King Hall's Orientation in USA Law Program Marks 27th Year

Practicing lawyers, judges, prosecutors and defenders, scholars and law students from more than a dozen countries travelled to King Hall to explore U.S. legal theory and practices and to experience California culture during the annual Orientation in U.S.A. Law Program at UC Davis School of Law. This year's program runs July 10 through August 6.

The program is offered as part of King Hall's full suite of learning opportunities for international lawyers and students, and sessions are taught by UC Davis professors as well as practicing judges and attorneys. Academic field trips introduce students to the California legislative, judicial, and criminal justice systems in action. Social events and recreational trips to Lake Tahoe and San Francisco help round out the experience as students forge lasting professional and personal friendships.

When Beth Greenwood, Associate Dean of International Programs at UC Davis School of Law, first created this program many years ago, she knew that it would impact international lawyers in important ways. "The Orientation in U.S.A. Law program has served thousands of students and professionals from around the globe over the years," says Greenwood. "In addition to being an outstanding program, the Orientation in U.S.A. Law provides an amazing legacy-a global network of thousands of legal professionals who are connected through the rule of law."

Marcos Tabet comes to the program from Brazil, where he has practiced law for 22 years. "In the recent years, my office has interacted more with international law firms. Some of these are in United States, others in Europe and Asia. This course will help me develop my legal English and understand the thinking behind American law."

Moyi Liu, a pre-LL.M. student, first heard about UC Davis from colleagues when she was an intern at a law firm in Beijing. "I think [Orientation in U.S.A. Law] is a very good way to get an overview of the U.S. law system," notes Liu. "After the LL.M. begins, maybe students will just focus on specific areas. For example, I will focus on IP law, and contracts or business association within this context. In the Orientation program, I can learn something about criminal law, constitutional law, everything. It's also a chance for me to see if I want to change my focus to another area."

Associate Dean Greenwood is proud of the Orientation in USA Law Program's lasting impact. "Each summer's legal professionals learn about the US legal system while sharing knowledge from their own legal systems," says Greenwood. "Their deep engagement with the law inspires us to continuously tailor the program to the changing international legal landscape. It is an incredible honor for King Hall to host these wonderful colleagues."

For more information about Orientation in U.S.A. Law and other International Law Programs, please visit law.ucdavis.edu/international or contact Kate Asche at internationallaw@ucdavis.edu or 530-757-8569.