Second Language Legal English
A resource for lawyers using English as a second language.
Personal tuition of one lawyer by another.
English for law: it’s important
As a practising lawyer, you fully understand the importance of accurate communication with lawyers and clients in your first language, and the additional frustration and difficulty of so doing in English as a second (or third or fourth) language. In addition to the complexities of everyday English, legal English requires knowledge of its own peculiar vocabulary and of the distinctive way in which we lawyers use our native language.
Wikipedia defines legal English as:
a traditional style of legal writing … that "lay readers cannot readily comprehend". This term describes legal writing which may be cluttered, wordy, indirect, and may include unnecessary technical words or phrases. Historically, [it] is language a lawyer might use in drafting a contract or a pleading but would not use in ordinary conversation.
The article mentions other features that make it different from how English is used every day, such as: a different word order, the use of Latin words and phrases, the lack of punctuation, reliance on ancient words such as hereby and hereinbefore, and use of three words where one is enough (“stop” is just as good as “cease and desist”).
You need to know and understand the pecularities of legal English but the English usage I teach concentrates on accuracy and clarity, which can be achieved without relying on dead language and legalese.
English for law: it’s personal
It starts with you. Where are you now on your journey towards mastering English, and how will your legal practice improve with better language skills?
All of my personal tuition starts with this question, and the course that I prepare for you responds to your needs. At our first meeting we will find out:
what is your current level of English? The Law for English course is for lawyers who feel confident with their use of English but need to grow their legal English language and writing skills. If you need to improve your general English, I have another course, details here
what do you want to achieve from our time together? Do you need to focus on writing and drafting skills, on better spoken communication, or to have better understanding of legal English across a wide range of practice areas such as contract, the sale of land, employment, business structures
how much time do you want to commit to the course? A typical lesson lasts 90 minutes. How many lessons do you need, and over what length of time?
There is no charge for our first online meeting, and for my preparation of the course. We will agree the course subjects and course length before the first teaching session. We will review progress as we go, and at the end of the agreed number of sessions. We can extend the number of sessions at any time.
A sample of subjects is set out below. More detail can be found here. Remember: these are only ideas and suggestions. What do you need? Email me and we can start the journey towards better legal English.
English for Law course
Sample Lesson 1: The challenge of Legal English
Native Englsh-speaking lawyers are famous for using words that are unnecessarily long and centuries old. Learn how to draft without using legalese and Latin. Plain language is best.
Sample Lesson 4: The language of the criminal courts
We will look at some documents I used in my criminal practice as a Crown prosecutor and defence solicitor to learn the vocabulary used by criminal lawyers.
Sample Lesson 6: The language of civil wrongs
Tresspass, defamation, and negligence are some examples of civil wrongs - also called torts - and learners can expect to gain an understanding of the legal terminology and principles related to this area of law.
Sample Lesson 12: The language of negotiation
Negotiation is one of the lawyer’s core skills but the process can be intimidating when it is conducted in a second language. We will examine the key language of making offers, counter-proposals, negotiation and settlement.
Sample Lesson 19: The language of documents transferring ownership of land
We will analyse a deed of sale of land in England to identify the essential words, phrases, and vocabulary used when transferring land.
For more sample lessons, and more detail, click here
Learning methods and outcomes
Gain confidence when writing and speaking in English to your international colleagues and clients.
Online learning with one-to-one tuition using lessons tailored to your needs and goals.
The first 30 minute lesson is free including language assessment, goal-setting and choosing course length. All fees are set and agreed in advance.
Fully flexible timetable. Book a lesson a week, a lesson a day, or set aside a whole day for learning. Evenings and weekends sessions (UK time) can be arranged.
Fully flexible course topics. You decide the subjects you want to learn about in depth or to use as a basis for conversation.