Blog Post #1 – Why Legal English Is a Skill That Must Be Practiced in Context
Legal English isn’t just a subject to be memorized, it’s a skill to be practiced. While vocabulary lists and grammar charts have their place, they only get you so far. The real challenge (and value) lies in knowing how to use legal language in action.
Why? Because lawyers don’t just write or speak in English. They explain, argue, negotiate, persuade, and draft, with precision, clarity, and purpose. And that requires more than translation: it requires trained legal communication.
Legal English is Task-Based
In real life, language is shaped by what you’re doing with it:
- Explaining Brazilian civil procedure to a foreign client.
- Responding to a contract clause during negotiations.
- Drafting a formal notice or legal opinion.
- Clarifying facts to a judge or arbitrator.
Each of these tasks requires different vocabulary, structures, and tone. If you’ve only studied the vocabulary out of context, it’s hard to apply it fluently. This is why Legal English must be learned as a practical skill, not just a theoretical one.
The Interplay: Vocabulary, Grammar, and Skills
In all my courses and workshops, I follow the same logic: every legal skill is an opportunity to build vocabulary and grammar in context.
Whether you’re working on contract drafting, courtroom advocacy, or client consulting, we can take time to explore:
- Key terminology and phrases used by professionals.
- Grammar structures that support clear communication.
- Realistic exercises that mirror legal work.
This approach reinforces what lawyers actually need: confidence using legal English in meetings, memos, negotiations, and beyond.
Grammar & Usage Nugget
Tip: Pay attention to how prepositions change legal meaning.
Some of the most common errors I see involve prepositions, those small words with big consequences in legal English. Consider these examples:
- Liable for vs. liable to:
✔ “The company is liable for damages.”
✔ “The company is liable to the claimant.” - Claim against vs. claim for:
✔ “They filed a claim against the contractor.”
✔ “They submitted a claim for unpaid fees.” - Entitled to vs. entitled under:
✔ “The employee is entitled to compensation.”
✔ “The party is entitled under the contract to terminate.”
Expert Tip: Build a list of common legal prepositions and review them in context. Your drafting and legal reasoning will improve immediately.
Whether you’re working on your own skills or leading a team, I can help you apply Legal English more confidently. Reach out to learn more.