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Lesson 01

Legal Vocabulary and Terminology

English for lawyers

Learning Objectives

 By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:​

​​

  • Identify the main point in a message.

  • Organize ideas in a logical order (main idea → supporting points → example).

  • Communicate clearly using structured examples.

Exercise 1
Useful Expressions

Direction: Read the useful expressions with your tutor. 

Exercise 2

Vocabulary

Direction:  Listen and repeat after your teacher

Plaintiff

Meaning:

Person who brings a lawsuit

    The plaintiff filed a complaint against the company.

Defendant

Meaning:

Person or party accused in a legal case

    The defendant denied all the allegations.

Litigation

Meaning:

Legal process of taking a case to court

    The firm specializes in commercial litigation.

Verdict

Meaning:

Decision made by a judge or jury at the end of a trial

    The jury delivered a guilty verdict after three days.
Exercise 3
Practice

Exercise 4

Business Dialogue

Direction:  Read the conversation aloud with your teacher and fill in the blanks. 

Word Bank:

Verdict

Defendant

Litigation

Plaintiff

Situation: Lawyer Anna is explaining legal terms to a new client, Mr. James.

Student 1

Anna

Good morning, Mr. James. Just to confirm, you are the ________ in this case, meaning you’re the one filing the lawsuit.

Hello! (2)_edited.png

Mr. James

Yes, I’m the one bringing the case forward. I want to sue the company for breach of ________.

Student 1

Anna

Understood. We'll begin the ________ process soon to prepare all legal documents and evidence.

Student 2

Mr. James

What kind of ________ should I bring to support my claims?

Student 1

Anna

We’ll need any contracts, emails, and witness statements that relate to the issue.

Student 2

Mr. James

Who is the ________ in this matter?

Student 1

Anna

The company you’re filing against is the ________, which means they must respond to your complaint.

Student 2

Mr. James

When do we expect to receive the final ________ from the court?

Exercise 5

Study Guide

Direction:  Read the study manual aloud 


How to Use Legal Vocabulary Confidently

1. Understand the exact meaning of each legal term.

Make sure you fully know what each word means before using it. This helps you avoid mistakes and communicate clearly. You can look up definitions in legal dictionaries or ask experienced colleagues to explain.


2. Use terms clearly in sentences and conversations.

Practice putting legal words into real sentences that make sense. This will help you sound natural and professional when speaking with clients, judges, or other lawyers.


3. Avoid using legal jargon with clients unless explained simply.

Many clients may not understand complicated legal terms. When you use such words, always explain them in plain language to help your clients follow along and feel comfortable.


4. Practice speaking aloud to improve pronunciation.

Legal terms can be long or tricky to say. Speaking them out loud regularly helps you pronounce them correctly and confidently during meetings or court sessions.


5. Review legal documents or watch legal dramas for real examples.

Reading contracts, case files, or watching courtroom shows helps you hear how legal language is used naturally. This exposure strengthens your understanding and ability to use the vocabulary in context.

Listening Practice 
00:00 / 01:04
Exercise 6
Discussion

Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.

    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">1. What kind of law do you practice, and what do you enjoy most about it?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">2. Can you describe a typical day in your legal work?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">3. What is one common legal issue that clients often ask you about?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">4. How do you usually explain legal terms to clients who don’t understand?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">5. Have you ever had to speak English during a legal case or with international clients?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">6. What are some important skills a good lawyer must have?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">7. How do you prepare for court or legal meetings in English?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">8. What legal topic would you like to feel more confident talking about in English?</p>
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