International Legal English

English is the dominant language of international business relations, and a good working knowledge of the language is essential for today's legal or business professional. This book provides a highly practical approach to the use of English in commercial legal contexts, and covers crucial law terminology and legal concepts. Written with the needs of both students and practitioners in mind, this book is particularly suitable for readers whose first language is not English but need to use English on a regular basis in legal contexts. The book covers both written and verbal legal communication in typical legal situations in a straightforward manner. In addition to chapters on the grammar and punctuation utilised in legal writing, the book features sections on contract-drafting and the language used in negotiations, meetings and telephone conversations. It features a companion website which contains exercises covering the majority of the topics covered in the book's chapters. This edition thoroughly revises and expands the content of the companion website and contains updated examples, more detailed explanations of problematic areas and an expanded section on writing law essays.

Rupert Haigh graduated from Cambridge University in English in 1992 and qualified as a solicitor in England in 1997. He holds an LL.M. in Public International Law from Helsinki University and an MA in European Union Law from King's College London. He was involved in training legal professionals from 2002 until 2017 and now works as a freelance lawyer-linguist. For more information see www.legalediting.com . .

1. Introduction to Legal English; 2. Grammar for Legal Writing; 3. Punctuation for Legal Writing; 4. Sentence Structure; 5. Legal Writing Standards: Dates, Numbers, Citations & Headings; 6. Terminology & Linguistic Peculiarities; 7. Elements of Good Style: Clarity, Consistency, Effectiveness; 8. What to Avoid; 9. British & American English; 10. Contracts: Structure & Interpretation; 11. Contract Clauses: Types & Specimen Clauses; 12. Drafting Legal Documents: Language & Structure; 13. Correspondence, Memoranda & Essays; 14. Applying for a Legal Position; 15. Self-Study Exercises; 16. Aspects of Spoken English; 17. Meeting, Greeting & Getting Down to Business; 18. Interviewing and Advising; 19. Dealing with Difficult People: Ten-Point Guide; 20. Court Advocacy; 21. Negotiation; 22. Chairing a Formal Meeting; 23. Making a Presentation; 24. Telephoning