Looking up at the facade of Jerome Greene Hall.

U.S. Business Law Academy

July 7 - July 26, 2024

This three-week program offers insight into U.S. legal practice through an accessible, yet rigorous, introduction to U.S. legal institutions and business law. Presented by preeminent scholars affiliated with Columbia Law School and other world-renowned institutions, it is designed for law students from around the globe but also open to practitioners and others interested in the topic.

The U.S. Business Law Academy program is comprised of four learning modules that incorporate the Socratic Method, one of the foundations of U.S. legal education. The program also includes practice-oriented lectures by prominent attorneys, networking events with fellow participants, presentations on Columbia’s graduate degree programs, and visits to cultural sites in New York City. 

Intended primarily for law students seeking an engaging educational experience on topics related to U.S. legal institutions and business law, the U.S. Business Law offers an immersive cultural experience at an Ivy League institution in New York City. Overall, the Academy is excellent preparation for those considering furthering their studies in a leading global graduate program.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis starting in September.  Early Bird discounts of $1,000 are available for applications submitted by January 15.  (Other discounts may be available to partner school applications submitted by December 15.)

At least 1-2 years of university studies in law are generally required. In recent years the average age of participants was approximately 22.

Key Points

Note: Columbia Law School also hosts the Global Law and Business Seminar, a separate one-week program for global business lawyers, arbitration professionals, corporate managers, and other business leaders that is held prior to the U.S. Business Law Academy.  Instruction in that program is offered on Comparative Corporate Law, International Arbitration, and (primarily for global business managers) Cross-Border M&A Under N.Y. Law.

Key Points

What:

A total of 48 hours of in-person instruction over three weeks in July, divided into four learning modules.  All students follow the same curriculum, which includes select topics related to U.S. legal institutions, negotiation, corporate governance, and transactions.  An official Statement of Participation is presented upon successful completion of the program.

When:

The program runs from a Welcome Reception on Sunday, July 7, 2024 through a Closing Reception on Friday, July 26, 2024.

Where:

The program will be hosted in-person on the iconic campus of Columbia University in the city of New York.  Limited on-campus housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Who:

Law students, practitioners, and others prepared for the experience.  See FAQs for details.

Cost, Deposit, and Payment:

The fee for the three-week program is $8,000 with on-campus housing, or $6,000 without housing. The fee includes a Orientation and Welcome Reception, Closing Reception, Columbia Law School backpack, and an official Statement of Participation.

All participants are asked to pay a non-refundable deposit of $2,500 (if requesting accommodation) or $500 (if not requesting accommodation) within two weeks of being invited to join the program, which will be credited towards the overall program fee.

The balance of the program fee is due on June 1.

Cancellation:

Refunds may be offered under certain exceptional circumstances, such as program cancellation, visa denial, etc. See FAQs for details.

Contact:

Please write to the Office of International Programs at IntlProgramsManager [at] law.columbia.edu.