Program Overview

Legal English Course

Course Focus:

The legal profession increasingly recognizes the importance of proficiency in Legal English. As globalization persists, the demands for lawyers and legal professionals to possess near-equivalent skills in English are paramount. This course is designed to address these growing demands by enabling students to effectively translate their existing legal knowledge and skills into compelling English communication. It caters to both law students and practicing legal professionals, including but not limited to commercial lawyers, public sector lawyers, solicitors, judges, legal assistants, and attorneys.

Course Content:

The curriculum is tailored based on the participants' needs, utilizing realistic work scenarios to illustrate lesson structures while integrating the four essential language skills relevant to each activity. Students are encouraged to actively engage in the learning process by sharing their experiences, allowing for realistic simulations of office and courtroom environments.

Key activities include:

• Formal and informal debates to develop skills in opinion expression, argumentation, persuasion, and negotiation.
• Preparation and delivery of engaging presentations.
• Active participation in meetings.
• Confidence in networking within multicultural business environments for making connections.
• Drafting agreements and contracts.
• Report writing and discussion of legislative proposals.
• Interpretation of various legal documents.

To function effectively in such environments, students are equipped with a solid lexical foundation that encompasses essential terminology across various legal domains, including:

• Real Property Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Employment Law
• Contract Law
• Corporate Law
• Secured Transactions Law
• Judicial Review
• Public Liability

Upon completion of a needs analysis questionnaire, a customized course program is developed to meet the specific requirements of the students.

TOLES Exam Preparation:

The program also includes preparatory courses for the Test of Legal English Skills (TOLES), an internationally recognized exam in Legal English acknowledged by law firms and organizations worldwide. TOLES features three levels:

• Level 1: Foundation
  Designed for beginners, this level focuses on fundamental grammar and vocabulary while promoting commercial awareness.
• Level 2: Higher
  Targeted at intermediate learners, this level emphasizes intermediate grammar and vocabulary, providing a realistic introduction to legal work.
• Level 3: Advanced
  Aimed at advanced learners, this level concentrates on near-native grammar and vocabulary, representing the gold standard examination for commercial lawyers.