Washington, DC – July 30, 2004 – Read today’s legal news, law firm announcements & law research articles at LAWFUELPepper Hamilton LLP recently hosted a reception for foreign lawyer participants of the annual “U.S. Legal Methods” program conducted by the Institute for U.S. Law (IUSLAW)
Edward M. Andries, executive director of IUSLAW and an attorney with Pepper Hamilton, said, “the program is custom-tailored to immerse each participant into the theory and practice of law in the United States.” Mr. Andries, a former Fulbright professor of U.S. law in Uruguay and Argentina, is active at all levels and in all aspects of the program, arranging not only the faculty, but also various off-site visits and presentations at such venues as the U.S. Senate, federal and state courts, the World Bank and the IMF.
“I’ve developed friendships with some of the best lawyers, law firms and foreign government agencies around the world,” Mr. Andries said of his pro bono involvement with IUSLAW. “These are people I could contact 24/7, if a client ever had an urgent need in the particular country.”
The annual IUSLAW summer program is an intensive four-week program created specifically for non-U.S. lawyers and advanced law students. Traditionally, it has been conducted at the Institute’s facilities in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, although this year, the Institute teamed with the George Washington University Law School and used the new GW law facilities for its classes.
Program faculty and lecturers, who present a curriculum on a broad spectrum of U.S. law, include professors and practitioners of U.S. law from top law schools, law firms, federal and state courts, and agencies and departments of the U.S. government. A number of Pepper Hamilton lawyers participated on the faculty this year, including Mr. Andries, Stephen J. Crimmins, Gregory C. Dorris, Donald H. Green, Thomas L. Hanley, Robert L. Hickok, Michael A. Hordell, George A. Lehner and Barbara T. Sicalides.
The Institute also arranges many professional and social activities for the students, in order to make the most of their time in Washington. At the July 27 reception at Pepper Hamilton, participants from 18 countries, including Ecuador, France, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland and Uruguay, spoke about the strong ties they are building with their U.S. teachers and contacts, as well as with attendees from other countries. Paola Gachet, an attorney with the Ecuadorian firm Paz & Horowitz, said she “would benefit by being able to work better in the future with international cases involving U.S. businesses.” Other participants talked about the possibility of developing business with others in the group.
“Like a fine wine, the program continues to improve every year,” said Mr. Andries. “Our program alumni are very loyal and eager to have their colleagues participate in future years, and we treat them like family.”
The Institute for U.S. Law (www.iuslaw.org) is a nonprofit educational institute in Washington, D.C., dedicated to the training of non-U.S. lawyers, judges and law students.
Pepper Hamilton LLP (www.pepperlaw.com) is a multi-practice law firm with 400 lawyers in five states and the District of Columbia. The firm provides corporate, litigation and regulatory legal services to leading businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations and individuals throughout the nation and the world. The firm was founded in 1890.
