Practical English Language Skills for Lawyers

A high level of English remains essential for any lawyer wishing to work internationally, but transferring language skills from the classroom to the workplace can be challenging. This book shows non-native, English speaking lawyers how to apply their English language skills to everyday legal situations and contexts, providing essential guidance to ensure they can work confidently in different settings and mediums. Including activities based on real-life scenarios, the book will allow lawyers and law students to practise their English in key areas of working life, from networking and client meetings, to telephone and conference calls, contract drafting and contract negotiations, presentations and using social media. Written by two highly experienced legal English language tutors, both former legal professionals, it also features online support material that includes listening exercises to complement those based on writing and reading comprehension. Designed to hone skills required in working life, Practical English Language Skills for Lawyers is practical, accessible and fun. Including guidance on job applications and interview practice, this book is an invaluable resource not only for current legal professionals but also for those students considering their first career step.

"A great book on legal English skills for lawyers, law students, and legal English trainers; full of real-life situations and practical exercises. Highly recommended."Elisabeth Staels, President European Legal English Teachers’ Association (EULETA), Legal English trainer and consultant"Combining language for specific purposes acquisition with much sought after real-world legal skills, which elsewhere are frequently treated cursorily or as a background or secondary topic, this new publication moves away from the traditional teaching of Legal English by 'legal theme' to place skills development right at the centre of the reader-learner’s focus. This is a highly practical resource book by two of the most dynamic and innovative instructors-materials developers in the Legal English field today with whom I have had the pleasure and privilege to work."David Albert BEST (PhD), Lecturer in English for Legal Purposes at the Université Libre de Bruxelles and former President of EULETA (2016-2021)"Two aspects of this well-structured and clearly written book put it ahead of the pack: its use of realistic and modern legal scenarios and the detailed and practical guidance it offers. It will be an invaluable resource for lawyers and law students who wish to improve their English language skills."Rupert Haigh, Author of Legal English (6th edn., Routledge 2021) and the Oxford Handbook of Legal Correspondence (2006, OUP)"Natasha Costello and Louise Kulbicki have effectively integrated deep legal knowledge and student-centered language learning pedagogy to create a work that is a rare combination in the field of legal English. Their love of law, of language teaching, and of their students shows through in all of their work and will be well appreciated by both students and teachers."Stephen Horowitz, Professor of Legal English at Georgetown Law, Co-Host of the USLawEssentials Law & Language Podcast "This excellent coursebook provides ideal soft-skills training in English for lawyers working in international contexts. Rather than focussing on a more traditional four-skills approach to Legal English, it concentrates on the professional skills attorneys need to best represent their clients. It has filled a long-standing gap in the market, and will provide enjoyable and effective training for practicing lawyers. Highly recommended!"Matt Firth, University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, co-author of Introduction to International Legal English, co-founder of EULETA"A brilliant legal English resource book suitable for class study, full of real-life insights, useful phrases, engaging roleplays and hands-on tasks."Mgr. Kateřina Chudová, Department head, Language Centre, Faculty of Law Division, from Masaryk University

Natasha Costello is English, a solicitor (non-practising) and former senior lecturer in law at Manchester Metropolitan University. She currently works as an independent teacher in Paris, France and teaches legal English to practising French lawyers and to law students at various universities in the Paris area.Louise Kulbicki is a legal English teacher and founder of Study Legal English which provides online legal English resources to language learners in over 140 countries. Louise gained practical experience in the field of international environmental law before turning to legal English teaching.