Orientation in USA Law immerses international students in U.S. legal system

  • by Carla Meyer

For 29 years, the Orientation in USA Law Program at UC Davis School of Law has served international legal and business professionals who wish to gain a better understanding of the U.S. legal system. This year’s program ran July 8-Aug. 4.

During this time, UC Davis School of Law hosted lawyers, judges, prosecutors and academics who engaged in more than 170 hours of classes, seminars and on-site observations. The program is offered as part of King Hall’s full suite of learning opportunities for international lawyers and students. Sessions are taught by UC Davis professors as well as practicing judges and attorneys. Academic field trips, including visits to California’s state courts and Capitol and the Yolo County Jail, introduced students to the California justice system in action. Social events and recreational trips to Lake Tahoe and San Francisco helped round out the experience as the participants formed a worldwide legal community.

Beth Greenwood, associate dean of International Programs at UC Davis School of Law, speaks to the multifaceted experience available to Orientation in USA Law participants.

“The Orientation in USA Law program has served thousands of professionals from around the globe over the past 29 years,” Greenwood said. “In addition to being an outstanding program, the Orientation in USA Law provides an amazing legacy—a global network of thousands of legal professionals who are connected through the rule of law.”

Program participant Martin Michaus-Fernandez is an attorney in Mexico who enrolled in the Orientation in USA Law Program after eight years of work in antitrust law. Michaus-Fernandez came to UC Davis School of Law to prepare for a full-time LL.M. program in the fall, hoping to improve his English and gain an understanding of U.S. law before then. Upon his arrival, King Hall’s global community made a tremendous impression.

“It’s a very new point of view hearing my peers’ ways of approaching things,” Michaus-Fernandez said. He continues his praise for the program by saying that his educational goals were quickly met, and that he highly encourages others to take the leap into international education at UC Davis. “The start is challenging, but just go for it!” Michaus-Fernandez said of the Orientation in USA Law Program. After adjustment to the quickly paced classes and a learning style that differs greatly from that of his home country, Michaus-Fernandez said he feels prepared to tackle his future educational goals in the United States.

Associate Dean Greenwood is proud of the Orientation in USA Law Program's lasting impact. “Each summer’s legal professionals learn about the U.S. legal system while sharing knowledge from their own legal systems,” Greenwood said. “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 information about Orientation in USA Law and other International Programs, please visit law.ucdavis.edu/international or contact Kate Asche at [email protected] or 530-757-8569.