22 June 2026

After half a century, the time has come to reconsider the traditional summer school jointly organised by Columbia University, Leiden University and the University of Amsterdam. By mutual agreement, the partners have come to the conclusion that continuing in the current form no longer aligns with the original objectives. An additional factor is that the program requires considerable organisational and financial efforts from the universities, with a limited number of participants.

The universities ‘are proud of the past half century when students from around the world could attend a summer school covering all aspects of American law, taught by lecturers from Columbia Law School with Leiden and Amsterdam taking turns to host the program. We are grateful for the enormous commitment of all participants, lecturers and partners over the years.’ said Rosanne van Alebeek (University of Amsterdam) and Jean-Pierre van der Rest (Leiden University), coordinators of the summer school.

Although the program as such will no longer be organised, the collaboration between Columbia Law School and the Dutch universities will certainly continue. Anglo-American academic exchange and joint projects form an important part of the international strategy of the three universities.