Russian Lawyers Networking & Training Program
San Francisco, CA
Information for applicants
Background
The Russian Lawyers Training Scheme offers a unique opportunity for Russian Lawyers to experience and practice at the law firms in the U.S. The scheme includes a short bespoke academic program provided by San Francisco State University, a series of legal seminars and vocational training sessions at San Francisco Bar Association. There will also be visits to key legal institutions including courts, and a social and networking program.
We are confident that the program will enhance participating lawyers legal skills and knowledge, enable them to develop valuable contacts and assist them in building a successful international legal practice. In addition, the lawyers can expect to gain valuable international contacts and an insight into the international legal market.
Program aims
i. Increase Russian lawyers understanding of the U.S. legal system, and what attorneys do and how to work with them;
ii. Provide Russian lawyers with an insight into the management and organization of law firms;
iii. Enable U.S. lawyers to better understand the Russian legal system;
iv. To strengthen relations between practitioners in both jurisdictions.
Program Summary
The program will take place from November 28, 2016 - December 9, 2016 and will include the following activities:
Induction
The program will begin with an introduction to the program, the U.S. Bar Association and the work of attorneys.
U.S. law course at San Francisco State University (details to be confirmed)
San Francisco State University will provide an academic course at the beginning of the program. This course will be specifically designed for the program.
Law Firm placements
The SFSU academic course will be followed by one-week placement in a law firm or seminars in the law firm. An attorney from that law firm will act as mentor and will assist with coordinating the placement and ensuring a wide variety of activities is undertaken with different members of law firm. With the daily support of the mentor there will be opportunity to follow cases, be involved in client meetings, attend court and arbitrations, learn about different areas of U.S. law, witness advocacy and see how law firm is managed and marketed.
Through these activities, there will be opportunity to learn about:
● The role of barristers and the nature of their work;
● Case management;
● Court procedures
● The common law system
● Alternative dispute resolution, including international arbitration
● What constitutes effective advocacy
● Cross-examination of witnesses
● The code of conduct, ethics of the bar and regulation of the profession
Law firm management and enhance the following skills:
● Communication
● Research
● Analysis
● Drafting legal documents
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● Negotiation
Seminar program delivered by practitioners
There will be a seminar on substantive law, legal skills and practice. These will be delivered by practicing attorneys at San Francisco Bar Association.
Legal visits
There will also be visits to key courts and legal institutions.
Social program
The social program will include a welcome reception. This will enable networking with U.S. attorneys and other legal professionals in informal surroundings.
Selection criteria
The program can accommodate between eight and twelve lawyers. Program participants are selected on a competitive basis based on their application and must meet the following criteria:
i. Be Russian national
ii. Be a Russian lawyer
iii. Have good written and oral English
iv. Demonstrate continuing commitment to participation in development of the Russian legal system
Finance
The program, including the academic course, law firm placement and other educational and social components will be included to the program cost. You may choose from the following options:
Option 1: the program only - USD $2,000
Option 2: the program + accommodation with two occupants in the room - USD$ 3,300
Option 3: the program + accommodation with two occupants in the room + visa assistance - USD$ 3500
Immigration
It is the individuals responsibility to apply and pay for the visa. Please also note, the fact that you are participating in the program does not guarantee that the migrant will be successful in obtaining entry clearance or leave to remain. This decision is made by the U.S. Embassy and then in the U.S. Border. If you require further assistance, please contact us.
Health and Insurance
Please note that Sierra IT Group does not take any responsibility for your health, safety, security, or welfare whilst you are in the U.S. We strongly recommend that successful applicants take out adequate insurance or are otherwise independently covered for any health issues or other emergency which might befall them during their time in the US. You should not assume that you will be able to obtain free medical care whilst here. We cannot advise you in relation to medical services available to you in the US. If you are or may be pregnant at the time of making the application or, if accepted, by the time of coming to the US, we would encourage and consider favorably any request to postpone your visit. We are not in a position to assist you to obtain visas for entry to the US for any of your family members, and you should not apply unless you are able to come to the US alone for the period of the scheme.
How to apply to the program
To apply for the program please email scanned or electronic copies of the following documents to Carol Parsons at [email protected] by Monday, October 17, 2016.
1. Completed application form
2. Reference from Employer or Professor, signed and dated (in English)
3. Practicing certificate/ Academic degree in one PDF document
4. Main page of passport
Selection of participants will be made by the Sierra IT Group according to the selection criteria and will be based on the application form and supporting documents. Short listing will take place after the application deadline, based on the applications received. Only the candidates short-listed at this stage will be contacted.
