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 Lysinová graduated in law at the Faculty of Law of Comenius University in Bratislava. After graduation, she worked as a debt collector and as a bailiff’s trainee. Since 2011 she has been practicing law and is currently a partner at the law firm L/R/P advokáti, s.r.o. specialising in the field of family law, while also providing legal services in other areas of civil law. She has been attending the Legal English course at The Bridge for almost two and a half years. How does she feel about it?
Can you tell us more about how you deal with legal jargon in English at work?
I work in family law, so I use terms from that area. As family law is often very emotional, my communication with clients is not purely formal either. Clients often look to their attorneys in this area of law for a kindred spirit who understands and empathizes with their problem. That is to say, communication in this area is often personal as well, concerning relationships, child-rearing, arguments, and so on.
What was the final impetus for you to sign up for the Legal English course?
Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, my primary foreign language was German. But with English having become the primary channel of communication in much of the world, it was necessary to adapt to this fact.
You looked for courses at other language schools. Why did you choose the one at The Bridge?
Honestly, I don’t even remember exactly. I googled and your offer seemed to interest me the most. It was May 2020, we had been in quarantine since March due to the COVID pandemic and I felt like I was stagnating, that I needed personal development and maybe even regular contact with the outside world.
You can take the course online. Does this bring any benefits? What are they?
I am saving time that I would have spent travelling to another location.
Can you identify specific areas where you have improved the most?
I understand and have the courage to speak up.
The term “Legal English” already sounds very serious, but would you try and think about what you enjoy most about the course?
The variety of activities during the class.
What do you find most difficult about the course?
Remembering some of the concepts.
In your eyes, what is the biggest difference between a legal English course and a regular foreign language course?
In the terminology, which is an integral part of it.
Why do you think it is a good idea to invest in education?
Knowledge and experience is an asset that is not easily lost. Assets can be stolen or destroyed. But when we have knowledge and experience, we have a solid foundation on which to build further.
Do you plan to continue when the current course period ends?
Definitely yes. I want to have regular contact with English and these courses are a guarantee of that.
Are you interested in taking our Legal English course? Email us at kurzy@thebridge.sk or call us on 0948 104 916.
Photo: Martina Lysinová, Source: archive Martina Lysinová