The_Lawyer's_English_Language_Coursebook_-_UNIT_1A.pdf

# Legal professions and general practice This topic examines the diverse roles within the legal profession, focusing on the distinctions between barristers and solicitors in England and the USA, and introducing the umbrella term 'lawyer'. It also covers the qualification process and the structure of legal practices. ### 1.1 The general term 'lawyer' 'Lawyer' is the general job title used for all individuals working in the legal profession. This includes roles such as solicitors, barristers, and attorneys [1](#page=1). ### 1.2 Distinguishing legal roles #### 1.2.1 Solicitors Solicitors are lawyers who provide legal advice to individuals and companies. In England, they qualify by passing the exams of The Law Society of England & Wales. Most law students in England become solicitors. Their training involves completing a one-year legal practice course followed by a two-year training contract with a law firm. After completing this, they are considered qualified solicitors. Solicitors practise in various areas of law, often choosing to specialise in a particular field. They represent their clients both inside and outside of court, a process often described as acting for a client. Solicitors also possess the right of audience in court and many appear in court daily to represent their clients [1](#page=1). > **Tip:** While barristers are often seen as the primary court advocates, solicitors also have significant rights of audience and actively represent clients in legal proceedings [1](#page=1). #### 1.2.2 Barristers Barristers are lawyers who provide legal advice and opinions to solicitors. They qualify by passing the exams of The Bar Council at the end of their studies. Barristers are typically self-employed but can also work in partnerships, similar to solicitors. Their primary specialisation is advocacy, which is the skill of speaking on behalf of someone in court, also known as pleading a case. They also offer expert opinions on legal matters to solicitors and their clients [1](#page=1). #### 1.2.3 Attorneys In the USA and most other countries, the distinction between barristers and solicitors is not made; lawyers are generally known as attorneys-at-law, or simply attorneys. An attorney is a lawyer who provides legal advice to individuals and companies and has typically passed their qualifying exams in the USA, often becoming a member of the American Bar Association [1](#page=1). ### 1.3 Legal practice structures #### 1.3.1 Legal practice A legal practice refers to the organisation where lawyers work. Many solicitors work for a legal practice, which is commonly structured as a partnership of solicitors who collaborate. Barristers, while typically self-employed, can also operate within partnerships [1](#page=1). #### 1.3.2 Law firms Law firms are where solicitors undertake their training contracts [1](#page=1). ### 1.4 Qualification and progression #### 1.4.1 Becoming qualified To become a qualified solicitor in England, one must complete university studies, a one-year legal practice course, and a two-year training contract with a law firm. Barristers qualify by passing exams set by The Bar Council. Attorneys in the USA qualify by passing their respective professional exams [1](#page=1). #### 1.4.2 Becoming a judge It is not possible to take a special exam to become a judge in either England or the USA. Aspiring judges must first gain extensive experience as lawyers, then apply for a judicial position and await selection [1](#page=1). ### 1.5 Key legal processes #### 1.5.1 Litigation Litigation is the process of initiating a claim in the civil court [1](#page=1). #### 1.5.2 Advocacy Advocacy is the skill of speaking for someone in court, commonly referred to as pleading a case. Both barristers and solicitors can engage in advocacy [1](#page=1). #### 1.5.3 Right of audience The right of audience grants individuals the permission to appear and speak in court on behalf of clients. Both barristers and solicitors possess this right [1](#page=1). ### 1.6 Specialisation Solicitors practise in numerous areas of law, with many choosing to specialise in one particular field. Barristers are often considered specialists in advocacy [1](#page=1). --- # Civil and criminal law distinctions The law in England and America is divided into two fundamental areas: criminal law and civil law. Any matter that does not fall under criminal law is considered a civil matter [2](#page=2). ### 2.1 Defining criminal law Criminal law pertains to actions deemed harmful to the entire community, encompassing acts against a person or property. In criminal cases, the state is responsible for prosecuting individuals accused of committing crimes [2](#page=2). > **Tip:** The key distinction in criminal law is that the offense is against the community as a whole, and the state acts as the prosecutor. ### 2.2 Defining civil law Civil law governs the rights and responsibilities that exist between private individuals and companies, excluding matters that are criminal in nature. It addresses disputes and agreements between private parties [2](#page=2). > **Tip:** Civil law focuses on resolving disputes between individuals or organizations, often involving compensation or the enforcement of agreements. ### 2.3 Illustrative examples of civil and criminal matters To clarify the difference between criminal and civil law, consider the following scenarios: * **Scenario a: Mr Bellerby's employment contract** Mr Bellerby is establishing a new factory and requires a contract for his employees to sign. This situation involves the legal agreement between an employer and employees, falling under civil law [2](#page=2). * **Scenario b: Mrs Robson's will** Mrs Robson is planning the distribution of her property after her death and needs to create a legal document called a 'will'. This concerns the private arrangement of personal assets and falls under civil law. A 'will' is a legal document outlining a person's wishes for their property after death [2](#page=2). * **Scenario c: Mr Dean's alleged car theft** The police are apprehending Mr Dean on suspicion of stealing a car. This act of taking property belonging to another with the intent to keep it constitutes theft. Since stealing is considered harmful to the community, it is a criminal matter, and Mr Dean would require a criminal lawyer [2](#page=2). * **Scenario d: Mr Flynn's delivery dispute** Mr Flynn's restaurant experienced financial loss because a fruit and vegetable supplier failed to make a delivery on the agreed date. This is a breach of contract between two private parties (Mr Flynn and the delivery company). Mr Flynn needs to pursue a civil claim to recover his lost money [2](#page=2). * **Scenario e: Mr Allen's alleged missing funds** The bank suspects that money is missing, and Mr Allen, the bank manager, has recently acquired expensive items. The police are investigating, indicating a potential criminal offense. Mr Allen needs immediate legal representation to address the criminal investigation [2](#page=2). > **Example:** > - **Criminal Matter:** Vandalizing public property [2](#page=2). > - **Civil Matter:** A landlord and tenant dispute over rent payments [2](#page=2). --- # Making a claim in the civil court This section details the procedural steps involved in initiating and progressing a civil claim within the court system, from the initial filing of a claim form to the final judgment and subsequent orders. ### 3.1 The initiation of a civil claim Starting a claim in the civil court, also referred to as 'filing a claim' or 'issuing a claim', is the formal process by which a party initiates legal action against another in pursuit of a resolution to a dispute. The term 'starting proceedings' is also used by legal professionals. It is crucial to note that the verb 'to prosecute' is exclusively used in criminal law and not in civil proceedings. In England, the majority of civil claims are filed in the County Court, of which there are over 200 across England and Wales [3](#page=3). #### 3.1.1 Key terminology * **Claimant:** The individual who commences legal action against another party. Previously, in England, this individual was known as the 'plaintiff' until rule changes in 1999 aimed at simplifying legal terminology. However, the term 'plaintiff' is still in use in the USA [3](#page=3). * **Defendant:** The party against whom a claim is made [3](#page=3). * **Claim form:** The official document used by a claimant to formally begin legal proceedings against a defendant [3](#page=3). * **Party:** Refers to either the claimant or the defendant involved in a court case [3](#page=3). #### 3.1.2 Reasons for making a claim A claimant may initiate a civil claim for various reasons, including: * Failure of another party to pay money owed [3](#page=3). * Substandard execution of work, known as bad workmanship [3](#page=3). * Non-supply of goods or services that were paid for [3](#page=3). * Malfunction of purchased items [3](#page=3). #### 3.1.3 Court fees and small claims To initiate proceedings, the claimant must pay a court fee. The claim form requires the claimant to specify the amount of the claim and to request reimbursement of all legal costs from the defendant. The term 'small claims court' typically refers to a special procedure within the County Court for claims valued at less than 5000 pounds sterling. This monetary threshold is subject to potential future increases [3](#page=3). > **Tip:** Understanding these core terms is fundamental to grasping the procedural aspects of civil litigation. The distinction between civil and criminal proceedings, particularly regarding the term 'prosecute', is a key point to remember [3](#page=3). ### 3.2 The procedural steps of a claim Following the initiation of a claim, a series of procedural steps are undertaken by both parties and the court. #### 3.2.1 Issuing, serving, and responding to a claim * **To issue a claim:** This signifies the formal commencement of a claim within the civil court. The claimant is responsible for issuing the claim. This process involves paying a fee to the court, the amount of which is contingent upon the value of the claim being made [4](#page=4). * **To serve a claim:** This involves officially sending the claim to the defendant's address and ensuring that they have received it. This can be executed by the court or by the claimant's solicitor [4](#page=4). * **To respond to a claim:** The defendant has a stipulated period, typically 14 days from receipt of the claim, to respond. A response can involve admitting the claim, meaning agreeing with its validity and fulfilling the claimant's monetary demands, or defending the claim [4](#page=4). > **Example:** If a defendant receives a claim form on Monday, 1st April, they generally have until Monday, 15th April, to respond. #### 3.2.2 Judgment and order If the defendant chooses to defend the claim, a judge will then hear the case in the County Court [4](#page=4). * **To hear a case:** This involves the judge listening to the details of the claim and the arguments presented by both the claimant and the defendant [4](#page=4). * **To give a judgment:** This is the official declaration of the outcome of the case, often accompanied by the judge's reasoning. The judge will find in favour of either the claimant or the defendant [4](#page=4). * **To find in favour of someone:** This means the judge has decided that this party has won the case [4](#page=4). * **To make an order:** This is the formal statement outlining what a party is required to do, specifying the manner and timeframe for compliance. Parties are legally bound to adhere to the terms of the judge's order and any associated instructions, including deadlines [4](#page=4). #### 3.2.3 Enforcement of orders If an order mandates that the defendant must pay money to the claimant, and the defendant fails to do so, the claimant can engage the services of a bailiff to collect the owed sum [4](#page=4). * **A bailiff:** This is an individual empowered to legally seize a person's property when that person fails to pay outstanding debts [4](#page=4). > **Tip:** The process moves sequentially from issuing a claim, to serving it, to the defendant responding. If the claim is defended, it proceeds to a hearing, judgment, and then potentially an order and enforcement if necessary [4](#page=4). --- # Areas of law and their specializations This section introduces various specialized areas of law, outlining their core principles and the roles of legal professionals within them. ### 4.1 The law of tort The law of tort governs civil responsibility, addressing situations where one person's actions cause harm to another. It is a branch of civil law [5](#page=5). * **Duty of care:** A fundamental concept in tort law is the civil duty that every person has to be careful and avoid causing harm or injury to others. This is referred to as the 'duty of care' [5](#page=5). * **Breach of duty:** A breach of the duty of care occurs when this duty is broken, either accidentally or intentionally [5](#page=5). * **Tort:** A harmful action resulting from a breach of the duty of care is called a tort. Some actions that might be criminal in other legal systems are classified as torts in England and the USA [5](#page=5). > **Tip:** Think of a tort as a type of civil wrong. * **Examples of tortious actions:** * Leaving a shop floor in a dangerous condition, leading to a customer's injury [5](#page=5). * Making untrue, negative statements about someone [5](#page=5). * Writing untrue, negative stories in the media about someone [5](#page=5). * Causing disturbances to neighbors through excessive noise late at night [5](#page=5). * **Negligence:** The most common tort is negligence. This occurs when a person's carelessness causes harm to another [5](#page=5). * **Injured person:** The individual who suffers harm is known as the injured person [5](#page=5). * **Lawyers in tort law:** Lawyers specializing in tort law assist injured individuals in seeking compensation from the careless party [5](#page=5). * **Damages:** The monetary compensation awarded to an injured person is called 'damages' [5](#page=5). * **Suing:** If parties cannot agree on the amount of damages, the injured person may initiate legal proceedings by 'suing' the defendant. Suing is an informal term for starting civil court proceedings [5](#page=5). * **Claim form:** The claim form outlines the claimant's 'allegations' (accusations) against the defendant. The defendant has the opportunity to dispute these allegations [5](#page=5). * **Grounds:** The legal reasons for initiating a lawsuit are called 'grounds'. In tort law, the grounds are that the defendant committed a tort [5](#page=5). * **No win no fee:** Some tort lawyers offer 'no win no fee' arrangements, where the client does not pay legal fees if they lose the case. This is permissible in the UK and USA [5](#page=5). ### 4.2 Contract law Contract law deals with legal agreements between individuals or companies. Lawyers in this field ensure that every word in an agreement is carefully checked [7](#page=7). * **Examples of contract work:** * Creating legal agreements for delivering goods between countries [7](#page=7). * Drafting contracts for clients to read and sign [8](#page=8). * Ensuring contracts are legally valid [8](#page=8). ### 4.3 Company law Company law focuses on businesses, including their formation, operations, and relationships with third parties [7](#page=7). * **Mergers:** A significant aspect of company law involves advising on 'mergers', where two companies combine to form a single entity [7](#page=7) [8](#page=8). * **Formation of a business:** Lawyers advise on the various ways a new business can be established [7](#page=7) [8](#page=8). * **Partnership:** A business owned and controlled by at least two people is a partnership [9](#page=9). ### 4.4 Employment law Employment law addresses the relationship between employers and employees, covering issues such as hiring, firing, and workplace conditions [7](#page=7). * **Employee rights:** Lawyers in this field protect employees who face unfair treatment, such as dismissal due to pregnancy [7](#page=7). * **Unfair dismissal:** This occurs when an employee loses their job for a reason that is not legally valid [10](#page=10) [9](#page=9). * **Discrimination:** It is illegal for employers to 'discriminate' against employees based on age, sex, or race [10](#page=10) [9](#page=9). * **Redundancy:** This is a situation where an employee loses their job because the employer no longer requires as many employees [10](#page=10) [9](#page=9). * **Maternity leave:** This is the period when a woman is not at work before and after the birth of her baby, often with some pay from the employer [10](#page=10) [9](#page=9). * **Sick pay:** This is the payment an employer makes to an employee who is ill and unable to work [10](#page=10) [9](#page=9). ### 4.5 Land law Land law pertains to property rights, including the buying, selling, and leasing of real estate [7](#page=7). * **Conveyancing:** This is the legal process of transferring ownership of property from a seller to a buyer [8](#page=8) [9](#page=9). * **Lease of land and buildings:** This is an agreement allowing someone to use land or buildings for a fixed period in exchange for rent [9](#page=9). * **Tenant:** A tenant is a person who pays rent to use a property [8](#page=8) [9](#page=9). * **Landlord:** A landlord is the owner of property who receives rent from a tenant [10](#page=10) [9](#page=9). * **Real estate:** This is a formal term for land and buildings [10](#page=10) [9](#page=9). ### 4.6 Family law Family law deals with personal relationships and domestic matters, often involving sensitive issues like divorce and child custody [7](#page=7). * **Divorce:** The legal ending of a marriage [7](#page=7). * **Child custody:** Disputes over the care of children [7](#page=7). * **Financial settlements:** Arguments concerning money in divorce proceedings [7](#page=7). ### 4.7 Intellectual property law Intellectual property (IP) law protects the rights of creators over their original works, preventing unauthorized use and commercialization [7](#page=7). * **Protection of rights:** Lawyers in this field safeguard the rights of writers, musicians, and other creators [7](#page=7). * **Preventing infringement:** They ensure that others cannot copy creative works and profit from them without permission [7](#page=7). * **Examples of protected works:** Inventions, medicines, machines, books, and music [8](#page=8). ### 4.8 Immigration law Immigration law assists individuals from other countries who wish to reside in a new country, helping them navigate governmental permissions [7](#page=7). * **Obtaining permission:** Lawyers help clients obtain government authorization to live in a country [7](#page=7). * **Cross-border issues:** It deals with clients from other countries seeking to live in a new location [7](#page=7). ### 4.9 The law of equity and trusts The law of equity and trusts deals with situations involving beneficiaries, trustees, and the management of funds for specific purposes [7](#page=7). * **Special funds:** Lawyers advise on establishing funds where money is held by trustees to benefit others [7](#page=7). * **Long-term financial planning:** It can involve arrangements for individuals with no immediate family to support charitable or educational causes after their death [7](#page=7). * **Trustees:** Individuals responsible for managing funds for beneficiaries [7](#page=7). * **Beneficiaries:** Individuals or entities who receive benefit from a trust [7](#page=7). --- # Legal vocabulary and practice exercises Legal vocabulary and practice exercises form a crucial part of foundational legal English, ensuring a solid understanding of essential terms and procedural applications. This section aims to consolidate knowledge gained in Unit 1A through targeted vocabulary review, practical exercises, and a realistic scenario demonstrating legal procedures. ## 5. Legal vocabulary and practice exercises ### 5.1 Unit 1A vocabulary checklist The Unit 1A vocabulary checklist comprises a comprehensive list of terms fundamental to understanding legal concepts and practice. Mastering these terms is essential before proceeding to further units. Key terms cover various areas of law, including contract, tort, and property, as well as the roles and functions of legal professionals and entities [11](#page=11). **Key vocabulary categories and examples:** * **Areas of Law:** * Land law [11](#page=11). * The law of contract [11](#page=11). * The law of equity and trusts [11](#page=11). * The law of tort [11](#page=11). * Company law [11](#page=11). * Conveyancing [11](#page=11). * Criminal law [11](#page=11). * Employment law [11](#page=11). * Family law [11](#page=11). * Immigration law [11](#page=11). * Intellectual property law [11](#page=11). * **Legal Professionals and Entities:** * Law firm [11](#page=11). * Lawyer [11](#page=11). * Barrister [11](#page=11). * Solicitor [11](#page=11). * Attorney [11](#page=11). * Client [11](#page=11). * Partnership [11](#page=11). * Company [11](#page=11). * **Legal Actions and Concepts:** * Act for [11](#page=11). * Appear [11](#page=11). * Litigation [11](#page=11). * Breach [11](#page=11). * Negligence [11](#page=11). * Obligation [11](#page=11). * Owe [11](#page=11). * Plead a case [11](#page=11). * Procedure [11](#page=11). * Proceedings [11](#page=11). * Discriminate [11](#page=11). * Dispute [11](#page=11). * Redundancy [11](#page=11). * Divorce [11](#page=11). * Represent [11](#page=11). * Respond [11](#page=11). * Duty of care [11](#page=11). * To have a right [11](#page=11). * Right of audience [11](#page=11). * Serve [11](#page=11). * Sue [11](#page=11). * Harm [11](#page=11). * Tort [11](#page=11). * Unfair dismissal [11](#page=11). * Claimant [11](#page=11). * Allegation [11](#page=11). * Debt [11](#page=11). * Damages [11](#page=11). * To have ownership [11](#page=11). * **Legal Documents and Processes:** * Lease [11](#page=11). * Legal costs [11](#page=11). * Draft [11](#page=11). * Judgment [11](#page=11). * Valid [11](#page=11). * Will [11](#page=11). * Formation of a business [11](#page=11). * **Other Relevant Terms:** * Landlord [11](#page=11). * Tenant [11](#page=11). * Bailiff [11](#page=11). * Maternity leave [11](#page=11). * Sick pay [11](#page=11). * Goods [11](#page=11). * Insolvent [11](#page=11). * No win no fee [11](#page=11). * Capital [11](#page=11). * Carelessness [11](#page=11). * Case [11](#page=11). * Civil law [11](#page=11). * Deal with [11](#page=11). * Defendant [11](#page=11). * Dispute [11](#page=11). * Grounds [11](#page=11). * Hear [11](#page=11). * Issue [11](#page=11). * Matter [11](#page=11). * Merge [11](#page=11). * Party [11](#page=11). * Plaintiff [11](#page=11). * To be qualified [11](#page=11). * Real estate [11](#page=11). * Specialise [11](#page=11). * Training contract [11](#page=11). * To be based somewhere [11](#page=11). ### 5.2 Foundation level practice exercises The practice exercises are designed to reinforce understanding of the vocabulary and concepts introduced in Unit 1A. They involve identifying errors in sentences and assessing the truthfulness of statements based on a given text, followed by a practical application through a conversational scenario. #### 5.2.1 Exercise 1: Identifying incorrect words This exercise requires participants to identify a single incorrect word or an unnecessary word in a given sentence. This tests the precise usage and understanding of legal terminology and grammatical structures within legal contexts. **Examples of potential errors to look for:** * Incorrect verb tense or form [12](#page=12). * Wrong preposition usage. * Unnecessary words that alter the meaning. * Incorrect noun-verb agreement. * Misapplication of legal terms. #### 5.2.2 Exercise 2: True or false based on an article This exercise involves reading a short article about a legal professional and then determining the accuracy of given statements. It assesses comprehension of factual information presented in a legal context and the ability to distinguish between true and false claims. **Key takeaways from the article's content:** * **Specialisation:** Sanjay Pritam is a partner in a law firm specialising in maritime law [12](#page=12). * **Motivation:** His interest in maritime law stems from his family history and practical experience working on a ship [12](#page=12). * **International Influence:** English law significantly influences international maritime law, leading to international inquiries [12](#page=12). * **Case Categorisation:** Maritime cases are informally divided into 'dry' (contractual issues) and 'wet' (accidents at sea) cases [12](#page=12). * **Dispute Resolution:** Many of Sanjay's cases result in litigation because the parties cannot negotiate a solution [12](#page=12). **Example of a statement to evaluate:** "Sanjay's father is also a lawyer." This requires the reader to recall if the article mentioned Sanjay's father's profession beyond owning a ship and working on it [12](#page=12). #### 5.2.3 Exercise 3: Ordering a mixed-up conversation This exercise presents a conversation between a lawyer and a client that is out of order. Participants must arrange the dialogue logically to reflect a typical client-lawyer interaction concerning issuing a legal claim. This demonstrates the practical application of legal procedures and communication. **Key procedural steps demonstrated in the conversation:** 1. **Initial Consultation:** The lawyer greets the client and confirms the client's intention to issue a claim [13](#page=13). 2. **Client's Problem Description:** The client explains their situation, including the nature of their business, a contract, and a customer's overdue payment [13](#page=13). 3. **Confirmation of Action:** The client agrees that issuing a claim is the necessary course of action [13](#page=13). 4. **Information Gathering:** The lawyer requests necessary details to complete the claim form, such as the defendant's name and address, contract details, and the amount owed [13](#page=13). 5. **Procedural Explanation:** The lawyer outlines the initial steps, including completing and filing a claim form at the County Court [13](#page=13). 6. **Court Fees:** The client inquires about court fees, and the lawyer explains that the defendant will usually be ordered to repay them if the client wins [13](#page=13). 7. **Service of Claim:** The lawyer explains that the court will serve the claim form upon the defendant [13](#page=13). 8. **Defendant's Response:** The lawyer clarifies the timeframe for the defendant to respond and the desired outcome of payment upon receipt of the claim [13](#page=13). > **Tip:** Pay close attention to the sequence of events in legal proceedings. Understanding the order in which actions are taken is crucial for both procedural accuracy and clear communication. > **Example:** The conversation shows that before a claim form is served, it must first be completed and filed with the court. This highlights the sequential nature of legal actions [13](#page=13). --- ## Common mistakes to avoid - Review all topics thoroughly before exams - Pay attention to formulas and key definitions - Practice with examples provided in each section - Don't memorize without understanding the underlying concepts

| Term | Definition | |------|------------| | Solicitor | A lawyer who gives legal advice to individuals and companies, having passed exams from The Law Society of England & Wales. They often work for a legal practice and represent clients both in and out of court. | | Attorney | A lawyer in the USA and most other countries who gives legal advice to individuals and companies. They are typically members of the American Bar Association. | | Barrister | A lawyer who gives legal advice and opinions to solicitors, having passed exams from The Bar Council. They are specialists in advocacy and pleading cases in court, although solicitors can also appear in court. | | Lawyer | A general job title for people who work in the legal profession, including solicitors, barristers, and attorneys. | | Practise | To work as a lawyer or in a legal profession. | | Judge | A legal professional who presides over court proceedings. To become a judge, one typically needs extensive experience as a lawyer and must apply for the position. | | Qualified | Having successfully completed the necessary education and training to practice law. | | Legal practice | A business or firm where lawyers work together, often a partnership of solicitors. | | Litigation | The process of making a claim or bringing a lawsuit in a civil court. | | Advocacy | The skill of speaking for someone in court, often referred to as pleading a case. | | Right of audience | The legal permission to represent clients and speak on their behalf in court. | | Appear | To be present or to represent someone in court. | | Training contract | A period of practical legal training that aspiring solicitors undertake after university. | | Partnership | A form of business organization where two or more individuals share ownership and control, common among solicitors and sometimes barristers. | | Clients | Individuals or companies who seek and receive legal advice and representation from lawyers. | | Specialise | To focus on and become an expert in a particular area of law. | | Acting for | Representing a client's interests, especially in a legal context. | | Represent | To act on behalf of someone, particularly in legal matters or court proceedings. | | Criminal law | The branch of law that deals with acts considered harmful to the entire community and are prosecuted by the state. | | Civil law | The branch of law concerning the rights and duties of private individuals and companies, excluding criminal matters. | | Matter | A subject or situation that is being considered or dealt with, such as a criminal or civil matter. | | Will | A legal document outlining a person's wishes for the distribution of their property after death. | | To steal | To take someone else's property with the intention of permanently keeping it. | | To be in dispute | To have a serious disagreement with another person. | | Legal costs | The expenses incurred in a court case, including court fees and lawyers' payments. | | A party to a court case | Either the claimant or the defendant in a legal action. | | A procedure | A specific, decided way of doing something. | | To owe money to someone | To have an obligation to pay someone for goods or services received. | | To prosecute | To initiate legal action against someone in a criminal court. | | To issue a claim | To formally start a legal claim in a civil court. | | To pay a fee | To submit a required sum of money to an authority, such as a court, for a service. | | To serve a claim upon someone | To officially deliver the claim documents to the defendant, ensuring they receive it. | | To respond to a claim | To provide a reply or defense to a legal claim that has been made. | | To hear a case | For a judge to listen to the details of a legal claim and the arguments presented by both sides. | | To find in favour of someone | For a judge to decide that a particular party has won the case. | | To give a judgment | For a judge to officially announce the decision and reasoning in a court case. | | To make an order | For a judge to issue a formal directive specifying what a party must do, and when. | | Bailiff | A person authorized to legally seize a person's property to recover money owed. | | Law of tort | An area of civil law concerning civil responsibility and civil wrongs. | | Duty of care | The legal obligation to act with reasonable care and avoid causing harm to others. | | Allegations | Statements made in a claim form that accuse the defendant of wrongdoing. | | Carelessness | A lack of sufficient attention or caution, which can lead to harm. | | Committed | To have carried out or performed a wrongful act. | | Negligence | A tort that occurs when someone's carelessness causes harm to another person. | | Tort | A civil wrong that causes harm or loss to another person, for which legal action can be taken. | | Damages | Money awarded as compensation to an injured party in a civil lawsuit. | | To sue | To initiate legal proceedings against someone in a civil court. | | No win no fee | An arrangement where a client does not pay legal fees if they lose their case. | | Breach | To break or fail to fulfill a duty or obligation. | | Grounds | The reasons or justifications for initiating legal action. | | To draft a document | To write a legal document, such as a contract or claim form. | | Valid | Legally correct and acceptable. | | Capital | The total amount of money, property, and other assets a business possesses. | | Merger | The joining together of two or more companies to form a single new entity. | | Formation of a business | The legal process involved in establishing a new business. | | Partnership | A business owned and controlled by at least two people. | | Tenant | A person who pays rent to use a property, such as a house, flat, or office. | | Conveyancing | The legal process of transferring ownership of property, such as a house or land, from seller to buyer. | | Real estate | A more formal term for land and buildings. | | Insolvent | Unable to pay one's debts; having insufficient funds. | | Landlord | A person who owns property and receives rent from someone for its use. | | Lease of land and buildings | An agreement granting the right to use land or buildings for a fixed period in exchange for rent. | | To discriminate | To treat someone differently, usually negatively, based on characteristics like age, sex, or race. | | Unfair dismissal | A situation where an employee loses their job for a reason that is not legally valid. | | Redundancy | A situation where an employee loses their job because the employer no longer needs that role or fewer employees are required. | | Maternity leave | The period of absence from work for a woman before and after giving birth. | | Sick pay | Money an employer pays an employee who is unable to work due to illness. | | Civil wrong | An act that causes harm or loss to another person, for which they can seek redress in a civil court. | | To issue | To formally provide or distribute something, such as a claim form or a legal notice. | | Dispute | A serious disagreement between parties. | | To act for | To represent a client legally. | | Legal | Permitted by law. | | Matter | A subject or situation that needs to be addressed. | | To have ownership | To legally possess something; it belongs to you. | | To have a right | To possess a legal entitlement or interest in something. | | Grounds | The reasons or justification for taking legal action. | | To hear | To officially listen to evidence and arguments in a legal case. | | To plead a case | To present arguments and defense for a client in court. | | Proceedings | The formal process of taking legal action in court. | | To be qualified | To have met the necessary requirements to practice a profession. | | To represent | To act or speak on behalf of someone else. | | To serve | To formally deliver legal documents to a party involved in a lawsuit. | | To specialise | To concentrate efforts and expertise in a particular field. | | To sue | To take legal action against someone in court. | | Tenant | A person who rents property from a landlord. | | Tort | A civil wrong that causes harm or loss to another person. | | Training contract | A period of supervised work experience required to qualify as a solicitor. | | Unfair dismissal | Termination of employment for reasons not permitted by law. | | Valid | Legally sound and acceptable. | | Judgment | The official decision of a court or judge on a case. | | Will | A legal document directing the disposition of a person's property after death. | | Lawyer | A professional who is qualified to give legal advice and represent clients. | | Claim form | The document used to initiate a legal claim in civil court. | | Claimant | The person who starts a legal claim in the UK. | | Practise | To work as a professional in a particular field, such as law. | | Debt | Money that is owed to someone else. | | Case | A matter brought before a court for legal determination. | | To owe | To be obliged to pay or repay money. | | Defendant | The party against whom a claim or charge is brought. | | Divorce | The legal termination of a marriage. | | To draft | To write a preliminary version of a document. | | Duty of care | The legal obligation to exercise a reasonable standard of care to avoid harming others. | | Employment law | The body of law governing the rights and obligations of employers and employees. | | Family law | The area of law dealing with matters such as divorce, child custody, and adoption. | | Formation of a business | The legal process of establishing a new company or enterprise. | | Goods | Products or merchandise that are bought and sold. | | Harm | Physical or mental injury or damage. | | Immigration law | The body of law governing the entry, stay, and departure of foreign nationals in a country. | | Intellectual property law | The area of law protecting creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary works, and designs. | | Insolvency | The state of being unable to pay one's debts. | | Issue | To formally provide or send out something, such as legal documents. | | Land law | The area of law relating to land and property ownership. | | Landlord | The owner of a property who rents it out to others. | | Lease | A contract granting the use of property for a specified period in return for rent. | | Legal costs | Expenses incurred in legal proceedings, such as court fees and lawyer fees. | | Legal practice | A firm or office where lawyers provide legal services. | | Litigation | The process of taking legal action in court. | | Merger | The combination of two or more companies into one. | | Maternity leave | A period of absence from work for a woman before and after childbirth. | | Matter | A subject or issue under consideration. | | Negligence | Failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances. | | No win no fee | A fee arrangement where a lawyer is only paid if their client wins the case. | | Obligation | A duty or commitment to do something. | | Partnership | A business owned and run by two or more people. | | Plaintiff | The party who initiates a lawsuit in some jurisdictions (equivalent to claimant in the UK). | | Pleading a case | The act of presenting arguments and evidence in court on behalf of a client. | | Procedure | A set of established steps to be followed in a particular process. | | Proceedings | Legal actions or processes conducted in court. | | Real estate | Land and any permanent structures attached to it. | | Redundancy | The state of being no longer needed, often leading to job loss. | | Respond | To reply or react to something, such as a legal claim. | | Right of audience | The entitlement to speak and represent clients in court. | | Serve | To formally deliver legal documents to the intended recipient. | | Sick pay | Payment made by an employer to an employee during periods of illness. | | Solicitor | A lawyer who provides legal advice and representation, particularly in out-of-court matters. | | Sue | To take legal action against someone in civil court. | | Tenant | A person who occupies land or property rented from a landlord. | | Tort | A civil wrong causing harm or loss, not arising from a contract. | | Unfair dismissal | Termination of employment without a valid legal reason. |