4 Legal English

Send us Fan Mail Courtroom English includes vocabulary, phrases, and patterns that may sound unfamiliar even to strong English speakers. This episode explains important language lawyers hear and use in court, with a focus on clarity and practical understanding.  In this episode, we take you on a captivating journey through the very heart of legal proceedings, where words are the tools of trade and...

Send us Fan Mail On the docket today, we delve into the critical principles that underpin effective legal writing. Whether you're a seasoned attorney seeking a refresher or a legal novice, these fundamentals are the cornerstone of success. Discover why legal writing is the unsung hero of the legal profession, the powerful tool that can persuade judges, sway cases, and safeguard your clients&a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we delve into the art of mastering legal negotiations, equipping lawyers and law students worldwide with essential strategies to excel in any negotiation setting. Join us as we explore seven powerful techniques that will enhance your negotiation skills and help you achieve favorable outcomes. From thorough preparation and building rapport to active listening and c...

Send us Fan Mail Clear business English matters in legal practice, especially in emails, reports, and client communication. This episode explains how legal professionals can write more clearly, more professionally, and with greater confidence in English.  In this episode, we're delving into a transformative journey of language mastery and career growth. Our host, an expert in teaching English...

Send us Fan Mail Understanding International Contracts: Navigating Key Components Welcome to another insightful episode of the 4 Legal English Podcast. In this episode, we embark on an exciting journey into the world of international contracts. Whether you're a legal professional or a business enthusiast, understanding the intricacies of international contracts is paramount in today's gl...

Send us Fan Mail  Legal Negotiations: Techniques for Successful Legal Negotiations, Handling Difficult Situations, and Using Language to Persuade and Reach Favorable Outcomes   In this episode of 4 Legal English, we delve into the art of legal negotiations—a critical skill for lawyers and law students worldwide. Whether you're in a high-stakes courtroom battle, mediating disputes, or seeking...

Send us Fan Mail On today's docket, we discuss the American and English Legal systems, and examine the similarities and differences.   Are you curious about how the American and English legal systems compare? Do you want to know what similarities they share and how they differ? Join us in this episode of 4 Legal English as we explore the nuances of these two systems. Whether you are a law stu...

Send us Fan Mail On today's docket, we discuss the Email Signature Block. What should you include? What might you want to add? What should you never include? What is the difference between a good signature block and a poor one? A memorbable one or forgettable one? An effective one and a frustrating one?  For the show notes for this episode, go here . Comment below the show notes if you have a...

Send us Fan Mail On today's docket, we discuss the court system in the United States. There are actually two distinct court systems - the state courts and the federal courts. Most criminal cases and civil lawsuits are handled in the state courts. Cases that involve parties from different states and of substantial value might go to federal court instead, as well as any cases involving the Unit...

Send us Fan Mail On today's docket, we discuss the court system in the United States. There are actually two distinct court systems - the state courts and the federal courts. Most criminal cases and civil lawsuits are handled in the state courts. Cases that involve parties from different states and of substantial value might go to federal court instead, as well as any cases involving the Unit...

Send us Fan Mail On today's docket, we discuss the court system in the United States. There are actually two distinct court systems - the state courts and the federal courts. Most criminal cases and civil lawsuits are handled in the state courts. Cases that involve parties from different states and of substantial value might go to federal court instead, as well as any cases involving the Unit...

Send us Fan Mail On today's docket, we will discuss a case that just had oral arguments at the Supreme Court of the United States. The name of the case is In Re Grand Jury. It is quite unusual for a case to make it to the Supreme Court and the petitioner remain anonymous. The case is about attorney-client privilege and what communication(such as documents) should remain confidential and what...

Send us Fan Mail On today's docket, we will discuss the fight over the new speaker of the US House of Representatives. With the November 2022 election of the 118th Congress, what was the minority party has become the majority party. However, that does not neccessarily mean the minority leader will become the Speaker of the House. There was a group of 20 Congressmen and women who were not will...

Send us Fan Mail On today's docket, we will discuss the impact of body-cameras worn by police officer on police interactions and legal analysis of those interactions. I will discuss an Article by Prof Orin Kerr that was published on the Volokh Conspiracy website, which brought up some interesting observations and conclusions.  Professor Orin Kerr's article: How Body-Worn Cameras Are Chan...

Send us Fan Mail What is here today, but will disappear on January 1st, 2023? In this episode, we discuss copyright law in general, and the copyright for Sherlock Holmes specifically. What happens when some works enter the public domain, but others remain under copyright? What happens when a copyright lasts longer in some countries than others? Is Sherlock Holmes still under copyright? For the sho...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss: Email Etiquette; Finding the proper Register for your email; how to improve your email writing; importance of the salutation; small talk debate; and brevity. For the show notes and take the quiz for this episode, go here . Comment below the show notes if you have any questions about this episode. For more about this podcast, go here . For ways to impro...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss changes in law school admission practices - the LSAT exam may become optional. What does this mean? What is the LSAT? How will law schools adjust? What does this mean for people applying to law schools in the United States?  --- Check out our NEW website : 4 Business-English Improve Your Communication Skills In the modern business world, communication i...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss the Landmark Case of Wood v. Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon. This 1917 New York case concerns what is sufficient consideration to form a contract, as well as express and implied promises. Benjamin Cardozo, later appointed to SCOTUS, was one of the leading American jurists of the 20th century, wrote the opinion. Check out our NEW website : 4 Business-English Imp...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss the upcoming Mid-Term Elections in the United States,  focusing on the US Congress, also outlining  elections in the US in general. What are Mid-Term Elections? What offices are being elected? What, if anything, will change after the elections on 8 November? For the show notes, go here . Comment below the show notes if you have any questions about this...

Send us Fan Mail On today's docket, the Lexicon Word of the Week. In this episode, we spotlight the word: CONSIDERATION . This is an ongoing series we  have - we focus on a lexicon word. We discuss this word, its meaning, and how it is used by lawyers. For the show notes, go here . Comment below the show notes if you have any questions about this episode. For more about this podcast, go here...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss the 2000 movie " Under Suspicion ", starring Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman. This movie is about a police interview of a murder suspect. What was supposed to be a quick 10 minute conversation turned into an interrogation that went on all evening. We will focus on : Police interview/interrogation process and techniques. This is an ongoing seri...

Send us Fan Mail On today's docket, the Lexicon Word of the Week. In this episode, we spotlight the word: DOCKET This is an ongoing series we  have - we focus on a lexicon word. We discuss this word, its meaning, and how it is used by lawyers. For the show notes, go here . Comment below the show notes if you have any questions about this episode. For more about this podcast, go here . For way...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss the search warrant executed against the former president of the US, Donald Trump. What does this mean for the rule of law? Will the details of the affidavit, or the results of the search, ever be revealed to the public? Will this be the new norm, of the party in power using the courts and law enforcement to go after their political opponents? For the sh...

Send us Fan Mail Templates and precedents can save time, but they can also create weak writing if used carelessly. In this episode, learn how lawyers use templates and precedents in English while still writing clearly, accurately, and professionally.  In this episode, we discuss using templates and writing precedents. How does an attorney use these tools? How does this improve your legal writing a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss the new landmark case that came down earlier this summer. The Dobbs decision overturns Roe v. Wade and Casey v. Planned Parenthood - two cases that are probably revered by a 1/3 of the country and hated by another 1/3 of the country. We will look at the situation before this decision, and also consider what will happen after this decision. For the show...