Who is this book for?
This textbook is an upper-intermediate to advanced-level course for those whose first language is not English and who need to function efficiently, in terms of language ability, in the international legal environment. It is designed for law students as well as a wide range of people who need to use legal English vocabulary in their work, e.g., practising lawyers, paralegals, and legal secretaries. It is suitable for use in preparation for exams in legal English, such as the Test of Legal English Skills (TOLES).
The aim of this textbook is to help users learn legal English so that they are able to express themselves on a range of legal matters using accurate legal terminology, e.g., when working with foreign colleagues and clients. Although the legal concepts introduced are those found in the legal systems of the UK and USA, nearly all of these concepts are also found, to a certain extent, in the continental legal system.
It is important to bear in mind that this textbook is an English language teaching and studying resource. Although teaching underlying knowledge is a component of the book, the book is primarily a language course with a strong focus on linguistic proficiency and knowledge. Therefore, it should only be used for the purpose of learning legal English and should not be relied upon for legal advice or used as a source of legal information or advice. It should not under any circumstances be used in lieu of the advice of a qualified lawyer.
How is the book organised?
The book consists of two parts; part one is entitled The Language of Company Law, and part two The Language of Contract Law. Each part consists of ten units, each of which starts with a text (entitled Reading), that provides an overview of the topic area in question.
The Reading introduces crucial legal concepts while presenting relevant vocabulary in the topic area. Each unit also contains a wide range of tasks designed to build the core skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The textbook embodies an integrated course in legal English, i.e., an opportunity to practise reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
A variety of modern and interactive teaching tools are employed to make the learning attractive and effective. The tasks in each unit are ordered by increasing difficulty and are based on realistic tasks of the kind legal practitioners would expect to encounter in their daily working lives.
The book comes with a CD, containing listening tasks recorded by native English speakers. Transcripts of all the listening tasks and answer key can be found at the back of the book.
This book will:
- improve the learner’s ability to read and understand legal texts
- improve the learner’s ability to write common legal texts, especially letters and memoranda
- strengthen the learner’s speaking skills to enable them to engage more effectively in a conversation using accurate legal vocabulary
- improve the learner’s listening skills
- provide information on the realities of the common law system