Legal skills come to life for US students in Wales
22 September 2026
Students from US universities, including the Universities of Oregon and Wyoming, have completed an enriching Pre-Law Summer School at Cardiff University, spending four weeks developing valuable legal skills and working with real clients.
The immersive programme gave students experience in client interviewing, legal research, legal writing, negotiation and court advocacy.
Students observed and participated in legal support environments, learning how to work with clients and prepare legal advice. Contributing to real client situations gave students a deeper understanding of the practical and meaningful role legal professionals play in supporting clients.
Reflecting on the programme’s success, Professor Julie Price, Co-head of Pro Bono and Clinical Legal Education, said:
“Our team is delighted with how this first legal skills and clinical experience summer school was received by this excellent group of students. They helped vulnerable clients at the Court with professionalism and sensitivity.”
Hannah Marchant, Co-head of Pro Bono and Clinical Legal Education, added: “We were very pleased to be able to offer a taste of some of the employability and Pro Bono opportunities which Cardiff Law students benefit from. The students were engaged, enthusiastic and appreciative of the chance to develop their skills and employability. We wish them all well with their future careers.”
The group were also introduced to dispute resolution in a civil context. Participants practised negotiation and advocacy skills, and learned how to draft legal documents and deliver professional presentations.
To enhance their understanding of the UK legal system, the group attended sessions led by Cardiff University staff, including a comparative session on US and UK law from dual-qualified lawyer Dr Caleb Wheeler, and an introduction to devolution led by Dr Huw Pritchard.
Ruth Payne, Lecturer, highlighted the value of practical learning, saying: “I was delighted to be part of the teaching team, teaching legal writing and accompanying the students to the Crown Court to observe the criminal justice system first-hand and enjoyed thought-provoking discussions with them about the similarities and differences between our criminal justice systems.”
According to Alicja Rynda, Learn International Summer School Coordinator, the programme received excellent feedback. “Students consistently highlighted the quality of the academic content, the practical legal experience, and the opportunity to live and study in Cardiff. The strongest praise was directed towards Support Through Court (STC) and the hands-on teaching approach.”
Beyond their studies, students embraced Welsh culture through visits to St Fagans National Museum of History, the Brecon Beacons and a Taste of Cardiff food and drink tour. And in what may be a remarkable achievement, the group spent four weeks in Wales and encountered just one day of rain!
View some photos of the summer school:
