estivalet said. “It was one of the best online experiences I ever had,” Estivalet says.

Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs Miki Hamstra initiated and organized the program. It shows, she said, how judges, lawyers, and professionals can take advantage of training opportunities in other countries in spite of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic