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In most professions a not-quite-perfect phrase is a minor blemish. In a contract it is a risk with a price tag. “Shall”, “will” and “may” sit close together in everyday English; in an agreement they are three different worlds.
That is why Legal English is not advanced business English. It is a specialism in its own right.
Why is a standard business English course not enough?
For three reasons. Terminology: common law concepts such as “consideration”, “estoppel” or “without prejudice” have no direct Dutch equivalents, and the obvious translation is frequently legally wrong.
The systems: Dutch law and Anglo-American law differ fundamentally. Someone who translates Dutch concepts literally sometimes says something different from what they intend.
And precision: lawyers are judged on their wording. A regular language trainer hears a perfectly good sentence where a legal trainer sees a liability risk. That is a different problem from the grey zone in our blog on meetings and presentations in English: there it is about fluency, here it is about legal accuracy.
What does good Legal English training look like?
The trainer has, in addition to language expertise, a legal background or extensive experience with legal texts. The material comes from practice: contracts, clauses, correspondence, ideally from your own files.
And the training practises the four situations that really matter: drafting and reviewing contracts, advising international clients, negotiating, and corresponding with the precision the profession demands.
Want to offer Legal English to your legal team?
See how our Legal English training is structured: in-company, blended or individual, with material from your own practice.
Who is Legal English relevant for, beyond law firms?
For any organisation where legal texts in English cross the desk: in-house lawyers, contract managers, compliance officers, HR professionals drafting international employment contracts, procurement staff reviewing supplier terms.
Anywhere a misunderstood clause costs money, Legal English pays for itself quickly. Which factors determine the investment is covered in our blog on what business language training costs.
Frequently asked questions about Legal English
What starting level of English is needed for Legal English?
We recommend at least B2 as a starting point. At a lower level it is more effective to strengthen general business English first, before the legal specialisation begins.
Do you train in British or American legal English?
That depends on the practice of the participants. Most of our Legal English trainers have experience with both legal systems and adjust the focus to the client’s situation.
Can the training connect to our own contract model?
Yes. We prefer to use material from the participants’ own practice. Anonymised contracts, clauses or correspondence make the training immediately applicable.
Not sure whether your team needs Legal English, or stronger business English first?
We are happy to think along about goal, level and training format. No obligation, proposal within two working days.
Next week: language training in your 2027 training plan, how to justify the budget. Previous blog: Doing business with Germany, why English often is not enough.
