DUSHANBE, January 26, 2012, Asia-Plus — The ABA Rule of Law Initiative and IREX are pleased to announce the Legal Education and Development (LEAD) Short-term English Program (STEP) to provide a limited number of outstanding legal professionals with advanced English language as well as training on the American legal system through a five-month intensive fellowship in the United States, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe said.
The purpose of LEAD STEP is to strengthen the rule of law culture in Tajikistan by providing outstanding legal professionals with a broader understanding of comparative systems of law, increased opportunities to discuss Tajik and US law, and a chance to improve their legal English language capabilities.
Beginning in March 2012, LEAD STEP fellows will participate in a 16-week intensive English program with an emphasis on legal English communication. Students will then enroll in a four-week program focused on American Law and Legal English (ALLEI). ALLEI will expose participants to the foundations of the American legal system through coursework and visits to key American legal institutions. Fellows will return to Tajikistan in late July 2012.
Applications are now being accepted through 5 pm in Dushanbe on January 30 and are open to current resident citizens of Tajikistan. Applicants will be notified of selection committee decisions by mid-February and must be available to depart for the U.S. at the beginning of March 2012.
