Summer Program Dates June 9th-20th, 2025.
Summer Courses Offered
Hotels & Resorts: Essential Topics in Hospitality Law
(LAW 950) Steven Shapiro
Dates. M, T 6/9/-6/10 Credits. 1 Time 9am-5pm
Using a combination of case study, dialogue, and course work, this introductory course provides an analysis of complex legal issues routinely addressed by attorneys engaged in hospitality matters such as: licensing and franchise rights, tort liability, business formation and the complexities of hotel real estate development.
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Taught by Steven Shapiro, along with experts in hotel law, Essential Topics in Hospitality Law traces the economic models of the industry, along with explanations of the terminology and current industry relationships.
We then look at the common agreements in place for types of the hotels, followed with in-depth reviews of common provisions that often define these relationships.
During the course, we investigate issues that are distinctive to the lodging industry while also examining important legal constructs that govern commercial relationships.
Our material looks at topics in contract law, franchise agreements, intellectual property, data security, and dispute resolution.
Policies and Processes
Refunds:
The following is the refund policy for courses registered through our Professional and Lifelong Learning Portal (https://american.catalog.instructure.com/).
Hotels & Resorts: Management Agreements & Franchise Agreements
(LAW 951) Steven Shapiro
Dates. W, TH 6/11/-6/12 Credits. 1 Time: 9am-5p
Probably the single most important area of hotel law, the management, licensing, and franchising agreements necessary to operate most hotels are embedded with complex issues that integrate law, economics, heightened negotiations, and detailed contract drafting. The course explores the many models of hotel ownership and branded chains that allow operations to appear seamless to hotel guests.
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Taught by Steven Shapiro, along with experts in hotel law, the prominent, but not exclusive current model, is for a real estate developer to own, design, and build a hotel.
The hotel owner is often expert in creating the building, but has no real knowledge of the hotel business.
The owner then will enter into a franchise agreement with a hotel company, maybe Hyatt or Marriott, for a brand that properly fits the hotel concept.
At the same time, the hotel owner needs to staff the property, and will engage in a management agreement with a company to provide the general manager, and staff that actually operates the business.
Policies and Processes
Refunds:
The following is the refund policy for courses registered through our Professional and Lifelong Learning Portal (https://american.catalog.instructure.com/).
Gaming: Casinos, Sports Betting & Advanced Topics
(LAW 953) Steven Shapiro
Dates. M, T 6/16/-6/17 Credits. 1 Time 9am-5p
Once the domain of Las Vegas and Atlantic City, gaming operations and casinos now thrive across the country. In addition, massive resort hotels create numerous issues for the hotel attorney. This course examines recent developments in legal and operational areas including: hotel torts; alcoholic beverage regulation; federal, state, and local regulation (including the ADA); Indian and Tribal gaming; and intellectual property.
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Taught by Steven Shapiro, along with experts in hotel law, the Advanced Legal Topics course examines critical legal issues facing the hospitality and gaming industry, including casino operations, sports betting, international hotel development, issues in labor & employment law, plus the many issues facing the hotel general counsel.
Hotel attorneys constantly address scenarios calling for complex legal analysis across multiple disciplines, while novel issues routinely emerge from industry sectors.
Policies and Processes
Refunds:
The following is the refund policy for courses registered through our Professional and Lifelong Learning Portal (https://american.catalog.instructure.com/).
Hotels & Resorts: Transactions and Contract Drafting
(LAW 954) Steven Shapiro
Dates. W, F 6/18/& 6/20 Credits. 1 Time 9am-5p
Clients rely on attorneys not just for legal expertise but also for understanding complex transactions. A well-crafted legal agreement defines responsibilities, allocates risk, and outlines future obligations. Through legal discussions, case scenarios, and hands-on drafting exercises, this class builds on contract fundamentals and equips students with essential practice skills.
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Taught by Steven Shapiro, along with experts in hotel law, the classroom discussions and assignments are rooted in agreements typically in use in the hotel industry.
Class discussions and assignments will look at scenarios, both current matters and hypotheticals, to draft provisions and agreements.
Students will start with the blank page, then learn the foundation to draft agreements.
Policies and Processes
Refunds:
The following is the refund policy for courses registered through our Professional and Lifelong Learning Portal
Eligibility, Tuition & Fees
CERTIFICATE
All participants will be eligible to receive a Certificate of Legal Studies in Hospitality Law and Practice upon completion of the program.
ELIGIBILITY
The Summer Program is open to:
Foreign Attorneys for a certificate.
U.S. Practitioners for a certificate and CLE credit.
WCL & Visiting J.D. and LL.M. candidates for academic credit. Each program is a two-credit ABA course. The Mediation Program is a one-credit ABA course.
Certificate of Attendance (Non-Credit):
$750 per course.
Please be advised that this fee is only for attorneys interested in a certificate and advanced law students enrolled in a foreign law school interested in gaining a certificate of attendance. JD and LLM students enrolled in an American law school interested in gaining ABA-approved academic credit must pay the AU academic credit fee indicated below.
Tuition for WCL Students and visiting JD and LLM candidates from ABA-accredited law schools interested in gaining academic credit:
$2,386 per credit.
WCL JD or LLM students who would like to take summer courses for academic credit do not require a special application. Please enroll through Eagle Service.
Visiting JD and LLM candidates from ABA-accredited law schools interested in gaining academic credit must register through the WCL Office of the Registrar as a visiting student.
For more information about tuition and fees, please contact Steven Shapiro at steven.shapiro@wcl.american.edu.
Join us in France
The HTL & Ferrandi Paris Experience
Since 2019, the HTL program has come to Paris and Bordeaux for coursework in the Master of Science (MSc) Hospitality Management studies in asset management, franchising, hotel development, and real estate transactions.
Ferrandi Paris, a proud member of the French Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), trains the elite of gastronomy and hotel management with its flagship school in Paris and campus locations across France.
We invite U.S. students to join us in France and for the Ferrandi students to learn in D.C.
For more information on the opportunities to learn in Paris, along with site tours and cultural events, please contact Steven Shapiro
Everything You Need To Thrive
We’ve designed this program to give you everything you need to grow your career while keeping it engaging, relevant, and practical.
Get a deep dive into topics like:
Legal and economics frameworks in hospitality and tourism
Emerging issues in global travel law
Industry-specific regulations
These courses are tailored to make you job-ready and confident in this specialized field.
Exclusive Social Events & Tours
Meet professionals who shape the industry. You’ll gain access to career-shaping connections—many past students have secured internships or job offers through this program.
Hands-On Experience
It’s not just theory—apply what you learn through interactive sessions, case studies, and real-world insights from leading legal experts. Walk away with knowledge you can immediately put into practice.