International Legal English: A Practical Introduction for Students and Professionals 6th ed

English is the dominant language of international business relations, and a good working knowledge of the language is essential for today’s legal or business professional.

This book provides a highly practical approach to the use of English in commercial legal contexts, and covers crucial law terminology and legal concepts. Written with the needs of both students and practitioners in mind, this book is particularly suitable for readers whose first language is not English but need to use English on a regular basis in legal contexts.

The book covers both written and verbal legal communication in typical legal situations in a straightforward manner. In addition to chapters on the grammar and punctuation utilised in legal writing, the book features sections on contract-drafting and the language used in negotiations, meetings and telephone conversations. It features a companion website which contains exercises covering the majority of the topics covered in the book’s chapters.

This edition thoroughly revises and expands the content of the companion website and contains updated examples, more detailed explanations of problematic areas and an expanded section on writing law essays.

table of content

1. Introduction to Legal English

2. Grammar for Legal Writing

3. Punctuation for Legal Writing

4. Sentence Structure

5. Legal Writing Standards: Dates, Numbers, Citations & Headings

6. Terminology & Linguistic Peculiarities

7. Elements of Good Style: Clarity, Consistency, Effectiveness

8. What to Avoid

9. British & American English

10. Contracts: Structure & Interpretation

11. Contract Clauses: Types & Specimen Clauses

12. Drafting Legal Documents: Language & Structure

13. Correspondence, Memoranda & Essays

14. Applying for a Legal Position

15. Self-Study Exercises

16. Aspects of Spoken English

17. Meeting, Greeting & Getting Down to Business

18. Interviewing and Advising

19. Dealing with Difficult People: Ten-Point Guide

20. Court Advocacy

21. Negotiation

22. Chairing a Formal Meeting

23. Making a Presentation

24. Telephoning