Level
The courses are aimed specifically at lawyers, both in-house and in practice
and their secretaries and support staff and other professional who have
to deal with lawyers and legal documents such as accountants and corporate
executives.
A minimum level of intermediate written and spoken English is an absolute
prerequisite. It is to be stressed that this is a professional level course
and intermediate knowledge grammar and vocabulary will be assumed.
Classes can either be on an individual one-on-one basis or in small groups.
Course
Structure
Vocabulary
Specific legal and commercial vocabulary will be used in the course. Vocabulary
lists will be distributed and used in oral and written exercises. Legal
and commercial sources will be used. These will be tailored to the specific
requirements of the company concerned. Vocabulary, exercises and source
materials can be supplied in the following areas:
Litigation and arbitration
Tax and taxation law
Finance
International trade law
Property law and conveyancing
Corporate and company law
Matrimonial and family law
Criminal law
Contract and consumer law
Shipping and commercial laws
European and international law
N.b. This is a non-exclusive list and all areas can be covered.
Legal
and commercial skills
The course will provide specific training for:
Face-to-face legal meetings with clients, other lawyers and commercial
experts including:
Meetings with clients to obtain instructions
Settlement meetings
Meetings with counsel
Dealing with clients and lawyers by phone and on conference calls
Presenting to a meeting, at a hearing or to an arbitration
Giving evidence and cross-examination
Lawyer-client
relationship and marketing skills
Meeting existing and prospective clients both in formal situations and
socially
Giving “sales” pitches to prospective clients
Marketing
skills
Comprehension and self expression
Pronunciation, clarity of speech and public speaking skills will be emphasised.
Cultural differences will be highlighted and those attending the course
will be exposed to a variety of accents from the UK and abroad.
Written
Legal English
Reading and drafting legal correspondence including everyday “standard
form” legal faxes, letters and emails.
