The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) offers a Legal English Certificate (LEC) program specifically designed to assist foreign-trained lawyers and law students in the legal English used for the study and practice of law in the United States. All instruction is delivered online over four weeks and addresses four important areas:
Throughout the four-week intensive LEC program students receive assignments, practice in language skills, and skills reviews, including a final assessment at the end of the program. Upon successful completion of the course the student receives a certificate of completion from the University of Houston Law Center.
English Proficiency Exam Score
As part of the application assessment process, every individual applying to the LEC program shall submit an English proficiency score dated within 24 months of the date of application. In general, and in the past, a successful applicant will have submitted a score above or comparable to 6.5 for IELTS, 79 for TOEFL (iBT), 550 for TOEFL (pBT), or 105 for Duolingo/DET.
Important Information
This LEC program is a separate offering from the UHLC LL.M. program and requires a separate application (see below). Individuals applying to this program are not required to apply to the LL.M. program; however, those individuals who have applied to the LL.M. program and are accepted into the LL.M. program can also apply for the LEC program. In some cases, individuals who apply to the UHLC LL.M. program may be offered enrollment “conditional” on successful completion of this LEC program. We strongly encourage students accepted to the US Law LL.M. program at UHLC take the LEC to best equip them with the legal language skills needed in the introductory courses in the U.S. Law LL.M. program.
The LEC does not replace an English language proficiency credential, so students will need to take an English proficiency exam before starting this course. Upon successful completion of the LEC program, however, a law student who is a foreign national may be deemed to have satisfied the minimum English language requirements for the purposes of applying to a UHLC LLM program. To ensure the strongest application possible, however, we encourage all LL.M. program applicants to retake the English proficiency exam after completing the LEC program in an effort to present the highest score possible for your LL.M. application.
Refunds:
No refunds are available for cancellation of the LEC program, but, if necessary, you may be allowed to move your LEC program to a different date, if space is available.
Cost:
Total cost for the LEC program is $999 USD
Payment for the LEC program should be made as soon as possible to reserve your spot in the course. Your spot in the LEC class will not be held until the full payment is received.
Application and Payment:
To apply please click here: Application Link
Once you have submitted your application and all required documents, your application will be reviewed. Please allow up to ten (10) business days for your application to be reviewed. If you are approved for the LEC program you will then receive information so you can pay for the course. Your place in the course is not confirmed until full payment is received.
For questions or more information, please see LEC FAQs or email [email protected]
Current Program Sessions:
Regular Sessions
Special Sessions
Program Times – TBD – will work with program participants as much as possible to identify good timing.
Completed Special Sessions
Program Meets – 100% Online
For groups of 10 or more, or if interested in taking the course at another time of the year not listed above, please contact us via e-mail with your request.
Testimonials
