Do you speak Legal English? If not, would you like to? At The Bridge we have been offering Legal English courses for years now for those who not only need to improve their speaking and grammar, but also to delve deeper into professional terminology in the context of legal English. To give you a better idea about courses we have spoken to a number of students about their experience. What do they enjoy and what do they find most difficult? Read our first interview.
Martina Ambrózová studied at Tallinn Univesity of Technology in Estonia, received her Master’s degree from Leiden University in the Netherlands and has now decided to extend her qualification with a second Master’s degree here in Slovakia, at the Pan-European University, at the Faculty of Law. Martina is not just a student. She also works as a “Legal Professional Assistant” at the international law firm Allen & Overy. She has been attending the Legal English course with us for more than two years. What has it brought her so far?
Looking at your CV, it is clear education is part of your routine. What keeps you going? Why do you think it a good idea to invest in Legal English course?
I believe that education and health are two areas worth investing in throughout life. It improves our lives, enriches us and opens new doors. It would be downright irresponsible not to embrace such an educational opportunity that is fully supported by the employer.
You work in a law firm with an international presence, so obviously English is a daily part of your work routine.
Yes, I work in an environment in which we are united by this one language.
In what form do you encounter legal jargon in English at work?
In an international law firm, we can really encounter it at every “corner”. Most often, however, it is in written form when working with various submissions, searches, contracts, or in everyday e-mail communication with colleagues and clients.
What was the impulse for you to sign up for the Legal English course?
It was to be hired for a job in which Legal English is crucial. It was also driven by my personal need to make more active use of my spoken English. It happened to me repeatedly that when I was tested on my English language level, my results in the spoken and written were slightly weaker than those in the listening and reading.
Have you looked for courses in other language schools?
Honestly, I haven’t. These courses are provided by our employer on the basis of a successful long-term cooperation with The Bridge.
You take the course online. What are the advantages of this form of learning for you?
Definitely flexibility. My relationship with my tutor Michele, makes it even easier. There are days at work when things change unexpectedly and I have to be very flexible to attend to my work demands. Since my lessons are online, Michele and I can easily reschedule to suit the situation at hand.
Another advantage has to do with the fact that I don’t work from the office every day. This means that my English course can take place online wherever I am, and I don’t just have to travel to our premises to be present.
Can you identify specific areas in which you have improved the most?
I think there is improvement in every area as a result of this course. Whether it’s terminology, fluency or the sheer confidence in working with the language.
The term “Legal English” sounds very serious, but can you tell us something that you enjoy most about the course?
I think my very positive experience comes from working with my tutor Michele. I really enjoy studying and learning under her guidance.
What do you find most difficult about the course?
In general, I have some bad habits that come from my experience of using English in international context. In some cases “this English” differs from that of a “native”. I think we have been dealing with this “problem” consistently since the beginning of the course and it still is my biggest challenge.
In your opinion, what is the biggest difference between a legal English course and a regular foreign language course?
I think it’s just the difficulty and complexity. In my opinion, it is only for people with a higher level of English and it allows the lecturer and the student to go deeper without wasting the time explaining simple grammar.
Have you got any interesting situations at work that are related to misunderstandings due to the language barrier?
I can’t think of a specific situation, it’s more just funny misuse of language that we most often encounter. 😊
Do you plan to continue when the current course period is over?
I plan to continue learning as long as I have the space and resources to do so, because as I wrote above, I see education as an integral part of my life.
Are you interested in taking our Legal English course? Email us at kurzy@thebridge.sk or call us on 0948 104 916.