Exercise 1
Useful Expressions
Direction: Read the useful expressions with your tutor.
The plaintiff is the person who brings a case to court.
The defendant is the person being accused or sued.
A contract is a legal agreement between two or more parties.
The court will issue a verdict after hearing the case.
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
Plaintiff
Person who brings a lawsuit
Meaning:
- The plaintiff filed a complaint against the company.
Defendant
Meaning:
Person or party accused in a legal case
- The defendant denied all the allegations.
Litigation
Meaning:
Legal process of taking a case to court
- The firm specializes in commercial litigation.
Verdict
Meaning:
Decision made by a judge or jury at the end of a trial
- The jury delivered a guilty verdict after three days.
Exercise 3
Practice
Choose the best synonym
Choose the best synonym for Plaintiff
Judge
Complainant
Lawyer
Defendant
Choose the best synonym for Defendant
Jury
Accused
Witness
Winner
Choose the best synonym for Litigation
Settlement
Lawsuit
Contract
Agreement
Choose the best synonym for Verdict
Appeal
Testimony
Decision
Question
Exercise 4
Business Dialogue
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher and fill in the blanks.
Word Bank:
Verdict
Defendant
Litigation
Plaintiff
Situation: Lawyer Anna is explaining legal terms to a new client, Mr. James.
Anna
Good morning, Mr. James. Just to confirm, you are the ________ in this case, meaning you’re the one filing the lawsuit.
Word Bank: evidence, defendant, verdict, plaintiff, contract, litigation.
Mr. James
Yes, I’m the one bringing the case forward. I want to sue the company for breach of ________.
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Word Bank: evidence, defendant, verdict, plaintiff, contract, litigation.
Anna
Understood. We'll begin the ________ process soon to prepare all legal documents and evidence.
Word Bank: evidence, defendant, verdict, plaintiff, contract, litigation.
Mr. James
What kind of ________ should I bring to support my claims?
Word Bank: evidence, defendant, verdict, plaintiff, contract, litigation.
Anna
We’ll need any contracts, emails, and witness statements that relate to the issue.
Word Bank: evidence, defendant, verdict, plaintiff, contract, litigation.
Mr. James
Who is the ________ in this matter?
Word Bank: evidence, defendant, verdict, plaintiff, contract, litigation.
Word Bank: evidence, defendant, verdict, plaintiff, contract, litigation.
Anna
The company you’re filing against is the ________, which means they must respond to your complaint.
Word Bank: evidence, defendant, verdict, plaintiff, contract, litigation.
Mr. James
When do we expect to receive the final ________ from the court?
Exercise 5
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud
How to Use Legal Vocabulary Confidently
1. Understand the exact meaning of each legal term.
Make sure you fully know what each word means before using it. This helps you avoid mistakes and communicate clearly. You can look up definitions in legal dictionaries or ask experienced colleagues to explain.
2. Use terms clearly in sentences and conversations.
Practice putting legal words into real sentences that make sense. This will help you sound natural and professional when speaking with clients, judges, or other lawyers.
3. Avoid using legal jargon with clients unless explained simply.
Many clients may not understand complicated legal terms. When you use such words, always explain them in plain language to help your clients follow along and feel comfortable.
4. Practice speaking aloud to improve pronunciation.
Legal terms can be long or tricky to say. Speaking them out loud regularly helps you pronounce them correctly and confidently during meetings or court sessions.
5. Review legal documents or watch legal dramas for real examples.
Reading contracts, case files, or watching courtroom shows helps you hear how legal language is used naturally. This exposure strengthens your understanding and ability to use the vocabulary in context.
Listening Practice
Explaining Legal Terms to a Client
1. Who is the plaintiff?
A. The judge deciding the case
B. The person being sued
C. The person bringing the claim to court
D. The lawyer representing the company
2. What is litigation?
A. A final decision from the court
B. The process of settling outside of court
C. A contract signed by both parties
D. The legal process of taking a case to court
3. What does the verdict mean?
A. The beginning of a legal case
B. The final decision made by the court
C. The name of the person who files a claim
D. The list of witnesses in a trial
Exercise 6
Discussion
Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. What kind of law do you practice, and what do you enjoy most about it?
2. Can you describe a typical day in your legal work?
3. What is one common legal issue that clients often ask you about?
4. How do you usually explain legal terms to clients who don’t understand?
5. Have you ever had to speak English during a legal case or with international clients?
6. What are some important skills a good lawyer must have?
7. How do you prepare for court or legal meetings in English?
8. What legal topic would you like to feel more confident talking about in English?