Legal English : Public Sector Lawyers

English for legal professionals working in the public sector

Typical course participants

This is a highly specialised programme designed for lawyers working in the state or public sector, either in central government departments, ministries and authorities, or for regional or local government.

Course content summary

The course is designed to improve your performance in international meetings and discussions of legislative proposals, consultations on specific areas of law, presentations, and interpretation and discussion of legal documents.

Topics typically include EU institutions and legislation, national legislative procedures, administrative law and employment law. There are opportunities to focus on specialist areas. The course includes an optional visit to Parliament when sitting, and sessions led by practising lawyers.

Benefits of doing this course

Whichever course you take with us, you can expect to improve your English in the following ways:

communicate more confidently
speak more accurately and fluently
participate more successfully in meetings
improve your written English including emails
expand your professional vocabulary
improve your understanding of grammar
socialise and network with greater confidence
work successfully in a cross-cultural environment

In addition to the benefits outlined above, you will be more effective in international meetings and negotiations and use specialised legal language more effectively.

Course content

Subjects covered depend on the group but may include:

EU and EEA institutions, structures, and legislative procedures
national legislative procedures and conflicts between EC and national law
public liability and negligence
employment law and equal opportunities
property law
judicial review and administrative law

The course focuses on providing the skills for:

effective participation in discussions and meetings
giving presentations
the preparation of legal texts including agreements, other written communication including email, reports and formal letters
effective telephoning skills
hosting visits and socialising
developing awareness of intercultural issues

Course activities include:

taking part in simulated meetings and negotiations
take part in discussions on a variety of legal topics
giving advice on a legal matter within your field " role-play situations such as greeting visitors, making arrangements by telephone and socialising
making a presentation on a legal topic of your choice