Pericles Law Center

🎃 Happy Halloween, everyone! 🎃 On October 31st people celebrate Halloween by dressing up in fun costumes like ghosts, vampires, and witches! So this week’s cartoon is all about that. 🧹 The Spelling Joke: The joke in this cartoon comes in part from a spelling error. The witch says, “I told you we should dress as ‘whiches’ for Halloween,” but she actually meant ‘witches,’ the Halloween characters. In English the word for a broom‑riding, pointy‑hat‑wearing figure is spelled witch (W‑I‑T‑C‑H), not which (W‑H‑I‑C‑H). The word which (w-h-i-c-h) is a completely different word used for asking questions (like "Which costume do you like?"). 🧹 The Grammar Joke: So, why is the witch’s friend dressed as a comma? She is a nerdy grammarian who misunderstood her friend’s spelling error when she made her costume. In formal English writing, you must put a comma before the word “which” when it adds extra, non-essential information to a sentence. The grammar conscious friend thought of a comma when her friend told her to dress as a “which.” But a comma is an odd costume, which many people won’t understand. The other girl “wore a witch costume, which was perfect for Halloween.” The grammar nerd is now feeling silly, and is wishing her friend had known the correct spelling, which would have caused her to wear a more appropriate costume. Using a comma with “which” concerns lawyers more than other people, because a missing comma can change the meaning of a legal statement. Using “that” without a comma, designates “which one.” Using “which” with a comma, means “and by the way”—it just gives additional information. And using “which” without a comma, is a grammar mistake causing an ambiguity. Here’s an example: ⚖️ Homeowners must remove Halloween decorations that block road visibility. ➡️ Only the decorations blocking road visibility must be removed. ⚖️ Homeowners must remove Halloween decorations, which block road visibility. ➡️The regulation requires homeowners to remove all Halloween decorations, and, by the way, in addition to whatever other reasons the authorities have for wanting them removed, they block road visibility. Courts have decided cases worth millions over a single comma – e.g. the 2017 Maine dairy case (O'Connor v. Oakhurst Dairy), where a missing comma cost the company $5 million in overtime pay. So the girl dressed as a comma sign is not just a grammar nerd – she could be a very good lawyer! 😂🔮 Happy Halloween👻💀

Happy sticker Friday! 🍸 Bar #1: A place where you buy drinks like vodka, beer, or whiskey. ⚖️ Bar #2: The legal profession. "The bar" refers collectively to lawyers, and "passing the bar" means passing the exam to become a lawyer. 💡 Fun fact The legal term comes from the physical railing (the "bar") in courtrooms that separates the judges and lawyers from the public. Only qualified lawyers are allowed to pass beyond it 🔖For your legal knowledge ⚖️ 👑 This is where the English word “barrister” meaning a lawyer who tries cases in court, and the expression "to be called to the bar," meaning to become a barrister, come from. ⚖️ 🦅 The American Bar Association (ABA) is the national, voluntary organization of lawyers. There are also mandatory associations in each state, known as state bar associations. To pass the exam to become a lawyer in the United States is to “pass the bar.” Both those intending to litigate and those intending to be transactional lawyers must pass the bar. The U.S. has no separation of barristers and solicitors the way they have in England, and in fact doesn’t even have the same words. So the next time you see a "Bar Association," remember: you'll find plenty of lawyers, but, sadly, no happy hour! 😂 🥃

Happy Sticker Friday! "But Your Honor, You ASKED to see my Briefs!" In the legal world, "Briefs" are formal written documents submitted to a court. In everyday English, "briefs" are a type of underwear! 🩲😳 This classic pun highlights the absolute necessity of precise communication in the courtroom. You definitely want to make sure you are handing the judge the right kind of briefs! Have a great weekend, and remember to keep your legal documents (and your underwear) separate! 😂

🧙‍♀️ Happy Sticker Friday! Spelling counts, especially in Halloween costumes! 🎃 In Legal English, a single letter can change the entire meaning of a contract. The difference between "which" and "witch" is exactly why we proofread everything twice! Have you ever made a spelling mistake that changed the whole meaning of a sentence? Let us know! 👇

Sticker Fridays! 🎉 At Pericles, we know that mastering Legal English is about more than just memorizing statutes, it’s about understanding the nuances, the double meanings, and sometimes, the hilarious misunderstandings! That’s why we are launching Sticker Fridays! 🗓️✨ Every Friday, we will drop a fun, relatable, and slightly punny sticker right here on our Telegram channel. These stickers highlight why precise language is crucial in the legal world. A single word can be the difference between a lawsuit and a dessert, or a courtroom and a coffee shop! 👨‍⚖ We want to hear from YOU! 🚨 Do you have a funny idea for a legal English pun or a situation where legal jargon gets lost in translation? We have an open door for your ideas! Drop your suggestions in the DM. If we feature your idea, we’ll give you a shoutout! Stay tuned for our very first sticker dropping this Friday!

🎉 September student of the month 🎉 Please join us in congratulating Nina Gorskikh, our September honoree at Pericles Law Center! 🥇 Nina graduated from our LL.M. program in 2022, but her connection to Pericles has only deepened since then. As a student, she impressed everyone with her dedication and strong legal mind—so much so that our professors still remember her years later. What truly sets Nina apart is her commitment to lifelong learning: she has continued to take at least one new course every year, always seeking to expand her knowledge and sharpen her skills. Beyond the classroom, she remains an active and cherished member of our community, joining us for our Christmas party and Women’s Day celebrations and contributing to the warm, supportive atmosphere that defines Pericles. Plus we are so grateful that she brings her original artwork to Pericles to embellish our office and brighten our moods. She is, without a doubt, one of the main pillars of our community, and we are delighted to recognize her this month. 👏

Dear Pericles Team! I feel surprised and grateful to find myself among the honored Students of the Month! In 2022 I completed Pericles LL.M program and since then I take one new course a year to enhance my legal knowledge and skills. Every person I met here impressed me by his/her deep legal background, expertise in law, support and ability to work in team. I would like to say thanks to all the professors and staff for their guidance and assistance, You create unique friendly atmosphere. I am so happy to be a part of the Pericles community, because Pericles for me is not just a law center. Pericles is the community for highly motivated and open-minded professionals.

⚖️ The semester is underway, but not every course has started yet! If you thought you missed your chance, good news. These programs are still open for enrollment: ⭐️ Adversarial Legal Writing Starts Oct 2 | Fridays | 19:00 - 21:00 | Mixed format https://pericles.info/adlw ⭐️ Approaching Legal English Starts Oct 5 | Mondays & Wednesdays | 19:30 - 21:30 | Bimodal format https://pericles.info/ale ⭐️ International Negotiations for Lawyers Starts Oct 6 | Tuesdays | 19:00 - 22:00 | Bimodal format https://pericles.info/ibln Don’t miss your chance we are waiting for you 👍 For more information, please call 📞 +7 495 649 22 73 Or contact Irina Belaya: ✉️ ibelaya@pericles.ru ✉️ info@pericles.ru

“In negotiations never get angry. Convince people. Preferably with a gun.’ Don Corleone. The Godfather. Mario Puzo. International Legal and Business Negotiations – Fall Course at Pericles Taught by Professor Vladimir Lissniak, this course delivers professional practice in business and legal negotiations. It is built on discussion, simulations, and role plays, not passive lectures. Each class includes up to 30 minutes of theory followed by active exercises drawn from sales, rental agreements, trade union conflicts, and investment transactions. You will study: *️⃣BATNA and preparation frameworks *️⃣Negotiator types and perception *️⃣Verbal and non-verbal communication *️⃣Value creation and value claiming *️⃣Persuasion, arguing technique, and ploys *️⃣Tensions between empathy and assertiveness *️⃣International and cross-cultural negotiations *️⃣Ethics, ADR, mediation, and difficult negotiators 🧑‍🎓 Bimodal 🗓 September 22 – December 15 ⏳ Tuesdays, 19:00–22:00 ⚠️Good English; open to LLM, MIB, MBA. Mandatory attendance (75% rule). No final exam. This is a practical skills course. You will not sit and listen. You will negotiate. 💪 Register now: https://pericles.info/ibln Question? contact us 💬 +7 (495) 649-22-73 | +7 (916) 085-52-74 ✉️ info@pericles.ru

🎉 August 2026 Student of the Month 🎉 Please join us in congratulating Ivan Boltenko, our August honoree at Pericles Law Center! 🥇 Ivan earned this recognition through his outstanding activity and hard work during the BFU Summer School in Kaliningrad. His dedication to expanding his legal expertise was evident from day one, and it left a lasting impression on his professors. Professor Donald Cannon, who worked closely with Ivan captured his impact perfectly: "For eight intense days in Kaliningrad, I worked closely with Ivan and began thinking of him as an “e” student: enthusiastic, energetic, and earnest. Enthusiastic for expanding his world, energetic in taking on tough tasks, and—perhaps most important—earnest in supporting his teammates. Ivan’s natural instinct could strip clean a flat phrase and say it in plain, active English. Where others ran into brick walls, Ivan sensed new geometry. He ignited his peers by making them feel that WOW! in their gut and propelling them to see how much power language lets you convey. He caught the spark, aligned the gears, and created classroom magic effortlessly." We are proud to recognize Ivan not only for his academic growth but also for the energy and generosity he brought to every session, lifting his peers and making the learning experience richer for everyone. Congratulations, Ivan! We are inspired by your enthusiasm and can't wait to see where your journey takes you next. 👏

"Dear Pericles Team, I want to share some thoughts on some courses program and my overall experience at the BFU Summer School. It was an intense but incredibly rewarding journey, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity. The 'Just Plain English' course taught me to write clearly, concisely, and to express myself without fluff. Professor Donald Cannon truly made a revolution in how I approach writing now. One thing I liked the most about this course is that progress is quickly visible because we practiced a lot during the classes. The 'Language of Contracts' course with Dean Marian Dent was equally rewarding. I gained a solid understanding of US/UK contract structure and logic. I especially value how this course 'synchronized' with what Professor Donald Cannon taught me. Both courses required following strict rules to achieve clarity and precision of language. In general, the BFU Summer School was an intensive experience, and I am grateful for the atmosphere of networking and professional growth. It was a pleasure to learn alongside motivated peers and to exchange ideas in such a supportive environment. Thank you for this recognition."

Dreaming of Studying Law in the U.S.? Anna’s Story Shows It’s Possible. Back in June, we honored Anna Akulova as our Student of the Month. When Anna joined the Pericles LL.M. program in Fall 2024, she had a clear vision: to take her legal education beyond borders and experience American law firsthand. Thanks to the unique pathways built into the Pericles curriculum and our strong partnership with Delaware Law School at Widener University, that vision became a reality. This past summer, Anna packed her bags and traveled to the U.S. to study Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulation in person, on an American campus, surrounded by international peers. Anna’s journey is living proof that Pericles open doors to global experiences that transform careers. We asked her to share a glimpse of what it’s actually like to wake up, study, and navigate life as a law student in America. Here is her story, sharing in her own words a testament to what happens when you say "yes" to your ambitions and let Pericles be your guide. Her story 👇 "When I was asked to write about "a day in the life of studying in America”, I naturally thought of the very first one. My dormitory was only a three-minute walk from the academic building, but thanks to jet lag and a knot of nervous excitement, I was wide awake long before my alarm. The orientation session started at 10 a.m. We were welcomed with bagels, cream cheese, and coffee - a classic American breakfast. The staff then walked us through the program structure and course logistics. One thing that completely surprised me: all of my classmates were from Brazil, including two judges! Because these were summer courses, the campus was mostly empty of regular students; the only ones around were those preparing for the Bar exam. Right after orientation, we dove straight into our first AML (Anti-Money Laundering) class. To help us bond, the university staff took us out for a group lunch afterward. They also revealed the schedule for upcoming university-organized trips, including visits to the Supreme Court and the Capitol in Washington, D.C., as well as a local district court. I was overflowing with excitement by the end of the day. After a quick grocery run, I crashed around 9 p.m. - the jet lag finally caught up with me. By the way, here is some practical tips (based on my month-long stay) 1. Renting a car 🚘 If you plan to rent a car, you absolutely need two things: a physical driver’s license and an international credit card (in your name). I didn’t have the latter, so I relied on walking, public means and taxis for the entire month. Having a car would have been a huge convenience, so don't make my mistake - sort this out before you travel. 2. Getting a U.S. bank card 💳 Since I was staying for a month, I figured I'd open a local bank account right away. Big mistake. The bureaucracy here is shockingly slow, and no one seems to be in a rush. · Several banks rejected my application on the spot. · One bank finally agreed to process it, but the KYC verification alone took three weeks. · Even if they had approved it in time, they don't give you the card in person. They must mail it to your U.S. address, which takes another week. In the end, the entire process would have taken over a month - longer than my entire stay. So unless you're here for a full semester, don't bother with a local bank account; just rely on your friend’s card or cash."

Sergei Daniloff on Commercial law in the digital era. Professor Sergei Daniloff introduces his upcoming Commercial Law course at Pericles. E‑commerce has transformed how transactions are conducted, but the underlying legal questions remain. When does a contract form? What terms apply? How do you secure payment when the parties are strangers? What role do negotiable instruments still play? This course covers: ✨ UCC Articles on sales, leases, and secured transactions ✨ New UCC Article 12 on Controllable Electronic Records (CERs) ✨ CISG and English commercial law ✨ Payment mechanisms: letters of credit, guarantees, negotiable instruments ✨ Digital assets and electronic transactions 🗓 Saturdays, 11:00–14:00 (online) 🗓 September 26 – December 12 Watch the video, then register at the link below 👇 https://pericles.info/comlaw Question? contact us 💬 +7 (495) 649-22-73 | +7 (916) 085-52-74 ✉️ info@pericles.ru

📣 Eric Welch introduces Adversarial Legal Writing – starting this fall. Eric is trial counsel with over 25 years of experience, a California Bar member, and has managed legal teams across the U.S. He's also conversational in Russian and has arbitrated international disputes. This course isn't Legal Writing I & II revisited. It's shorter, sharper assignments focused on briefs, motions, and demand letters. You'll learn to frame facts strategically, anticipate opposing arguments, and adjust your writing for different procedural audiences. 🗓 Fridays, 19:00–21:00 (online/mixed) 🗓 October 2 – December 11 Press play, then register at the link below 👇 https://pericles.info/adlw Question? contact us 💬 +7 (495) 649-22-73 | +7 (916) 085-52-74 ✉️ info@pericles.ru

🎉 July 2026 Student of the Month 🎉 Please join us in congratulating Irina Kuskova, our July honoree at Pericles Law Center! 🥇 Irina has been an active and engaged presence across multiple courses, including Client Relations, Legal Writing I, and B2G Relations. What truly sets her apart is the depth of practical experience reflected in her questions and contributions during class. She consistently drew on real-world insights that enriched discussions for everyone. Her thoughtful engagement did not go unnoticed; her professors repeatedly praised her for the quality and relevance of her inquiries. We are proud to recognize Irina for her active participation, her ability to bridge theory and practice, and her commitment to making the most of every learning opportunity. Congratulations, Irina! We are thrilled to have you in our community and look forward to seeing all that you will continue to achieve. 🌟

I'm both proud and dumbfounded to be named Honored Student — it's a moment I won't forget. My sincere gratitude goes to the Pericles team for their trust in my potential. That kind of belief is exactly what pushes you to go further, and I intend to prove them right. It's a privilege to belong to the Pericles community and to have the opportunity to sharpen my skills while advancing my career. Marian Dent was one of the first people to guide me, and I continue to admire her as a devoted, top-tier professional — her advice has never steered me wrong. The Kesarev team delivered an outstanding course on Business to Government Relations; Evgeniy Roshkov's counsel to remain patient and polite with officials has become a rule I live by in my daily work. And Carwina Weng's Client Relations and Communication course was a standout — each session felt alive, packed with value, and carried a wonderfully positive energy. My deepest thanks to all these mentors for their relentless effort to turn us into champions. Pericles, you have my full appreciation.

LL.M class of 2026 👏 Some moments are more than celebrations, they are proof of courage, perseverance, and dreams brought to life. The LL.M. Class of 2026 has reached a milestone earned through dedication, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Behind every graduation photo is a story of long hours, demanding coursework, meaningful discussions, and the determination to keep moving forward. In 20.06, we didn't just celebrate the degrees they've earned, but the late nights they pushed through, the doubts they overcame, and the people they've grown into along the way. We are honored to have been part of their journey and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in the legal profession and beyond. If you're ready to challenge yourself, expand your perspective, and take the next step toward an internationally recognized legal education, the Pericles LL.M. Program is where your journey can begin. Apply today: 🔗https://pericles.info/llm Congratulations to the Class of 2026. Your future starts now and we can't wait to see where it leads. 👏

Maduro’s case next makes its way to court, on July 22, federal prosecutors could encounter one rather significant obstacle: Our courts don’t have the authority to handle his case. And the law that says so was signed by the United States of America. If the United States honors its agreement, it could well be forced to release its prized captive. The reason dates back to the first decades of the 20th century, when a topic that seems dry and legalistic today — international arbitration — was an exciting and idealistic cause, championed as a modern, rational tool of justice with the power to change the world. The United States began including arbitration clauses in many treaties. One of those was a 1922 extradition treaty between the United States and Venezuela. It states, in part, that “all differences between the contracting parties relating to the interpretation or execution of this treaty shall be decided by arbitration.” Approved by the Senate and ratified by the president, that document has the force of law. Well, there sure are “differences between the contracting parties” today. The government of Venezuela is playing along with the Trump administration when it comes to oil exports, but it has publicly insisted that Mr. Maduro’s capture was illegal under international law — and that would include the extradition treaty. A dispute of this nature should clearly trigger the 1922 treaty’s arbitration clause. According to its stipulations, Judge Alvin Hellerstein, who is overseeing Mr. Maduro’s trial, must suspend the proceedings and send the matter to a panel of independent evaluators to examine the treaty and decide whether it has been honored. Should the arbitrators conclude that Mr. Maduro’s capture violated the treaty, the United States would be required to release him. Read the full article here 👇 https://dnyuz.com/2026/07/21/the-maduro-case-may-be-about-to-take-a-hairpin-turn/

Application for Pericles LL.M. program for Fall 2026 is OPEN! 🚨July 17, priority admission deadline🚨 Why Pericles LL.M.? ✨ Taught 100% in English by leading Western professors and practicing lawyers. ✨ Flexible Schedule. Evening/weekend classes, online or in-person. ✨ Practical Focus: learn legal English, legal writing, negotiation, advocacy and more.. ✨ Optional U.S. summer study and a dual-degree opportunity! ✨ Pay per course with scholarship options. The journey to becoming a standout international lawyer starts with one single step. 🖥 Learn more and start your application today: https://pericles.info/llm

🚨 Fall Semester Schedule is Here! Improve your legal skills and upscale your knowledge with our specially selected courses! You can check more information about each course on our website. 👉 Places are limited, so don't wait Apply now! 🗓 https://pericles.info/schedule ✉️ Contact Irina Belaya: ibelaya@pericles.ru

🎉June 2026 Student of the Month 🎉 Please join us in congratulating Anna Akulova, our June honoree at Pericles Law Center!🥇 Anna joined our LL.M. program in Fall 2024 and has since approached her studies with steady progress and hard work. Anna sometimes slipped through the cracks in our attention—professors tend to concentrate on superstars who constantly speak out in class or on problem students who need extra help. Anna is neither of those, but instead is simply a quiet but excellent student: doing well in classes, steadily progressing, and steadily learning. Anna mentioned when she started Pericles’ LL.M. program that she had a goal to visit and study in the United States. This summer she managed it! Under Pericles’ partner-school agreement with Widener University’s Delaware Law School, Anna lived in Delaware for a month, studying Anti-Money Laundering law alongside American and foreign law students. The Pericles/Delaware exchange program was dormant for a few years due to the SMO. The whole process of accomplishing this study abroad was an exercise in determination for Anna. The staff we had worked with at Delaware Law School was gone. The new staff wasn’t sure how to deal with a Russian applicant. Communications were delayed. Anna was asked to complete one document, then asked to complete something else instead. She enrolled in one course, then was switched to another. The entire process was quite confused. So what convinced us to make her student of the month was that Anna determinedly set her mind to studying in the U.S. this summer, and managed it. Anna’s resolve and ability to steadily pursue her goal sets her apart from others. Pericles’ exchange program with Delaware Law School is an experience that truly embodies the global perspective we aim to foster. We have not only a summer exchange program but a dual M.J or LL.M./M.J. program in which a student can get a U.S. degree along with their Pericles degree. This Pericles/Delaware Law School program is one of very few left for Russian and American law school cooperation. Anna’s perseverance in working through the hurdles has smoothed the process and opened the floodgates for other Pericles students—two more studying at Delaware Law now and others planning to go in the coming year. For her initiative and stubbornness in achieving her goal in the face of confusion and setbacks, we are proud to recognize Anna as Pericles’ student of the month. Congratulations, Anna! Thank you for reopening this important study abroad program to achieve your goal. Here's to achieving many more goals ahead! 👏

I joined the LLM program in 2024 on the recommendation of my former chief, who suggested I look into the Pericles community. Honestly, my first thought was that it could be my chance to study in the USA - and, amazingly, it happened! I still can't believe I got to take a course on AML regulation at Widener University in Delaware, in person (!!). The course was incredibly informative and lasted four weeks, and the whole trip was such an enriching experience - we had university excursions to Washington, visited the district court where we watched litigation processes, and also went to an Italian festival. I know I'll carry these memories with me for a lifetime. A huge thank you to the Pericles team for giving us such a rare and valuable opportunity.

📣 Meet Professor Carwina Weng, your instructor for Client Relations & Communications this summer! In this 6‑week online course, you'll: ✅ Practice client‑centered lawyering through role plays ✅ Use empathy, storytelling, and even improv comedy ✅ Play both the lawyer and the client in two full simulations 🗓 Mondays, July 6 – August 10, 19:30–21:30 online She also shares a bit about herself – her family, her travels to Russia, and her love for teaching. Watch the video and register at the link: https://pericles.info/crc Questions? contact us 💬 +7 (495) 649-22-73 | +7 (916) 085-52-74 ✉️ info@pericles.ru