Introduction to US Law and Introduction to US Legal Practice
Introduction to US Law is an intensive course that reviews the fundamentals of the US legal system, including an overview of the US Constitution, federalism, the structure and function of courts, sources of legal authority, and common-law methodology.
Introduction to US Legal Practice teaches practical skills needed in the US legal environment including locating cases, statutes and other legal source materials; citing legal authority correctly; and checking the validity of case citations. In addition, these introductory classes help prepare students for study at a US law school by developing their skills in briefing cases, course outlining, and taking law school examinations.
All LLM students who received their first degree in law outside the United States must take Introduction to US Law and Introduction to US Legal Practice (together referred to as "Intro."). Students beginning the LLM program in Fall 2025 will take the Intro. classes from Monday, August 11 to Friday, August 22, 2025. An additional class meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 3 (Legislative Monday).
On the last day of the class there is an essay exam on the line of cases covered during the second week of Intro. Students have found studying for and writing the exam for Intro. to be important preparation for the fall semester.
Please note that credits earned for these classes do not count toward the 24 credits needed to earn the LLM degree. Students who need the LLM degree to qualify to take the New York Bar exam can use credits earned in Intro. toward fulfilling NY Bar eligibility requirements.
Introduction to US Law Sections
During the second week of Intro., several days are devoted to exploring an evolving line of cases; the topic of these cases differs between sections as indicated below. You will receive a registration link via email asking you to indicate your section preference. We will honor your preference to the extent possible, while maintaining classes of equal size. If you do not indicate a preference, we will place you into one of the Intro. sections. Once you are assigned to a section of Introduction to US Law, you will be automatically enrolled in the summer course Introduction to US Legal Practice.
Just or Unjust? Punitive Damages and the American Judicial System
Section One: Professor Alice Estill Burke
Section Two: Professor Susan Chung
These sections will read cases examining how the U.S. Constitution, common law, and statutes might guide or limit punitive damages. The cases selected shine a spotlight on the roles of juries, federal and state court judges, and federal and state legislatures.
Just or Unjust? Just or Unjust? Federalism and the States' Regulation of Non-Citizens
Section Three: Professor Dorien Ediger-Seto
Immigration is controlled by the federal government, but what happens when states make laws about non-citizens' rights and responsibilities? This line of cases will explore how federal constitutional rights and the relationship between state and federal power restrict and enable states to legislate on the basis of citizenship status.
Just or Unjust? Private Arbitration and the American Consumer
Section Four: Professor Gerry Lebovits
Arbitration has been praised for being generally much faster, cheaper, and more efficient than litigation. At the same time, arbitration has been criticized for protecting the contract drafter, usually a corporation, who typically chooses and compensates the arbitrators. This line of cases looks at how the Federal Arbitration Act has shaped the American judicial process.
Early Reading for Introduction to US Law and Syllabus
Each section of Intro. to US Law reads a line of cases, as described above. These cases are lengthy and complex; the faculty strongly recommends that you read the cases assigned for your section before the course starts (to be posted). The faculty also recommends that you read in advance the article: “How to Read a Legal Opinion” (PDF: 851.53 KB).
The syllabus for Intro. will be posted in early July. Course materials and assigned readings will be posted on Brightspace, a web-based learning management system that enables NYU faculty to provide access to course content and communicate with class members. The textbook for the class is A Lawyer Writes: A Practical Guide to Legal Analysis (4th ed.). It is available as an e-book, as well as on Kindle and in paperback. You will need a copy of the U.S. Constitution.
Optional Reading to Prepare for the Academic Year
(The following texts are not required for Intro. However, students have found them to be helpful in preparing for the academic year.)
- Law 101: Everything You Need to Know about American Law, by Jay M. Feinman, Sixth Edition, Oxford University Press.
This book provides an overview of the U.S. legal system and covers the main subjects taught in the first year of law school. - Essential Legal English in Context: Understanding the Vocabulary of US Law and Government, by Karen Ross, NYU Press.
This book explains the terminology of the U.S. legal system, clarifying legal English words. - Open Book: The Inside Track to Law School Success, by Barry Friedman and John C. P. Goldberg, Second Edition, Wolters Kluwer.
This book explains how to prepare for class and write law school exams. - Whose Monet? An Introduction to the American Legal System, by John Humbach, Second Edition, Wolters Kluwer.
This book traces a civil action related to a stolen painting from discovery through litigation.