Each semester TLI sends experienced judges, prosecutors, and attorneys (“visiting professionals”) to teach and mentor law students and practicing attorneys in eastern Europe.

The visiting professional spends two weeks in their location (several days each week in each city) teaching their portion of the curriculum in multiple universities. At the end of the two weeks, the visiting professional returns home and another visiting professional arrives to teach the next two weeks of the curriculum. The course covers basic rule of law principles, primarily in the context of criminal procedure. Topics covered in class include introduction to common law, basic rules of evidence (objections, direct/cross examination), jury trial principles, and other critical components of an adversarial legal system. Visiting professionals do not need to have experience in practicing criminal law. Visiting professionals from a wide variety of legal practice areas have meaningfully participated in the program. What is important is having seasoned legal professionals who have seen these democratic principles at work and can share meaningful experiences and insights from their careers. To help make this a positive experience for both students and teachers, each visiting professional receives materials to help in preparing effective lesson plans and make sure he or she is fully prepared to lecture on the assigned topics.

While the teaching schedule is rigorous, each visiting professional is given several days during the two-week period to sightsee and enjoy the rich culture and history of that part of the world. Visiting professionals are given a travel handbook to help ensure safety while having a positive experience in a foreign country. Additionally, TLI employs local law students and attorneys who have participated in the TLI curriculum to help guide and help the visiting professional throughout the experience. These “young professionals” translate for the visiting professional, help them navigate the area, serve as class aides, etc.

Each semester has five two-week slots with an additional sixth slot for the international trial advocacy competition in the spring semester. To participate in the program, TLI asks each visiting professional to donate $3000. TLI is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax-deductible. This donation covers a visiting professional’s airfare, lodging, transportation, in-country assistants/translators, and other related expenses. It does not cover meals or sightseeing activities. Spouses, family members, friends, and colleagues are invited to accompany the professional, and are only responsible for their additional costs (primarily airfare and meals). TLI will make all travel and logistical arrangements so that each visiting professional can relax and prepare for the experience.

Slots are filled on a first come, first served basis—and typically fill fairly quickly. If you are interested in participating in the program, please contact Jordan Teuscher, j.teuscher@leavittinstitute.org, (801) 228-8283.