Dieses Angebot ist ausschließlich Studierenden der Rechtswissenschaft vorbehalten.

Why Legal English?

English is the lingua franca of global communication, and the legal profession is no exception. For those planning a law career in an international setting, English is an essential tool.

The English taught at school is an important basis, but it is by no means sufficient for professional purposes. Legal  English, i.e. the English used in law, has its own expert vocabulary and its own special characteristics when it comes to style, usage and communicative aims. In order to master Legal English, you need special training.

What is the Legal English Module?

This three-semester programme is offered by the ZfbK - Forum Sprachen & Kulturen and the Law Faculty  for JLU´s students of law. The module includes the following components:

What can I learn in the Legal English Module?

The aim of the Legal English Module is to prepare students for a law career in an English-speaking country and/or international environment and equip them with the necessary means to communicate successfully in their work.

By the end of the module you will be able to...

• understand a great variety of legal documents and texts
• understand lectures, presentations, discussions and interviews on legal issues
• explain legal terms
• take part in discussions on legal topics
• give presentations
• conduct negotiations
• prepare a CV and covering letter for a job application
• write a wide range of legal documents including case briefs, memoranda and legal correspondence

• a large Legal English vocabulary pertaining to various areas of law (e.g. contract law, company law, employment law, international law, real property law...)
• an in-depth understanding of language structures as they are used in a legal context
• intercultural competence and an insight into the work of legal professionals in an English-speaking/international environment

Who can participate?

The module is aimed at JLU law students in their first semesters of study. The maximum number of participants is 25. There is no additional financial burden for course participants, as the classes are free of charge.

What level of English do I need?

The Legal English Module takes you from level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (upper-intermediate) to level C1 (advanced), so the minimum level needed to start the module is B2. In order to ascertain the appropriate level of English, there will be an entrance exam on March 25th, 2013, 10:00 - 12:00.

What do I get in the end of the module?

After attending all courses and passing the Legal English Final Exam, you are awarded a certificate (UNIcert III) which confirms that you have successfully attended the Legal English Module and states your level of English as well as your exam results in detail. This certificate will be a valuable asset when you apply for a job.

How can I register?

You can register for the entrance exam by e-mail (judit.kepecs@zfbk.uni-giessen.de). The deadline for registration is March 18th, 2013. The maximum number of exam participants is 60, so only the first 60 registrations will be accepted. Successful candidates may enroll in the Legal English Module after the exam.

When will the module take place?

Legal English Fundamentals (Module starting SS 2013):

Mo + Fr        14:00 - 16:00

Any questions?

If you have any questions regarding the Legal English Module, please contact:

Judit Kepecs

Justus-Liebig Universität
ZfbK- Forum Sprachen & Kulturen
Karl-Glöckner-Str. 5, Room 126,
35394 Gießen

Tel.: 0641 - 98442 132

judit.kepecs@zfbk.uni-giessen.de