Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Legal-Ease International seminar a course on U.S. law?

The Legal-Ease International seminars are courses on the language of the law. Legal English has its own unique set of terminology and idioms. The course is devoted to helping the international attorney, or student feel comfortable when writing, speaking or reading legal documents. The course will help the participant utilize the exact vocabulary word that they need in order to transact business and other legal work in English. One misused word can change the entire meaning of an agreement and so the course is an indispensable tool to learn it. The participants will learn some U.S. law as a basis with which to teach the terminology but it will not be a course on U.S. law, but rather the language of the law.

My English is not perfect, and I haven't used my English in many years. Will I be able to follow the course?

Yes. The participant needs a base in English but it is not necessary to have perfect English. It is a course on Legal English, but the student will also enhance their English. Taking the course also forces the student to listen to English spoken for two hours every day, which is very useful.

I haven't graduated from law school yet. Will I still be able to participate?

Yes. Although most of our participants are lawyers we have many students and they always enjoy it very much. It is a good way for them to meet attorneys in their cities as well as a great course to put on their resume. The seminar is also a very good preparation for students planning on continuing their education by going to the U.S. and getting a masters in law.

Is this course good for legal translators and businessmen

Yes. In our seminars we have had many legal translators. It is a great course for them since their translations are only as good as their skills in Legal English. Usually translators have excellent English but no knowledge of the law. The course will give them a background as well. Many translators have met attorneys in our seminars and have consulted with them after the course. We have also had notary publics, legal secretaries, accountants and other businessmen. Anyone that needs to deal with Legal English can benefit enormously from this course.

What if I have to miss a class or two? Will that set me back a lot, and can I still get my diploma?

Many participants have to miss a lesson due to travel plans or some other reason. We are well familiar with that. If the they tell the instructor during class when they are going to be absent we can give them the material in advance so they are sure not to miss anything. They are also free to ask questions after class about what they missed. It will not affect getting a diploma.

Is there going to be homework?

Yes. It is not obligatory but it is highly suggested that the student do as much as they can. The people who always benefit the most from the seminar are those that do the homework. It is very important to practice Legal English so that we can see what mistakes they make when they write. It is better to make a mistake with us then with a client. The seminar is very intensive so the student will get out of it what he put into it.

Who are the instructors that teach the seminars?

All of our instructors are U.S. attorneys with extensive experience teaching these seminars to foreign attorneys all around the world. It is a great opportunity to take this course from a U.S. lawyer who knows the law as well. This is not a course that would be as beneficial if taught by someone who is not a U.S. attorney.

Can I learn Legal English in two weeks?

Yes. In the many years of teaching thousands of lawyers, we have found that our method yields excellent results. Legal English as a term of art tends to repeat the same legal expressions over and over in legal documents. Throughout the seminar the student will have the opportunity to review many legal documents and will begin to see a pattern. The fundamental legal terms can most certainly be learned during the course of the seminar. The materials given to all participants will also enhance their comprehension even after the seminar ends. Legal-Ease also offers and advanced seminar to all participants who have previously taken the first seminar. This will give an in depth analysis of the legal writing skills and comprehension.

What materials are included in the course?

All participants will receive a course work book, a legal dictionary suitable for travel, study flash cards, handouts every night at the course and a beautiful certificate of completion suitable for framing. We are always complimented on our materials. The students use them as resources way after the course ends.

Is there a coffee break in the course?

Yes. Every night there will be a coffee break in the middle of the class and refreshments served.

Will we receive a class list at the end of the seminar?

Yes. All students will be able to receive a list so that they can contact the people they meet if they so desire after the class ends.

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