Legal English Course
How to buy a course
Overview
CPD Certified Course
Most clients will assess your professional ability from your use of professional legal English - This course will help you overcome your legal English problems and expand your general legal skills and your knowledge of Contract, Commercial, Company and Financial Law at the same time.
There are 2 versions of the course. The 1st is the live broadcast course of 15 lessons of 45 minutes each, followed by written home-tasks with individual feedback from the trainer. The 2nd version is provided in a set of 60 recorded videos lasting for around 12 minutes each, followed by inter-active exercises after every lesson. The recorded lessons are for busy lawyers unable to commit to 45 minute lessons at set times and days each week.
Both courses teach legal English, plus a wide range of essential legal soft skills to deal with clients and perform standard legal work.
Both versions of the course will improve the legal vocabulary, legal knowledge and essential skills of written and spoken legal English.
The courses use the topics of Company Law, Contract Law, Banking and Finance Law, Intellectual Property Law and the Law of Debts and Secured transactions in the lessons, one topic at a time.
The course is for lawyers and law students wishing to improve their legal English skills, for use in their work.
The content of the course has been assessed and certified by The CPD Certification Service as confirming to continuing professional development principles. Earn 15 hours of CPD on completion of the course.
Learning Objectives:
- Communicate legal concepts and information in writing confidently and easily in real-life work situations confident in their ability and knowledge of the vocabulary used
- Approach legal writing tasks confidently and knowledgably
- Understand the legal effect and use of many standard legal words and phrases
- Advise on the use and legal effect of vocabulary, idioms, and phrases
- Write precise and persuasive legal texts using exact, precise legal vocabulary
- Use legal vocabulary more accurately, concisely and effectively, both when speaking and writing in real-life work situations
- Use correct English grammar and appropriate tone for written legal communication
- Receive a certificate upon completion of the Exit-test
Legal English Course Syllabus:
- Course types: Private lessons, Group lessons;
- Course type: Pre-recorded lessons.
Trainer – Richard Brady.
Navigation Guide for going through the pre-recorded versions of our courses - click here.
Course includes
- interactive listening, speaking, reading and writing exercises;
- vocabulary quizzes;
- glossary with definitions;
- language of contract formation;
- the essential legal doctirnes of Company Law, Contract Law, Banking and Finance Law, Intellectual Property Law and the Law of Debts and Secured transactions including terminology and vocabulary course certificate upon completion;
- course certificate upon completion of an on-line Exit-test with a result of 60% and above. Please, note the following:
- The Exit-test button will activate automatically in the student’s personal account 7 days after purchase of the course.
- Copy of certificate for self-printing will be sent by e-mail within 5 days after successful completion of the on-line test. For more information about sending types click here.
Course contents
Legal English Course Lesson 1
Legal English - the language of international lawyers used in legal documents, court and correspondence. Duration of the lesson: 10 min 30 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 2
This lesson covers the sources of legal English, namely Latin, Norman French, old-Norse/Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon, and deals with how the individual words have become incorporated into legal English vocabulary with examples of their use. Duration of the lesson: 12 min 01 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 3
This lesson looks at why legal English is so difficult. After understanding the question, it will be easier for you to study legal English in this course. Duration of the lesson: 13 min 30 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 4
This lesson looks at problem words which have similar spellings or pronunciation to other non-legal words with completely different meanings. It is important to be able to pronounce these words correctly and to understand their legal meaning and their conversational meaning. Duration of the lesson: 11 min 45 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 5
This lesson deals with using the active voice in both your spoken and written legal communication. This lesson helps you speak and write legal English like a native English speaker. Duration of the lesson: 10 min 00 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 6
This lesson deals with the power of punctuation which can change the meaning of the words in a sentence. We will also look at the unintended use of non-restrictive adjectival clauses – where one extra comma changes the legal meaning of a sentence. Duration of the lesson: 19 min 00 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 7
The meaning and use of old-fashioned English such as hereby, thereby, whereby, herewith, therewith, herein, therein, wherein, etc. How to quickly understand their meaning so as to avoid confusion between them. Duration of the lesson: 9 min 01 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 8
More problem words - false friends and similar words with different meanings. More legal words where the conversational meaning is different from the legal meaning and where small changes in spelling give a completely different legal meaning. Duration of the lesson: 11 min 50 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 9
This lesson deals with writing with verbs and avoiding nominalisations (using the nouns for the process, rather than the verb). Duration of the lesson: 7 min 30 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 10
The correct legal meanings of the words 'shall' and 'may' and more precise modern alternatives to use in legal communication. Duration of the lesson: 11 min 35 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 11
Legal Latin Pt 1. The first lesson dealing with the meaning of some of the hundreds of Latin words and expressions used in legal English. Duration of the lesson: 12 min 55 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 12
Legal prepositions Pt 1. Practicing the use of basic prepositions in general legal writing and legal documents. Duration of the lesson: 9 min 35 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 13
The meaning and use of legal vocabulary relating to the formation and management of companies and company law Pt 1. Duration of the lesson: 11 min 55 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 14
Legal word collocations Pt 1. Using two or more legal words to create a phrase with a different meaning from the individual legal words. Duration of the lesson: 14 min 45 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 15
Legal phrasal verbs Pt 1. The meaning and use of some basic legal phrasal verbs (to enter into, to pay out, to rely on, etc). Duration of the lesson: 14 min 05 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 16
The standard structure of an advice letter to a client. Duration of the lesson: 11 min 35 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 17
Vocabulary and techniques to use when comparing and contrasting legal ideas and information for clients and non-lawyers. Duration of the lesson: 13 min 35 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 18
More problem words and false friends. Words which look or sound similar to other legal or conversational vocabulary but which have completely different legal meanings. Duration of the lesson: 11 min 55 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 19
The most popular idiomatic legal phrases and their meanings. These are phrases you will undoubtedly meet in your professional work and the lesson provides the correct legal meaning with examples of how to use them. Duration of the lesson: 20 min 00 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 20
How to summarise legal information to explain a complicated legal point in a simple, understandable way using plain English. Duration of the lesson: 12 min 35 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 21
The legal vocabulary and informal conversational English expressions to use when giving informal legal advice face-to-face to a client, etc. Duration of the lesson: 16 min 15 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 22
Legal Latin Pt 2. The second lesson about the meaning and use of some of the hundreds of Latin words and expressions used in legal English. Duration of the lesson: 10 min 45 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 23
Legal prepositions Pt 2. Practicing the use of more difficult prepositions in legal writing and legal documents. Duration of the lesson: 6 min 15 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 24
The meaning and use of legal vocabulary relating to the formation and management of companies and company law Pt 2. Duration of the lesson: 12 min 10 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 25
Legal word collocations Pt 2. Advanced legal collocations - using two or more legal words to create a different meaning from the individual legal words. Duration of the lesson: 14 min 45 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 26
Legal phrasal verbs Pt 2. The meaning and use of more advanced legal phrasal verbs (subject to, pursuant to, inclusive of, etc). Duration of the lesson: 10 min 35 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 27
The correct structure, tone, and vocabulary to use when writing an inter-office email. How politeness creates distance between employer/employee. Duration of the lesson: 10 min 00 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 28
How to structure and sequence information in written texts and conversation to explain legal ideas and other legal matters to clients and non-lawyers. Duration of the lesson: 13 min 45 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 29
When it is best to use the passive voice in legal writing. How to structure the sentences to concentrate on the result rather than the actor. Duration of the lesson: 12 min 05 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 30
The names, meaning and use of the different clauses used in sales contracts. Duration of the lesson: 11 min 55 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 31
Negotiating agreements. Preparation for and vocabulary of negotiation. Duration of the lesson: 18 min 35 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 32
Legal Latin part 3. The third lesson in the meaning of some of the hundreds of Latin words and expressions used in legal English. Duration of the lesson: 14 min 05 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 33
Legal prepositions Pt 3. Practicing the use of difficult legal prepositions in legal writing and legal documents. Duration of the lesson: 11 min 55 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 34
The vocabulary to use for contracts formation, assignment, remedies for breach, sale of goods, and warranties. Duration of the lesson: 18 min 25 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 35
Legal word collocations Pt 3. Advanced legal English collocations. Using two or more legal words to create a different meaning from the individual legal words. Duration of the lesson: 8 min 05 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 36
Legal phrasal verbs Pt 3. The meaning and use of more advanced legal phrasal verbs used in contract and legal documents. Duration of the lesson: 11 min 35 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 37
How to structure and order the information in a contract clause. How to write a contract clause from the start, turning an idea into an obligation. Duration of the lesson: 14 min 45 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 38
The meaning and use of vocabulary to describe court orders and court actions in litigation and arbitration. Duration of the lesson: 12 min 46 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 39
Cohesive writing - how to construct your paragraphs so that the ideas flow from one sentence to the next. Duration of the lesson: 20 min 10 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 40
The appropriate legal language to use when interviewing or speaking with clients, including asking questions and giving advice. Duration of the lesson: 12 min 15 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 41
Legal word formation. How to perform adjectives, verbs and nouns from the root of the same legal word. E.g. administer, administration, administrator. Duration of the lesson: 11 min 55 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 42
Legal Latin Pt 4. The fourth lesson in the meaning of some of the hundreds of Latin words and expressions used in legal English. Duration of the lesson: 11 min 05 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 43
Legal prepositions Pt 4. Practicing the use of multi-word legal prepositions in legal writing and legal documents. Duration of the lesson: 8 min 10 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 44
Legal vocabulary Pt 4. The meaning and use of vocabulary of charges, debentures, mortgages, loans and security for loans. Duration of the lesson: 11 min 50 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 45
Legal word collocations Pt 4. Further examples of advanced legal English collocations. Using two or more legal words to create a different meaning from the individual legal words. Duration of the lesson: 7 min 05 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 46
Legal phrasal verbs Pt 4. The meaning and use of further examples of more advanced legal phrasal verbs used in contract and legal documents. Duration of the lesson: 12 min 40 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 47
How to write follow-up correspondence to a client. Tone, vocabulary and structure of the text. Duration of the lesson: 9 min 10 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 48
The standard structure of a commercial contract. What order do you write the clauses in? Duration of the lesson: 11 min 45 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 49
Meaning and use of warranties, representations, covenants, indemnities and guarantees in contracts. Duration of the lesson: 13 min 30 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 50
Meaning and use of liquidated damages clauses including when to use them and how to write them. Duration of the lesson: 15 min 50 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 51
The meaning and use of the most popular and frequently used boilerplate clauses in contracts. Duration of the lesson: 15 min 05 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 52
The use of the Present continuous and the Infinitive of verbs in legal English - which tense is the correct one in different situations. Duration of the lesson: 10 min 00 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 53
How to structure sentences to emphasise specific words and pieces of information. Duration of the lesson: 11 min 25 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 54
Legal vocabulary Pt 5. Employment Law and Employment Tribunals: Essential vocabulary for lawyers and professionals working in this area of the law. Duration of the lesson: 20 min 20 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 55
Legal prepositions Pt 5. Practicing the use of multi-word legal prepositions in legal writing and legal documents. Duration of the lesson: 13 min 00 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 56
How to structure and write advice memos and emails, including structure, tone and vocabulary. Duration of the lesson: 12 min 20 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 57
How to improve your legal English sentences by avoiding the use of provisos – phrases beginning with the words, 'provided that', 'provided however that' etc. Duration of the lesson: 10 min 40 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 58
How to prepare a court brief – how to prepare the evidence and papers for a court case or arbitration. Duration of the lesson: 16 min 25 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 59
How to give a public presentation on a legal topic. The structure and vocabulary to use to outline the idea and then explain it to the audience. Duration of the lesson: 14 min 55 sec.
Legal English Course Lesson 60
60 legal writing and general legal communication tips. Duration of the lesson: 11 min 25 sec.
The Legal English course covers both the law and legal vocabulary relating to Contract and Commercial topics, plus IP Law, and Banking and Finance topics.
The course is covered in 15 lessons of 45 minutes duration with a further 15 - 20 hours of online interactive self-study with a B L C lawyer-linguist instructor who is assigned as your personal tutor. Broadacst at the rate of 2 lessons each week over the 8 weeks of the course.
A downloadable workbook with text and exercises.
On-line texts and materials.
On-line exercises.
Course prices
| Course type / Syllabus | Video lessons with a lawyer | Homework | Start of a new course* | Course price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Private Live one-to-one classesSyllabus |
15 private lessons/ 45 min | Twice/week following each class | To be confirmed individually |
US$ 1200 |
|
Group* Live Broadcasts+Homework+ ConversationSyllabus |
15 group lessons/ 45 min | Twice/week following each class | Monday 6th January 2025 at 6:00 PM (UK time) |
US$ 450 |
|
Pre-recorded Pre-recorded webinarsSyllabus Navigation Guide |
60 lessons/ around 12 min each |
Inter-active quiz following each lesson. Additional exercises with feedback |
Any time |
US$ 249 |
|
Separate lesson Pre-recorded lessons |
60 lessons/ around 12 min each | Inter-active quiz after each lesson | Any time |
US$ 10 each |
|
Free trial lesson Pre-recorded lessons |
1 lesson | Inter-active quiz | Any time |
Free |
* Kindly note that the Group lessons course will only take place if the minimum number of participants has been reached. The course schedule is subject to change.
** More info at https://www.british-legal-centre.com/news/Happy-New-Year-2025-news