Additional qualifications during law school
What will set you apart from other applicants in the future are the little extras on your resume that make you stand out: language courses, applied soft skills, and practical experience.
The Department of Law offers students several opportunities to further their education while still in school, including participation in intensive courses as part of the key competencies program or as a member of a moot court team.
Foreign languages can also be learned and improved—in addition to the required foreign language certificate—for example, through courses at the Language Learning Center or by participating in subject-specific foreign language training (FFA).
Take advantage of this opportunity to participate for free and, together with fellow students in small groups, acquire valuable skills for your professional life.
Our Offers
Fachspezifische Fremdsprachenausbildung (FFA)
The program was a perfect mix of theoretical legal knowledge and practical experience. Ronja (FFA Graduate)
The Subject-Specific Foreign Language Training (FFA) program at the University of Bonn offers students the opportunity to further develop and deepen their legal English language skills to an advanced level. In small learning groups and under the guidance of experienced native speakers from academia and the legal profession, students are specifically prepared for the linguistic, methodological, and cultural demands of international legal practice—with the goal of earning the UniCert® Level III certificate, which corresponds to Level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
In addition, graduates receive a semester of leave of absence pursuant to § 25(2)(4) JAG NRW.
International Legal Terminology (Foreign Language Proficiency Certificate under the JAG)
Pursuant to Section 7(1)(3) of the JAG NRW, proof of foreign language proficiency is required for admission to the state-administered compulsory subject examination. This proof may be obtained by successfully completing a foreign-language law course and passing the corresponding exam.
In addition to English-language courses, students also have the option of obtaining a foreign language certificate in French, Spanish, Italian, or Turkish.
- Great event. The atmosphere was very pleasant, and the instructor was always easy to follow. The PowerPoint presentation was also clearly structured and very well-organized in terms of content. (English Legal Terminology)
- A great course that wasn’t just about legal knowledge, but also about French culture and the differences from Germany. (French legal terminology)
- The course had a pleasant atmosphere. The classes were always well-structured and prepared. The course provided a general framework for understanding the Turkish legal system. The instructor always took the time to answer questions in detail. (Turkish legal terminology)
Additional Language Options
In addition to the international legal terminology relevant to exam registration, we also offer other language courses that focus on international legal systems.
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- Very well-structured teaching and presentation slides. Numerous case studies provide clarity and support understanding.(Español jurídico-Spanische Rechtssprache)
Key competencies
Key competencies are interdisciplinary skills that complement your legal studies in preparation for your future professional practice.
In our courses, you will learn in small groups, for example, how to use body language and breathing techniques to make your voice more expressive, how to conduct a mediation process, negotiation strategies, and interrogation techniques.
- I really appreciated the detailed and personalized feedback, combined with the meaningful involvement of the other course participants; generally speaking, the practical application of the techniques and theory, as well as the pleasant, relaxed atmosphere and supportive approach. (Public Speaking – Rhetoric and Presentation Techniques)
- The instructor was very personable and treated us as equals, so we felt very comfortable and no one was made to feel like a fool during the case simulations or similar exercises. The course was very interactive and is also recommended for people who find negotiating difficult. (Negotiation Management)
- The many practical insights made everything very easy to understand. The teaching style and the way students were engaged also contributed to a great course. (Interrogation Techniques)
- The instructor shared a lot from her daily professional life, which gave us a fascinating look into real-world practice. She always encouraged us to believe in ourselves and try new things, which boosted my self-confidence. (Mediation)
Language Courses at the Language Learning Center (SLZ)
The SLZ offers an interdisciplinary program of general and specialized language modules in 16 languages at various proficiency levels. These competency- and practice-oriented language modules are delivered in a blended learning format.
Moot Courts
The Department of Law offers students the opportunity to participate in several moot courts. These are simulated court proceedings based on a fictional case. This gives students the chance to step into the role of a lawyer and gain practical experience. In addition, students can network with other students or with partner law firms.