English for Legal Professionals

Contact Samantha S. Cardwell-Ward

This program is designed for international bar associations or law schools to assist their members and students when dealing with the U.S. Legal system or its attorneys. The program focuses on basic legal principles in the U.S., common vocabulary, practice areas, etc.

Agenda

8:30– 9:00 a.m.         Registration

9:10–10:10                Attorney-Client Privilege and the U.S. Court System

How is the Attorney-Client Privilege impacted by the

use of translators and interpreters? How do cultural

differences impact this important doctrine?

10:10–10:25              Break

10:25–11:25              Interviewing English-Speaking Clients and Witnesses and Working in English-Speaking Courts

What are the cultural differences that attorneys

should be aware of before interviewing English-speaking

clients and witnesses? How do these cultural

differences impact the client-attorney relationship?

11:25–12:10 p.m.     Essential Civil Law Dialogue

Topics include: Torts, Contracts, ADR, and

Family law issues.

12:10–12:55              Networking Lunch

12:55–1:40                Civil Law Situations

Working with clients to prepare them to appear before

the court, before another attorney or mediator and

conducting due diligence to protect yourself. Client

intake questions, along with family law and tax law

issues are covered.

1:40–2:40                  Essential Criminal Law

Even if you do not practice criminal law, this program

will help you explain to your client what to expect

before working with a criminal law attorney. Topics

include: crime prevention, Miranda Rights and

arraignment.

2:40–2:55                  Break

2:55–3:55                  Criminal Law Situations

Explore the cultural differences in many common

criminal law terms. Explore intent, conspiracy,

theft and many other common terms that may be

misunderstood by English-speaking clients.

3:55–4:25                  Civil and Criminal Law Wrap-Up

Discussion and practice resources are included.

Concludes with a question and answer session.