About US-CEE Connection Weekend
Learn more about our conference, programs, and mission
Details, Mission, Goal - Conference Background
Every year, the US-CEE Connection Weekend brings together lawyers, business leaders, academics, government officials, civil society representatives, and students interested in the evolving relationship between the United States and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The event provides a forum for exploring transatlantic perspectives on current legal, economic, political, and social issues, with a special emphasis on how these developments shape cooperation between the US and the CEE region.
Each edition of the US-CEE Connection Weekend highlights a timely and relevant thematic focus, reflecting emerging regulatory trends, strategic priorities, and challenges affecting both sides of the Atlantic. Participants engage in substantive discussions covering key areas such as capital markets, international trade, sustainability, digital transformation, governance, and the competitiveness of EU and US legal and economic systems. As political and regulatory landscapes continue to evolve, the conference provides an essential platform for analyzing ongoing changes and anticipating future developments.
The event features a dynamic program combining keynote lectures, expert panels, and interactive problem-solving sessions, allowing participants to exchange perspectives, develop innovative ideas, and strengthen academic, professional, and institutional networks. In addition to its substantive content, the conference includes social events designed to help alumni and other attendees reconnect with old friends, foster new relationships, and deepen transatlantic ties.
Our Programs
American Law Program
The School of American Law (American Law Program) is a unique educational initiative that has been operating since 2000 in partnership with the Columbus School of Law The Catholic University in Washington (D.C.). This programme offers intensive 11-12 week courses taught in English by experienced professors from an American university. Classes are held in the afternoon, five days a week, and focus on introducing students to the basics of the American legal and political system and the specifics of practising law in the United States.
Students gain knowledge of both legal analysis in the common law system and legal writing in English. The programme covers a wide range of topics - from the basics of the US system and constitutional law, through elements of civil law, intellectual property, business law and criminal procedure, to legal negotiation and issues of professional responsibility for lawyers.
What's more, the School of American Law can form part of an LL.M. (International Master of Laws) programme when complemented by the IBTSLP summer programme in Kraków and a module in Washington, D.C. Taking the course not only provides a solid knowledge of American law, but also enables you to gain valuable practical language skills, including drafting legal letters in English.
More information →CUA-JU International Business and Trade Summer Law Program
The programme was founded in 1992 by Professor Rett Ludwikowski and is the oldest international programme at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the Jagiellonian University. It provides students with intensive training in the global aspects of modern trade. Participants in the programme attend classes with American students. This cross-cultural aspect of the Kraków programme is unique and has resulted in many lasting friendships and business contacts.
The academic work programme is complemented by additional activities such as trips to Wieliczka, Auschwitz, Zakopane and a Polish campfire. The courses are taught by American and Polish professors.
The summer school is organised by CUA Columbus School of Law and Jagiellonian University.
More information →LL.M. Program
The LL.M. is an internationally recognised legal academic and professional degree. It is possible to obtain this degree after a full year of postgraduate study. The LL.M. programme offered by CUA is aimed at lawyers whose careers require exposure to Anglo-American law and the ability to work on English-language legal texts.
The programme provides an introduction to the basic institutions of US law against a comparative background with particular emphasis on business and commercial law.
More information →