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Welcome to the U.S.-German Summer Law School Giessen
- Spend your Summer in the Heart of Europe
-
Caution: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all information on our website is subject to change. We will always post the latest updates on our website.
SPEND YOUR SUMMER IN THE HEART OF EUROPE ♥
Please note that the U.S.-German Summer Law School does not take place in 2023. We will update our website with information regarding the possible continuation of the program in 2024 later this year.
The Faculty of Law at Justus Liebig University Giessen, the Marquette University Law School and the University of Wisconsin Law are looking forward to host students from all over the world for the 14th U.S. - German Summer Law School.
16th of July - 13th of August 2022
We offer four courses of which students can choose two:
- International Economic Law & Business Transactions
- Business Ethics and Human Rights Law
- Comparative Constitutional Law
- International Intellectual Property Law
The program combines high-quality teaching with a wide range of cultural and social activities: During the four weeks, students will study in a familiar atmosphere and meet excellent lecturers and practitioners from all over the world. We also offer weekend trips where participants can experience Germany and its culture. Besides, they have the opportunity to attend a German language course offered at beginner's level.
Program Outlines
Courses
Application
Full Registration Process
Below you will get an overview about the whole application procedure divided into steps for regular as well as partial scholarship applicants. Please check by yourself in which step you're at the moment.
1st Step - Application
To apply for our program please fill in the application document. The application start will be on the first of December 2021! Decisions on applications will be made in the order of their arrival as of the beginning of January 2022.
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email stating that we received your application. We will take some time to thoroughly review your documents before we will get back to you via email in order to let you know about our decision.
To apply for the U.S.-German Summer Law School, please send us the following documents:
- Application form: Download the application here
- your CV
- vaccination certificate (COVID - 19)
- motivation letter
- a certificate of your proficiency in the English language (non-native speakers)
- a transcript of records (optional)
- a picture of you (optional)
Submit your application at summerlaw
Application Deadline: May 31st 2022
2nd Step - Acceptance and Application Fee
After you got accepted for the program you have to transfer the application fee of 250,- Euro to our University Bank account within 14 calendar days.
Please note: Transfer fees have to be paid by the participant!
In case you would like to avoid bank fees, of course you are welcome to transfer the complete program fee in one payment. As bank transfers may take some time, a proof of payment (e.g. by sending a faxed or scanned copy of the money transfer form) will be highly appreciated.
Please note: Payments can only be made by bank transfer!
3rd Step - Applying for Visa
After we have received your 250,- Euro application fee payment, we will send you an invitation letter and an insurance letter. With those documents please visit your next German embassy and apply for a „Schengen VISA“ as soon as possible.
More informations at our embassy website
Please note: If you were applying late and we are already in May, make sure that you would make an appointment at your nearest German embassy already after applying for the program. It is easier to cancel an appointment after you got rejected than getting a last-minute appointment after you got accepted.
4th Step - Complete your Payment
If not already done during the second step yet, please complete your payment within 28 calendar days after you got accepted to the program. Please note that transfer fees have to be paid by the participant. As bank transfers may take some time, a proof of payment (e.g. by sending a faxed or scanned copy of the money transfer form) will be highly appreciated.
5th Step - Making Travel Arrangements
Book your flights and prepare everything for your travel. Inform yourself in which form you need your vaccination certificate. Please let uns know when your are going to arrive in Giessen. Send us an email with your flight details so we can prepare your arrival.
6th Step - You're almost there!
Don't forget your flight and/or train tickets, VISA documents, your passport, your vaccination certificate and any medication you might need! We are looking forward to meeting you soon in Giessen!
Cancellation Policy
If you registered for the U.S. German Summer Law School program at the Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, please notice the following Terms and Conditions:
- If you got accepted for a particular program and also accepted the offer, you need to pay a service fee of 250 €. This service fee will not be refunded under any conditions.
- The date of a rescission during the particular year will influence the refunded amount of the already payed program fee. (until 31st March: 100%, until 30th April: 75%, until 31st May: 50%, until 15th June: 25%)
- No refunds will be issued after the 15th June of the particular year of the program.
Fees/Scholarships
Available: Early Bird Discount* of 250 Euro off until February 28th!
|
International Students without a scholarship |
Summer School scholarship holders (partial scholarship) |
---|---|---|
Application Fee |
250 Euro | 250 Euro |
Program Fee | 1650 Euro | 1000-1650 Euro** |
Courses | inclusive: course materials, supplementary reading list online and on USB stick | |
Travel in Giessen | inclusive: free public transport within Giessen | |
Accommodation | inclusive: accommodation in shared bedrooms, incl. WiFi | |
Field Trips |
To Berlin and Brussels! Due to the Covid 19 situation, all trips are subject to change. |
|
Service | inclusive: - health, accident and liability insurance - free Wi-Fi at the university campus and in your hotel - HelpDesk during the opening hours - Welcome Guide with all necessary information - participation in (most) social events |
|
Credits | 3 ECTS credits/course + 1 ECTS credit for the (optional) German language course (regular attendance and passing the final exams is required to receive ECTS credits) | |
Travel Allowance | unavailable | unavailable |
Total Costs |
1900 Euro |
1250-1650 Euro** |
German language course (optional) | 50 Euro | 50 Euro |
* Early bird discount is only applicable for non-scholarship holders and will be granted for applications that are sent until February 28th of the particular year.
** The amount of partial scholarships varies significantly due to variation in the financial grant of our sponsors.
Scholarships
Students, who want to participate in the U.S.- German Summer Law School, have the possibility to apply for a partial scholarship.
How to apply for a scholarship?
If you state that you wish to apply for financial subsidies in our Application Form, you need to attach the following additional documents to your application:
- One letter of reference from one of your lecturers (written in the English language)
- A thorough letter of motivation including your reasons to apply for the course and stating your personal financial neediness.
- Transcripts of Records showing us your academic achievements (optional)
- A certificate of your proficiency in the English language (for non-native speakers)
What do we take into consideration?
- Individual students’ motivation for their participation in our Summer Law School
- Students’ academic excellence
- Students’ financial needs
- Diversity in the composition of the Summer School group
What is covered by a scholarship?
A scholarship will partially reduce the total fee. The sum is set individually since it depends on the individual application and the available funds, which vary yearly. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide scholarships, which waive the complete program fee. Scholarships will not cover travel costs.
Application deadline: May 31st 2022
Full Registration Process
Below you will get an overview about the whole application procedure divided into steps for regular as well as partial scholarship applicants. Please check by yourself in which step you're at the moment.
1st Step - Application
To apply for our program please fill in the application document. Decisions on applications will be made in the order of their arrival as of the beginning of January 2021.
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email stating that we received your application. We will take some time to thoroughly review your documents before we will get back to you via email in order to let you know about our decision.
To apply for the U.S.-German Summer Law School, please send us the following documents:
- Application form: Download the application here
- your CV
- vaccination certificate (COVID - 19)
- motivation letter
- a certificate of your proficiency in the English language (non-native speakers)
- a transcript of records (optional)
- a picture of you (optional)
Submit your application at summerlaw
Application Deadline: May 31st 2021
2nd Step - Acceptance and Application Fee
After you got accepted for the program you have to transfer the application fee of 250,- Euro to our University Bank account within 14 calendar days.
Please note: Transfer fees have to be paid by the participant!
In case you would like to avoid bank fees, of course you are welcome to transfer the complete program fee in one payment. As bank transfers may take some time, a proof of payment (e.g. by sending a faxed or scanned copy of the money transfer form) will be highly appreciated.
Please note: Payments can only be made by bank transfer!
3rd Step - Applying for Visa
After we have received your 250,- Euro application fee payment, we will send you an invitation letter and an insurance letter. With those documents please visit your next German embassy and apply for a „Schengen VISA“ as soon as possible.
More informations at our embassy website
Please note: If you were applying late and we are already in May, make sure that you would make an appointment at your nearest German embassy already after applying for the program. It is easier to cancel an appointment after you got rejected than getting a last-minute appointment after you got accepted.
4th Step - Complete your Payment
If not already done during the second step yet, please complete your payment within 28 calendar days after you got accepted to the program. Please note that transfer fees have to be paid by the participant. As bank transfers may take some time, a proof of payment (e.g. by sending a faxed or scanned copy of the money transfer form) will be highly appreciated.
5th Step - Making Travel Arrangements
Book your flights and prepare everything for your travel. Inform yourself in which form you need your vaccination certificate. Please let uns know when your are going to arrive in Giessen. Send us an email with your flight details so we can prepare your arrival.
6th Step - You're almost there!
Don't forget your flight and/or train tickets, VISA documents, your passport, your vaccination certificate and any medication you might need! We are looking forward to meeting you soon in Giessen!
Student Voices
Jayanti
Jayanti Mishra
from: India Study Path: Law
"I made friends for life and gathered great memories that I will cherish forever" |
Why did you choose this program?
I have always felt that learning and studying abroad and getting in touch with other countries educational systems can be one of the most enriching experiences. For me, the SLS program in Giessen presented an opportunity to study subjects that interest me and to get in touch with the German educational system. The field trips, of course, in particular made me want to be a part of the summer school program. I am glad I chose this program.
Was the participation in the Summer School useful for you? What have you gained?
My participation in the summer school has been an enriching and educational experience for me. Both, academically and personally I have gained a lot of knowledge (thanks to the great teachers!), made friends for life and gathered great memories that I will cherish forever.
Any tips for future participants?
My tip for future participants is: attend the course and participate in all events as all of them are so much fun. I advise you to make new friends, study regularly (though it will be difficult), take a jacket and an umbrella everywhere (you never know when it rains), choose courses that interest you and not the one you should take. Carry more cash and don’t forget your mensa card and bus ticket.
Please, summarize your experiences and impressions
I have had a great experience and moments I’ll cherish forever. I got to make amazing nice friends from the US, Poland, India, Belgium and all other countries of the world. The subjects were taught in-depth and the knowledge I gained will definitely be used in my home country. The summer school team was the greatest and friendliest, ever. My experience, in total, has been so great that I will always cherish and remember it.
Francis
Francis Sinsai
from: Gambia Study Path: Public International Law
"Brace yourself for a month of rewarding experiences" |
Why did you choose this program?
I chose this program because I wanted to gleam my professional experience in the field of law with further theoretical background. I was particularly interested in the nexus between businesses and other actors and how they impact human rights law.
Was the participation in the Summer School useful for you? What have you gained?
The exposure to and the discussions with people from diverse legal systems were priceless. Furthermore, the field trips allowed a greater appreciation of German history and experiences.
Any tips for future participants?
If you are doubting whether to join or not - don’t hesitate! Pack your bags and brace yourself for a month of rewarding experiences! Be prepared to spend every weekend in a different city or even different country if you want. If you get the chance, go to Hamburg! Also, remember that Germans take punctuality rather religiously!
Please, summarize your experiences and impressions
The program had an impressive balance of academic and social activities. Best of all, the friends I made here made the summer program the most rewarding.
Hana
Hana Karawia from: Egypt Study Path: Law
"The best time of my life"
|
Why did you choose this program?
I’ve chosen this program because the courses exactly matched my needs and the legal areas which I want to develop. Moreover, this program combines academics with fun times which was in the form of trips to German cities and other leisure activities.
Was the participation in the Summer School useful for you? What have you gained?
The Summer School was useful for me to a huge extent as it exposed me to essential law fields that are important for my future career and to international students whom I’ve mingled with. I have gained theoretical and practical legal knowledge as well as cultural knowledge from my international colleagues.
Any tips for future participants?
For future participants I highly advise them to depend on their cash more than on the credit card in Germany and to read the material on a daily basis.
Please, summarize your experiences and impressions
In this month, I have been able to see the German culture clearly and their system so I could say that it was eye opening for me. Also, the courses offered materials that I wouldn’t have gained in my home college. Thus, I had a great access to knowledge. Most importantly, the interaction of other students made me aware of how people think differently according to their cultural background and I have learned a lot from them.
Marcelle
Marcelle B. Cortiano Nagakura
from: Brazil Study Path: Law, IP Law and Comparative Constitutional Law „What caught my attention was the diversity of subjects I could choose from and the opportunity to learn the German language” |
Why did you choose this program?
I looked through a lot of summer schools this year. What caught my attention was the diversity of subjects I could choose from and the opportunity to learn the German language, too. The application process was totally accessible and the staff was helpful all time which made the application way easier.
Was the participation in the Summer School useful for you? What have you gained?
My participation in the SLS was definitely useful, both for my academic and for my personal development, as I will go back to my home country as a much more qualified student and more prepared professionally. Besides the classroom experience, I was able to live together with several amazing cultures which were new to me, and made friends from all over the world.
Any tips for future participants?
I’d say: don’t think twice before applying, because this course is without a doubt an unforgettable and irreplaceable experience. It’s not only about the courses you take - which are already excellent - but also the whole international student living, which widens your horizon and will definitely be one of the greatest choices you can do for your career and your personal growth.
Please, summarize your experiences and impressions
When I began looking for summer law courses I was planning to go to England or to the US. But then I found SLS Giessen and it was a grateful surprise. I had never been to Germany but always wanted to, so it was a perfect opportunity. The whole structure of the course is very impressive and the quality of the classes and professors is beyond any expectation I had before, so overall I can say that the SLS was definitely an awesome experience, and an essential part of my life and future career.
FAQs
Yes. The deadline is the 31st May of the particular year.
The program is designed for undergraduate, graduate students and young professional, that have a law background. US students need to have finished the first year of Law School. More information for US students can be found here
Upon the successful completion of the U.S.-German Summer Law School Giessen, you will be awarded credits [ECTS] by the University of Giessen. You will be awarded 6 ECTS credits for successfully passing your two selected courses (3 ECTS for each course) of the academic program and 1 ECTS credit for the successful participation in the (optional) German language course.
Credits will only be awarded upon passed examinations.
If you want to apply for a partial scholarship please do so via our application form. You can get more information on the requirements and the procedure here .
Since we have students and teachers from all over the world in our classes, obviously the teaching language is English. To make sure that you will be able to follow the content discussed in class and also to make sure that you will be able to pass the exam, it is really important that you are proficient in English. Unfortunately, a letter from a teacher, a professor or a friend does not serve the purpose. We know that taking official tests such as the TOEFL, the Cambridge Certificate or the IELTS can be very expensive. Therefore, we accept certificates from English language courses at your university or certificates of Legal English classes. A proof that you have studied abroad in an English speaking country will also do the job. If you are unsure whether your certificate is sufficient, just contact the team. We are glad to answer all your questions.
Yes. If you got accepted for the program and also accepted the offer, you need to pay a service fee of 250 Euro. This service fee will not be refunded under any conditions. The date of rescission during the particular year will influence the amount of the already paid program fee that will be refunded. (Until March 31st: 100%, until April 30th: 75%, until May 31st: 50%, until June 15th: 25%). No refunds will be issued after the June 15th of the particular year of the program.
This depends on your nationality and your country of general residency. In some cases, you need to visit the German embassy in order to apply for a “Schengen VISA”. More information:
A health, liability and accident insurance is included in the program fee. This insurance is valid ONLY for the duration of the program.
Yes, there is an attendance policy. You are allowed two absences, for both of your two classes each, without any consequences. There is no distinction between classes and other academic events, so as an example if you do not show up for our guided tour through the German Bundestag this will count towards the absences in your classes. For any additional absences you will need to bring doctors note. Please be aware that being late will count as an absence, as well. If you do not excuse a third absence, you are not allowed to write the final exam and will therefore be unable to receive academic credit.
Yes. You can arrive before the arrival date and depart later, after the departure day. Please keep in mind, that we CAN'T provide accommodations for the extra time, only for the duration of the program. Make sure that you arrange accommodation for additional days on your own. If you need assistance, please let us know.
In early June, approximately 6-4 weeks before the program starts we will set up Facebook groups so that you guys can get into contact with each other before you will meet here in Giessen.
This is a very individual questions that is not easy to answer. It highly depends on your habits and how many activities outside of the program you want to participate in. We think that you will use approx. 15 and 20 Euro per day (including food, souvenirs, etc.).
In general, it’s most common to pay cash, also in bars and restaurants. Therefore, it’s advisable to always have some cash money on hand. Apart from that, you can pay with debit or credit card with a PIN number to be used at all ATMs. If you have a credit card without PIN number, you may have problems, paying in smaller shops and restaurants, as they may not accept the credit card.
There are laundry facilities in town. Before arrival you will get a little guide on lots of practical things and how they are done in Giessen. This guide will list the address of the laundry facility nearest to your hotel.
This highly depends on your country of origin. In general, there is a voltage of 230, meaning that you might get problems using electrical devices designed for a lower voltage than that without an internal voltage converter. Most electrical devices such as smartphones and laptops are equipped with these but please make sure about the equipment of your devices. Devices such as hair dryers for example are mostly not equipped with an internal voltage converter so they might only work very slow, very fast (danger of overheating!) or not at all. Concerning plugs, Germany uses type C and type F plugs. Sockets are mostly type F (which fit type C and type F plugs). Very rarely there are type C sockets (which only fit type C plugs).
If you have any physical impairments, nutritional or other dietary restrictions, please let us know as early as possible in advance so that we can help you making all necessary arrangements.
Breakfast will be provided in form of a buffet in your hotel and in the hostels on our field trips. Other meals are not included, but you will be given a Mensa card for inexpensive meals on campus, which you can charge with your own money. There will be three occasions where we will provide dinner in the form of catering: Welcome Day, Summer BBQ Party, Closing Ceremony.
Please note: We also take consideration for food intolerances, but we cannot guarantee that all food items in the hotel will be edible for everyone.
Participants of the SLS will stay in the local “Residenz Hotel”. You can see pictures, as well as additional information right here .
Please be aware, that medical service can't be provided for every minor complaint. The sport events of the program will be supplied by medical service. At those events the German Red Cross and an ambulance are present to be able to help immediately in the case of an emergency. If it's necessary, the invalid will most likely be transported to one of the following hospitals:
- The UKGM
- The St. Josef Krankenhaus Balserische Stiftung
- The Akaplesion EKH Mittelhessen
For illnesses that only require seeing a doctor, we work together with doctors of our confidence. The decision for a particular doctor will be made from case to case. If you need additional detailed information concerning the insurance policy, please contact the Summer Schools Team via e-mail or phone.
Our Summer School Team will be available (almost) 24/7 during the program via our emergency phone. You can also send us WhatsApp messages there. The number will be announced as we get closer to the actual start of the program and will be listed in our Pre-Arrival Guide as well.
Generally speaking, participation in social events is optional but participation in academic events is mandatory.
Mandatory Events include:
- All classes (including German language classes if you signed up for those)
- Welcome Presentation on Welcome Day
- Berlin - city tour by bus, visit to the German Bundestag, visit to the Memorial of the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin
- Brussels - city tour, visit of the European Parliament
- Closing Ceremony
Optional Events include:
- City Rally and Welcome Dinner on Welcome Day
- Sports Day
- Summer BBQ Party
- Rhine Valley Tour
Please be aware that we need the grades from both classes you took during your stay before we are able to issue your certificates. After being issued they have to be signed by the officials. You will receive a version via mail, as well as an electronic version. Please make sure that we have your current address in our database. It is very important that you inform us if you move. We really want you to receive your certificate and don’t want to waste paper, as well as money for sending our several certificates to you.
More Information
Credits
Upon the successful completion of the Summer Law School Giessen, you will be awarded credits [ECTS] by the University of Giessen. You will be awarded 6 ECTS credits for successfully passing your two selected courses (3 ECTS for each course) of the academic program (out of the 4 we offer) and 1 ECTS credits for the successful participation in the (optional) German language course.
ABA/ECTS
Our courses are ABA approved. Therefore, US participants will be awarded ABA credits.
Non-US participants will be awarded ECTS credits. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System [ECTS] is a student-centered system based on the workload required to achieve the objectives of a course. The organization's aim is to facilitate student mobility and therefore simplifies the process of credit transfer. The system is based on the assumption that 60 credits equals the workload of a full-time student during one academic year. The student workload of a full-time study program in Europe approximately amounts to 40 weeks per year and in this case one credit stands for 24 to 30 working hours. For more information on ECTS please visit the homepage of the European Union.
Please note: ABA and ECTS credits will only be awarded upon passed examinations.
Transcript of Records - Grades
Your performance will be documented in percentage terms. Documentation for a conversion into ECTS/U.S. grades will be attached to the transcript.
Please note: ECTS is applied by most European higher education institutions. Furthermore, some of our partner universities outside of Europe agreed on accepting ECTS. We recommend consulting the person in charge of academic recognition of credits at your home institution to make sure that transferability of ECTS is possible before you enroll for Summer School Giessen. The Summer School Giessen team will gladly provide you and your home institution with further information on ECTS in order to implement academic recognition for academic achievements of the U.S.-German Summer Law School.
Lecturers
All our lecturers are specialized in different areas of law. Making contact with them and joining discussions during the summer law school is a very unique feature of our program.
Professor Anuj Desai
Professor Edward Fallone
Professor Edward Fallone joined the faculty of the Marquette University Law School (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) in 1992. He teaches in the areas of constitutional law, corporate law, corporate crimes and immigration law, and has published frequently on these topics. He has also offered a course in International Criminal Law at the Justus Liebig University Law School in Giessen, Germany and at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Prior to joining Marquette University Law School, Professor Fallone practiced law with the firm of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson in Washington, D.C., where he represented military defense contractors in securities fraud and white collar crime cases. He is a 1988 recipient of a J.D. degree from the Boston University School of Law, and he received his B.A. degree from Boston University in Spanish Language and Literature. Professor Fallone is a former President of the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association and has been active in a variety of organizations devoted to providing legal and social services to the Hispanic community of southeastern Wisconsin. In 2013, he ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. |
Prof. Dr. Thilo Marauhn
Co-Director, Franz von Liszt Institute for International and Comparative Law; Associate Director, Centre for International Environmental and Development Research. Educated at the Universities of Mannheim, Wales (Aberyswyth, U.K.), Bonn and Heidelberg, Professor Marauhn holds a law degree (state exam, equivalent to J.D., Heidelberg), a Postgraduate Diploma in International Law and Relations (Wales), an M.Phil. in International Relations (Wales), and a Dr. iur. utr. (Heidelberg). He earned his venia legendi in public law, international and European law from the University of Frankfurt/Main. Following a short period as Professor of Law at the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, U.K.) he was appointed Professor of Law at the Justus Liebig University Giessen, Faculty of Law, in 2001. Also, he has been a visiting professor of constitutional theory at the University of Lucerne, Faculty of Law (Switzerland), since 2001, and he has been a visiting professor at UW Law School in 2005 and 2008. He served as the Dean of the Faculty of Law, in Giessen between 2006 and 2009. Professor Marauhn has been a member of numerous councils and academies, including, among others, the German National Advisory Committee on International Humanitarian Law (since 1995), the Scientific Advisory Board of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development (currently chair), the Scientific Advisory Board of the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt/Main (currently chair), and the Advisory Board on United Nations Issues of the German Federal Foreign Office (since 2008). Apart from being a book series editor (Ius internationale et europaeum) and a member of editorial boards (including the Journal of Conflict and Security Law, OUP), he has published widely in international journals and has edited many books on international law issues (among others, with CUP). His main research interests focus on international legal approaches to human rights, environment and development, and international security. |
Dr. Pablo Rueda-Saiz
Pablo Rueda-Saiz is a Colombian lawyer who holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Jurisprudence and Social Policy from the University of California, Berkeley. He has worked for the Office of Legal Counsel at the Presidency of Colombia, as well as at the Ministry of the Interior, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and as a deputy judge at the Colombian Constitutional Court. He has taught comparative constitutional law as well as other courses on law and society at the legal studies program at U.C. Berkeley. He will be a Tinker Visiting Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School during the Fall of 2018. He has published both in English and in Spanish on topics related to Colombian and comparative constitutional law, as well as in law and society. |
Dr. Adam Andrzejewski
Adam Andrzejewski is Assistant Professor at the Kozminski University in Poland, where he teaches in the Law School, offering classes in Comparative Corporate Law, International Economic Law, and Intellectual Property Law. He has also offered a course in International Intellectual Property Law at the Chile Summer Program in Santiago. Dr. Andrzejewski is also a practicing attorney-at-law. Adam Andrzejewski completed his legal education at the universities of Warsaw in Poland and Cologne in Germany. He graduated with distinction in 2007 and holds a law degree (J.D. equivalent). From 2008 to 2011, he was a research associate at the Institute for Public, European and Public International Law at Justus Liebig University, Giessen. He earned his Doctor juris (S.J.D. equivalent) from the University of Giessen in 2013. His doctoral thesis, supervised by Prof. Dr. Thilo Marauhn, was on patent auctions as an alternative business structure for intellectual property assets acquisition and sales. He received a scholarship from the federal state of Hessen for his research in Giessen and at Max Planck Institute in Munich. Throughout his preparation of his doctoral thesis Dr. Andrzejewski was supported by a scholarship from the Hesse, a federal state of Germany. Following his legal education, Dr. Andrzejewski cooperated with GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals in Warsaw and Ernst & Young in Dublin. He also worked as an attorney-at-law in the Intellectual Property and Technology department of DLA Piper in Warsaw. His main research interests focuses on corporate governance in different jurisdictions, international trade law, European law, and intellectual property rights. In his private practice he has specialized in corporate law, mergers & acquisitions and intellectual property law. He advises national and international corporate clients. |
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Julian Scheu
Julian Scheu is Junior Professor of International Investment Law, Public International Law and Public Law at the University of Cologne and General Manager of the International Investment Law Centre Cologne (IILCC). He studied law at the Universities of Cologne and Paris 1 (Panthéon- Sorbonne) with a specialization in international economic law (LL.M./Maîtrise en droit, 2009; Dr. jur., 2016) and is qualified to practice law in Germany (second legal state examination, 2017). His doctoral thesis on systemic integration of human rights in investment treaty arbitration was published in 2017 with the kind support of the VG Wort Science Foundation. Prior to joining the University of Cologne he worked as legal assistant with the German Arbitration Institute (DIS) in the field of German and international arbitration. His practical experience includes acting as arbitral secretary and assistant to arbitrators, counsel and legal experts in international commercial and investment arbitration (ICSID, UNCITRAL, ICC, SIAC, DIS, ad hoc). His working languages are German, English and French. |
Dr. Sorcha MacLeod
Dr Sorcha MacLeod is an expert on business, human rights and security, particularly private military and security companies, and has published widely on this topic. She is WEOG member of the UN Human Rights Council's Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination. Formerly a member of the Law School at the University of Sheffield, she is currently based in Berlin where she is a Visiting Professor at Free University Berlin and at the Hertie School of Governance. From October 2019 she will be a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow at the University of Copenhagen. She is an invited expert to the UN Inter-governmental Working Group on private military and security companies and participated in the drafting of the Montreux Document on private military and security companies and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers. She has Observer Status at the International Code of Conduct Association. She has advised governments, industry and civil society organisations on business, human rights and security issues. |
Dr. Rebecca DeWinter-Schmitt
Dr. Rebecca DeWinter-Schmitt is an expert in business and human rights, in particular pertaining to the private military and security industry. She is Senior Managing Director at Human Analytics, a risk management consultancy specializing in helping public and private organizations address human rights risks associated with operating in complex environments. Currently resident in Berlin, she is also a Senior Associate at twentyfifty, the leading German management consultancy for all matters pertaining to responsible business conduct. Until August 2019, she directed the Human Rights in Business Program housed at American University Washington College of Law’s Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Law, where she led efforts to educate the legal and business communities on corporate responsibility issues and spearheaded a collaborative project to promote effective corporate human rights impact assessment. In various capacities, she has been involved in a variety of efforts to develop national and international standards for private security providers. Her publications examine soft law initiatives in the private security industry, and her research more broadly explores the effectiveness of multi-stakeholder corporate governance. Until 2012, Dr. DeWinter-Schmitt was an Assistant Professor at American University’s School of International Service’s Peace and Conflict Resolution Program. From 1998 to 2002, she was a staff member of Amnesty International USA, first in its National Field Program and then as Program Associate to the Just Earth! Program on Human Rights and the Environment. For the last fifteen years, she has served on Amnesty International USA’s Business and Human Rights Group as a volunteer thematic expert. She received her PhD in international relations from American University’s School of International Service, and her master’s degree in political science with minors in economics and sociology from the University of Marburg, Germany. |
Professor Kali Murray
Professor Kali Murray is a Professor of Law at Marquette University Law School and a Co-Director of its Intellectual Property Program. Professor Murray's research agenda is focused on the "politics of participation" in a variety of different field including patent, property and administrative law. In patent law, Professor Murray is interested in how the doctrinal formation of patent law is impacted by different administrative, political, and social structures. Her work has therefore focused in on a range of issues including the impact of different administrative actors in patent law, the importance of the patent civil society's ability to participate in patent law, and the emergence of a heterogeneous policy environment in patent law, with a focus on the historical and political role of constitutional courts in shaping patent policy. Among her works, she has published a book, The Politics of Patent Law: Crafting the Participatory Patent Bargain, as a part of the Routledge Research Series in Intellectual Property Law in 2013. Professor Murray's commitment to exploring these subjects has also extended to her submission of a series of amicus briefs addressing the role of constitutional claims under 1st and 13th Amendment to limit patents in genetic information. Her current work, Infrostructure, focuses on how public rights in information are constructed. In property law, Professor Murray is focused on two primary issues. First, Professor Murray is interested in the impact of race, ethnicity and culture in the development of property law. She is co-author (with Alfred Brophy and Alberto Lopez) of a casebook, Integrating Spaces: Cases and Materials on Race and Property Law, and has written extensively in the use of social and cultural history method to explore the impact of race, ethnicity and culture on the development of property law. Second, Professor Murray is interested in the application of progressive property principles to intellectual property theory. Professor Murray is currently serving as a Committee Member on the AALS Faculty Workshop on Pre-Tenured Faculty of Color and has served as a chair for the Property Section of the American Association of Law Schools (AALS) and the Board of Directors for the Association for Law, Society and Property. She is also serving as an adviser on the Building the Bencht. Before coming to Marquette, Professor Murray joined the University of Mississippi School of Law, after engaging in private practice for four years with the law firm of Venable, LLP in Washington, D.C., as a patent litigator with a focus on pharmaceutical patent litigation. Professor Murray also served as a federal judicial clerk for the Honorable Catherine C. Blake of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Maryland in Baltimore, Maryland. Professor Murray holds a B.A., summa cum laude, from Johns Hopkins University, and M.A. in History from Johns Hopkins University, where her research focused on the socio-cultural formation of African-American political identity in the early national period. She received her J.D. from Duke University School of Law and was the Spring Symposium Editor for the Duke Environmental Law and Policy Forum. |
Lecturers
- Prof. Dr. Thilo Marauhn
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Co-Director, Franz von Liszt Institute for International and Comparative Law; Associate Director, Centre for International Environmental and Development Research. Educated at the Universities of Mannheim, Wales (Aberyswyth, U.K.), Bonn and Heidelberg, Professor Marauhn holds a law degree (state exam, equivalent to J.D., Heidelberg), a Postgraduate Diploma in International Law and Relations (Wales), an M.Phil. in International Relations (Wales), and a Dr. iur. utr. (Heidelberg). He earned his venia legendi in public law, international and European law from the University of Frankfurt/Main.
Following a short period as Professor of Law at the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, U.K.) he was appointed Professor of Law at the Justus Liebig University Giessen, Faculty of Law, in 2001. Also, he has been a visiting professor of constitutional theory at the University of Lucerne, Faculty of Law (Switzerland), since 2001, and he has been a visiting professor at UW Law School in 2005 and 2008. He served as the Dean of the Faculty of Law, in Giessen between 2006 and 2009.
Professor Marauhn has been a member of numerous councils and academies, including, among others, the German National Advisory Committee on International Humanitarian Law (since 1995), the Scientific Advisory Board of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development (currently chair), the Scientific Advisory Board of the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt/Main (currently chair), and the Advisory Board on United Nations Issues of the German Federal Foreign Office (since 2008). Apart from being a book series editor (Ius internationale et europaeum) and a member of editorial boards (including the Journal of Conflict and Security Law, OUP), he has published widely in international journals and has edited many books on international law issues (among others, with CUP). His main research interests focus on international legal approaches to human rights, environment and development, and international security.
- Dr. Sorcha MacLeod
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Dr Sorcha MacLeod is an expert on business, human rights and security, particularly private military and security companies, and has published widely on this topic. She is WEOG member of the UN Human Rights Council's Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination. Formerly a member of the Law School at the University of Sheffield, she is currently based in Berlin where she is a Visiting Professor at Free University Berlin and at the Hertie School of Governance. From October 2019 she will be a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow at the University of Copenhagen.
She is an invited expert to the UN Inter-governmental Working Group on private military and security companies and participated in the drafting of the Montreux Document on private military and security companies and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers. She has Observer Status at the International Code of Conduct Association. She has advised governments, industry and civil society organisations on business, human rights and security issues.
Schedule
Arrival Day: Sat, July 18 Welcome Day: Sun, July 19
Week 1 (July 20 - 26 July)
Course Hours: | |
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Mon-Thu | |
International Economics Law & Business Transactions | 09.00h – 10.30h |
Comparative Constitutional Law | 10.45h - 12.15h |
Business Ethics and Human Rights | 12.30h - 14.00h |
International Intellectual Property Law | 14.15h - 15.45h |
German language course | 14.15h – 16.15h |
Social/Academic Events: | |
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Tue: | Sports Day |
Thu-Sun: | Field Trip Berlin |
Fri: | City Tour by bus, Visit to a Law Office, Visit the German Bundestag |
Sun: | Visit to Buchenwald Memorial |
Week 2 (July 27 - August 2)
Course Hours: | |
---|---|
Mon-Thu | |
International Economics Law & Business Transactions | 09.00h – 10.30h |
Comparative Constitutional Law | 10.45h - 12.15h |
Business Ethics and Human Rights | 12.30h - 14.00h |
International Intellectual Property Law | 14.15h - 15.45h |
German language course | 14.15h – 16.15h |
Social/Academic Events: | |
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Tue: | Campus Summer BBQ party |
Thu-Sun: | Field Trip Brussels |
Fri: | Visit the European Parliament and the European Commission |
Sat: | City Tour |
Sun: | Visit Schloss Drachenburg |
Week 3 (August 3 - August 9)
Course Hours: | |
---|---|
Mon-Fri | |
International Economics Law & Business Transactions | 09.00h – 10.30h |
Comparative Constitutional Law | 10.45h - 12.15h |
Business Ethics and Human Rights | 12.30h - 14.00h |
International Intellectual Property Law | 14.15h - 15.45h |
German language course | 14.15h – 16.15h |
Social/Academic Events: | |
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Tue: | Laser Tag |
Wed: | „Study in Hessen“ event |
Sat: | Rhine Valley Trip (optional) |
Week 4 (August 10 - August 15)
Course Hours: | |
---|---|
Mon-Wed | |
International Economics Law & Business Transactions | 09.00h – 10.30h |
Comparative Constitutional Law | 10.45h - 12.15h |
Business Ethics and Human Rights | 12.30h - 14.00h |
International Intellectual Property Law | 14.15h - 15.45h |
German language course | 14.15h – 16.15h |
Social/Academic Events: | |
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Tue: | T.B.A |
Thu: | Final Exam |
Fri: | Day trip EMBL (optional) |
Sat: | Departure Day |
Schedule
- Week 1 (July 20 - 26 July)
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Course Hours: Mon-Thu International Economics Law & Business Transactions 09.00h – 10.30h Comparative Constitutional Law 10.45h - 12.15h Business Ethics and Human Rights 12.30h - 14.00h International Intellectual Property Law 14.15h - 15.45h German language course 14.15h – 16.15h Social/Academic Events: Tue: Sports Day Thu-Sun: Field Trip Berlin Fri: City Tour by bus, Visit to a Law Office, Visit the German Bundestag Sun: Visit to Buchenwald Memorial
- Week 2 (July 27 - August 2)
-
Course Hours: Mon-Thu International Economics Law & Business Transactions 09.00h – 10.30h Comparative Constitutional Law 10.45h - 12.15h Business Ethics and Human Rights 12.30h - 14.00h International Intellectual Property Law 14.15h - 15.45h German language course 14.15h – 16.15h Social/Academic Events: Tue: Campus Summer BBQ party Thu-Sun: Field Trip Brussels Fri: Visit the European Parliament and the European Commission Sat: City Tour Sun: Visit Schloss Drachenburg
Fees/Scholarships
International Students without a scholarship | Summer School scholarship holders (partial scholarship) | |||
Application Fee | 250 Euro * | 250 Euro | ||
Program Fee | 1650 Euro | 1000 - 1650 Euro ** | ||
Courses | inclusive: choose two out of the four courses we offer, including course material and a supplementary reading list (all documents on a USB stick) | |||
Travel within Giessen | inclusive: free public transport within Giessen | |||
Accommodation | inclusive: accommodation in shared bedrooms (Hotel), incl. breakfast and WiFi in the room | |||
Field Trip to Berlin | inclusive: - arrival and departure by bus - accomodation incl. breakfast - sightseeing tour by bus - visit the German Bundestag - visit to a Law Office - visit Buchenwald memorial |
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Field Trip to Brussels | inclusive: - arrival and departure by bus - accomodation incl. breakfast - sightseeing tour by bus - visit the European Parliament - visit Schloss Drachenburg |
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Service | inclusive: - health, accident and liability insurance - free Wi-Fi at the university campus and in your hotel room) - HelpDesk during the opening hours - Welcome Guide with all necessary information - participation in social events (see schedule) |
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Credits | 6 ECTS credits for succesfully passing the academic program + 1 ECTS credits for succesfully passing the (optional) German language course | |||
Travel Allowance | unavailable | unavailable | ||
Total Costs | 1900 Euro | 1250 - 1900 Euro | ||
German language course (optional) | 50 Euro | 50 Euro | ||
* Early bird discount will be granted until February 28th 2020 so that the total costs are 1650 Euro
** The amount of partial scholarships varies significantly due to variation in the financial grant of our sponsors.
Scholarships
Students, who want to participate in the U.S.- German Summer Law School, have the possibility to apply for financial subsidies.
How to apply for a scholarship?
If you state that you wish to apply for financial subsidies in our Application Form, you need to attach the following documents to your application:
- One letter of reference from one of your lecturers (written in the English language)
- CV
- A thorough letter of motivation including your reasons to apply for the course and stating your personal financial neediness.
- Transcripts of Records showing us your academic achievements (optional)
- A certificate of your proficiency in the English language (if you are not a native speaker)
What do we take into consideration?
- Individual students’ motivation for their participation in our Summer Law School
- Students’ academic excellence
- Students’ financial needs
- Diversity in the composition of the Summer School group
What is covered by a scholarship?
A scholarship will partially reduce the total fee. The sum is set individually since it depends on the individual application and the available funds, which vary yearly. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide scholarships, which waive the complete program fee. Scholarships will not cover travel costs.
Deadline for application is: May 31st 2020
Please note: The capacity of financial subsidies is very limited.
Spend your Summer in the Heart of Europe
Caution: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all information on our website is subject to change. We will always post the latest updates on our website.
SPEND YOUR SUMMER IN THE HEART OF EUROPE ♥
Please note that the U.S.-German Summer Law School does not take place in 2023. We will update our website with information regarding the possible continuation of the program in 2024 later this year.
The Faculty of Law at Justus Liebig University Giessen, the Marquette University Law School and the University of Wisconsin Law are looking forward to host students from all over the world for the 14th U.S. - German Summer Law School.
16th of July - 13th of August 2022
We offer four courses of which students can choose two:
- International Economic Law & Business Transactions
- Business Ethics and Human Rights Law
- Comparative Constitutional Law
- International Intellectual Property Law
The program combines high-quality teaching with a wide range of cultural and social activities: During the four weeks, students will study in a familiar atmosphere and meet excellent lecturers and practitioners from all over the world. We also offer weekend trips where participants can experience Germany and its culture. Besides, they have the opportunity to attend a German language course offered at beginner's level.
Field Trips
Experience the vibrant cities of Germany and enjoy your summer with friends from all over the globe! In addition to all our classes and activities in Giessen, you will participate in two three-day field trips. The first one takes you to Berlin and the second one takes you to Brussels (both included in the program fee).
Brussels
On our first weekend, we will be visiting Brussels. The Belgian capital city is often considered the de-facto capital of the European Union. Hence, we will visit the European Parliament, the largest and probably most important elected democratic institution. Also, we will explore the manifold districts of the city of Brussels including all its important sites in a city tour by bus. Furthermore, we will visit a law office in Brussels in close thematic coordination with your courses.
Please be reminded that air condition even in hotels - is not always available, which means it can get quite warm in the rooms. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that all food items in the hotel will be edible for everyone.
Berlin
The second weekend will take us to Berlin. The trip to Germany´s capital city will invite you to have a look behind the scenes of one of the major political institutions in Germany, the German "Bundestag". We will also visit the "Brandenburger Tor" and the remains of the Berlin Wall. Further, we will visit the German establishment of the European Parliament and offer the option to visit the Museum of the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. A city tour by bus will take you to the most important historical attractions and cultural places all over the city. Of course, there will be time to discover Berlin and its countless attractions on your own.
Please be reminded that air condition even in hotels - is not always available, which means it can get quite warm in the rooms. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that all food items in the hotel will be edible for everyone.