A WORK IN PROGRESS: THE EVOLUTION OF A PRE-LLM INTENSIVE LEGAL ENGLISH PROGRAM Lynn Bonesteel, Maria Tomeho-Palermino, Susan Vik Boston University—CELOP GLOBAL LEGAL SKILLS CONFERENCE III February 28, 29 & March 1, 2008

Agenda Evolution of Legal English for LLM Students at BU –Overview of current program: organization & curriculum Questions for discussion: –Students, content, writing instruction –Instructor roles: ESP & legal professionals Summary

Evolution of Legal English Program at BU Current organization –Three ESP teachers; one attorney –120 hours of instruction over six weeks Curriculum –Oral Skills (four hours/week) –Case Briefing and Writing (eight hours/week) –Law School Skills (four hours/week) –Special event (trip, guest lecturer, film)

Questions: Students, Content, & Writing Instruction What are the skills & knowledge ESL students need to succeed in an LLM program? What skills & content can we teach & practice in a six- week, 120-hour pre-LLM course? What kind of writing instruction is necessary?

Questions: Instructor Roles: ESP & Legal Professionals What do English instructors in a Legal English LLM program need to know about the law? –How much? How can an institution prepare ESL instructors to teach in such a program? –How much & what kind of training? What role should a law professional play? –Who: Attorney and/or law professor?

Summary