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A student presenting at our Berkeley Law Summer School

Oxford Royale 2024

Berkeley Law Summer School

Berkeley Summer School

Berkeley Law Summer School

Law & Trial Advocacy Academy

Law and Trial Advocacy on campus at UC Berkeley provides you with a broad introduction to the theory and practice of law. It will equip you with a strong set of logical and argumentative skill through legal case studies and a Mock Trial Simulation, teaching you how to develop, argue and win your case.

Gain insight into Criminal and Civil Law, while exploring facets of Business Law, Contract Law, Ethics and Human Rights. Experience the legal process and learn about evidence, case preparation, oral arguments, cross-examination and witness preparation as you grow your knowledge of the legal profession. Strengthen your critical thinking, communication and rhetorical skills as you compete in the Mock Trial Simulation.

Join our Law and Trial Advocacy summer school in California, and start your journey in the life-changing field of law.

Location San Francisco
For Ages 15-18 years
Duration 2 weeks
Price
Start Dates 30 Jun, 14 Jul
Enrol Today
A Student taking notes at our Law Summer School

See our Law Programme in Action

Watch our Law Summer School trailer to see students taking part in a mock trial of a real murder case. Listen to students and teachers talk about how this will provide students with the key advocacy skills needed to become a lawyer, and transferable public speaking skills useful in any profession.

Students on our Berkeley Summer School in front of the Golden Gate Bridge

The Berkeley Experience

Watch our Berkeley Summer School trailer to listen to our students talk about their transformative summer meeting friends from around the world and seeing the amazing city of San Francisco. See some of the exclusive events we run for our students on UC Berkeley campus and around the Bay Area and watch teachers coach our students in the academic experience of a lifetime.

Berkeley Law Summer School Details

Our Law & Trial Advocacy programme provides students interested in becoming a lawyer or elected official hands-on experience, transferable skills, and perspectives on the US and international legal system.

With students joining us from over 175 countries, this is the perfect place to build a global network of aspiring lawyers and advocates.

Students on our Berkeley Law Summer School will gain important pre-university insight and build their academic skills by:

– Learning the basic principles of US contract, public, criminal, tort and human rights law, and applying this to real-world case studies

– Taking part in hands-on mediation, negotiation and trial simulations to apply their knowledge

– Developing interpersonal and presentation skills working on group projects with peers

Our programme will help students gain transferable early professional and life skills, which they will learn by:

– Growing communication skills and confidence through opportunities like group projects, mock trials, and our public speaking and debate society

– Meeting and working with a new network of ambitious, passionate, like-minded peers from around the world

– Independently exploring an incredible cultural destinations in the Bay Area, guided by our team

Students on our Law and Trial Advocacy Summer School will gain key insights into the field, allowing them to make decisions about their future by:

– Gaining hand-on exposure to USA and global legal processes

– Developing analytical and advocacy skills

– Preparing their path to pursue a degree in Law at university

We never forget that this is a busy two weeks and your child is here to enjoy their summer, and in between world class academic learning, our students will take part in:

– Exciting social activities with their new friends, from karaoke to arts and crafts

– We offer a wide range of sports including football, tennis, running club, and the Oxford Royale Olympics

– A weekend excursion to San Francisco and other sights around the Bay Area

– Friday Night Party where students can enjoy a night of music and excitement with their new friends

– Formal Graduation ceremony and dinner, followed by a final party, where students can dress in their best and celebrate in style

Our students will be immersed in two real-world legal scenarios, allowing them to apply their understanding of US law in the context of a criminal and a civil mock trial. This will enhance students’ analytical, communication, and teamwork skills.

On our Law and Trial Advocacy programme, there is a key focus on developing the confidence and communication skills that are not only needed to present in front of a judge and jury, but also in any field our students may wish to go on to. These skills are developed both in lessons and in the Public Speaking and Debate Society that we run in the evenings of our programmes.

Students will have the chance to take part in guided tours of UC Berkeley’s faculty buildings, walking in the footsteps of great legal minds including the transformational Supreme Court Chief Justice and Governor of California Earl Warren.

Students on our Berkeley Law Summer School will have the amazing opportunity to visit the exciting city of San Francisco, taking in sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Oracle Park.

Full Timetable

Click here to download a sample timetable of our Berkeley Law Summer School.

Typical Day

A typical weekday on our Law and Trial Advocacy programme:

  • 8AM: Students wake up for breakfast on campus before heading to lessons
  • 9AM: Morning lessons, with two short breaks
  • 1PM: Lunch break for students to buy food in the city and some free time to relax
  • 2PM: Afternoon lessons
  • 3:30PM: Law academic workshop to develop key skills, sporting activities such as run club
  • 6PM: Dinner on campus
  • 7PM: Study support sessions
  • 8PM: Public Speaking and Debate Society, followed by the Shaping Your Future Seminar Series
  • 9PM: Social activities such as quiz nights, talent shows or arts and crafts
  • 10:30PM: Curfew

Week 1

Our Law and Trial Advocacy programme begins with a welcome and networking evening, before lessons begin by introducing the US and international legal systems and the morals and philosophy behind them. Students expand their knowledge with seminars that cover tort, family, criminal, and human rights law. The weeks lessons culminate in a mock criminal trial and a debating workshop. In the evening, there will be workshops, social and sporting activities, study support, and further opportunity to develop public speaking and debating skills. Students will be taught the paths into a law career through our Shaping the Future Seminar Series. At the end of the week, students will enjoy a tour of San Francisco.

Week 2

The second week begins with a civil law mock trial , before students present the research assignments they have been working on over the programme. The lesson schedule concludes with an exploration of some exciting areas of specialisation, such as international security and feminist foreign policy. In addition to practical and academic workshops, students will take part in further debates, all building up to the Debate Grand Final. In the evenings, they will enjoy social and sporting activities with their peers. The programme concludes with a challenge day, and exhibition of students’ work and a formal graduation ceremony and party.

An Oxford Royale Graduation Certificate

What's Included

  • Residential on the prestigious campus of UC Berkeley

  • Inspiring programmes taught by experts

  • International student community with over 170 nationalities represented since 2004

  • Accommodation, meals, tuition and cultural programmes included

  • Graduation, report cards and certificate

  • 17.5 hours of tuition per week

  • Inspirational cultural programmes

Watch our video Graduation 2023

How You'll Learn

Escape ordinary classroom teaching and learn through interactive and immersive lessons.

Workshops

Hands-on classes designed to help students learn through practical application.

Masterclasses

An interactive forum with an expert in the field, giving students valuable insights into related and new topics.

Guest Speakers

Successful and famous guest speakers offer students the chance to pose their most important questions.

Debates

Essential for honing students' reasoning abilities and public speaking skills.

Interactive Lectures

Dynamic lectures given by passionate teachers packed with facts and viewpoints to engage the audience.

Group projects

An opportunity to work closely with, and learn from, different perspectives.

Seminars

Working in pairs and small groups, students have plenty of opportunity for discussion and debate.

Challenge Days

Apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout your two-week programme in an immersive full day simulation event.

Exciting Activities and Trips

Discover San Francisco

Visit San Francisco and enjoy the sun and excitement that this city has to offer. Ride the iconic cable cars, wander through Golden Gate Park and soak up the sunshine, view the spectacular skyline from Coit Tower, or have a relaxed visit to the spectacular Palace of Fine Arts.

Berkeley Summer School: campanile

The Campanile: Sather Tower

Sather Tower is a well recognised symbol of the University of California, Berkeley, known as The Campanile for its resemblance to the Campanile di San Marco in Venice. Ride to the top and take in spectacular views of the campus and the entire Bay Area.

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a famous image of San Francisco, so have the chance to see this architectural masterpiece for yourself. A marvel of modern engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge is 1.7 miles long and connects San Francisco to Marin County.

Sporting Events

Experience an exhilarating baseball game, one of the favourite sports in the USA. There is no better way to unwind after a busy week than with an exciting sporting event, joined by your new friends from across the globe.

Fisherman's Wharf

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf and take in this iconic neighbourhood, filled with arcades, street performances and views of sea lions from the marina. From Pier 39 you can see some of the most spectacular views of the Bay Area, including Alcatraz Island, Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Painted Ladies

Take in the spectacular views of San Francisco, including the Painted Ladies, a row of brightly painted houses in the heart of the city. Unwind with new friends, and take in the unforgettable views!

“I’ve been exposed to such a rich tapestry of cultures and I have formed extremely close bonds after only a few days. You’ve got blue skies, and to actually do my learning here and live here with people I have made friends with so quickly has been really amazing.”

Sam, United Kingdom

“I am making friends for life from all around the world, and I have had so much fun with them!”

Katherine, Colombia

“San Francisco itself is so magical, I had only ever seen it in films before. The city is very colourful. I think the teachers are all incredible and I have enjoyed having conversations with them, and the guest speakers were also incredible.”

Tommy, United Kingdom

Reviews

We have a 4.8 rating based on 769 reviews on Reviews.io.
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Hannah

I had an absolutely incredible time doing Summer school with Oxford Royale Academy! I learnt new things about myself and the world around me, and would definitely recommend to others!

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Clara

I loved the Oxford Royal program, I met many people with bright personalities and unique minds, and I also learned a lot from the teachers, campus staff etc. You will enjoy it!

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Francesca

Oxford Royals Academy made my summer amazing! I learned many new things and I met people from all over the world that I know I can call true friends. I definitely recommend ORA to anyone who wants to make unforgettable memories!

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Minquan

The twelve days I spent in Oxford Summer School were very happy, the teachers were very kind and professional, and the curriculum was very reasonable, which expanded my knowledge. All the courses mean a lot to me and I hope I can come back next summer.

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Jade

The oxford royale academy was definitely the highlight of my summer. I have not only learnt more about the course I have chosen, but I've also met a lot of new friends, friendly staff and helpful teachers from different cultures all in the same campus and had a lot of unforgettable memories.

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Katherine

Oxford Royale was a great expreince. It was amazing to get to know people all over the globe and form life long relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you have decided which programme you would like to attend, and where you would like to study, you can book online using our secure booking system. You will need the details of the student and of the person paying the bill, the name of the programme or programmes you would like to study, and a credit or debit card to pay the relevant enrolment fee.

We are happy to accept enrolment fee payments via a number of other, non-card payment methods (including domestic and international bank transfer), thanks to our partnership with education payment specialists, Flywire. If you would prefer to pay your enrolment fee payment by bank transfer or another method, please contact our Admissions team who will be able to assist you.

Once your application has been submitted, your enrolment fee has been received by us and your booking processed by our system or our team, you will be sent an email confirming your place. You will also receive a login to the Oxford Royale Portal, which you will use to provide us with important additional information about you as your time with us approaches.

A Welcome Pack is available to download from the Oxford Royale Portal.

If at any time you would like to discuss your booking with a member of our award-winning Customer Service team, please feel free to contact us.

All enrolments require an enrolment fee to secure the booking. For Summer 2024, enrolment fee payments are structured as follows:

  • Summer Schools for ages 13-18 (University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London and the University of California, Berkeley and Yale University) – £1295 GBP for each 2-week session

You may either pay the full programme fee when you book your place, or pay the enrolment fee amount and then the balance at a later date.

The balance clearance is required no later than 90 days before the start date of the programme. Where the student is booking less than 90 days before the start date, the programme fees must be covered in full. We appreciate that, with the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, people may require additional flexibility to these terms, and we are doing our best to accommodate that – please contact us if you have concerns regarding making the balance payment in line with the 90-day deadline.

Enrolments received via our online application form will require a debit or credit card payment of at least the enrolment fee amount. If you would like to enrol and make your enrolment fee payment via Bank Transfer or another method, we are happy to facilitate this. Please contact our Admissions team to arrange this.

Balance payments for existing enrolments can be made via a number of methods, including domestic and international bank transfer, credit or debit card, as well as local payment options; please log in to the Oxford Royale Portal and click on the ‘Pay Now’ button on your booking details.

All programme fees include the following:

  • Classes and tuition
  • Study files/materials
  • Guest lectures by academic speakers
  • Personalised academic reports and graduation certificate
  • Accommodation at a top university
  • Meals in the dining hall of your college, every day of your programme (Meals provided are typically as follows: breakfast, lunch and dinner for ages 13-15; breakfast and dinner for ages 16-18)
  • Free WiFi (subject to availability)
  • A wide selection of afternoon and evening activities
  • Coach excursions (kindly note that excursions can be to local attractions or to sites further afield)
  • Welcome and graduation events
  • A multitude of extras, including an Oxford Royale notebook and branded clothing

If you wish to change your programme or study options (including dates), please do not hesitate to contact us. However, changes to programmes are always subject to availability. For this reason, it may be more difficult for us to accommodate any changes requested less than 60 days before the programme start date.

Oxford Royale’s terms and conditions for refunds are as follows:

Any cancellation must be received in writing and can only be made on the following terms:

  • No refund of enrolment fee will be made under any circumstances once the two-week cooling-off period has concluded;
  • For cancellations before your programme start date, the remainder of the programme fees excluding the enrolment fee amount will be proportionally refunded as per the table below:
Period Before Start Date Total Refunded
120+ days 100%
90-119 days 50%
45-89 days 10%
0-44 days 0%

Cancellations made after the commencement date of the programme will not receive any refund.

 

Students attending our USA Summer Schools may be able to enter the USA on the Visa Waiver programme – we can provide individual support on request for those that do need a visa.

Our English language requirements are as follows:

  • B1 for EFL courses
  • B2 or IELTS level 5.5 – 6.5 for IELTS Preparation
  • C1 or IELTS level 6.5 or higher for all academic courses

Students who have studied at an English speaking school for two or more years are exempt from English requirements.

All our programmes take place in a secure environment. Our students are supervised 24 hours a day by campus staff. All students must check-in regularly during the day: at roll-call at breakfast; at their morning classes; in the afternoon for lessons, workshops or activities; at dinner and in the evening before curfew. All campuses have a curfew.

Each campus office has its own safe where students may deposit items of value such as passports, travel documents, bank cards etc.

All campuses have residential staff who can be contacted 24 hours a day.

Yes, all students will be awarded an Oxford Royale Graduation Certificate in their chosen course upon satisfactory completion of the course. This will be presented in a graduation ceremony on the final evening of the course. In general, the graduation ceremony is for students only, but in certain cases, it might be possible for parents to attend on request. Due to limited seating and viewing facilities in the colleges, it is essential that parents contact the campus office well in advance to ascertain whether space is available. Cancellations made after the commencement date of the course will not receive any refund.

 

It is certainly possible to take more than one programme and combine a variety of study programmes. You can simply book onto two different programmes.

Students staying for two consecutive sessions will be provided with accommodation for the Saturday night, and their campus will provide supervised activities between their first session ending and second session starting. Should you have any queries about how to take more than one programme please do not hesitate to contact us.

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