Лекторка докладно проаналізувала разом з учасниками комунікаційні стратегії для українських юристів, а саме:
- 1. General Introduction – вступ і загальний огляд.
- 2. Key Elements of Professional Communication – ключові елементи професійної комунікації.
- 3. Differences in legal systems and terminology – відмінності в правових системах і термінології.
- 4. Practical Tips for Effective Communication – практичні поради для ефективного спілкування.
У рамках характеристики комунікаційних стратегій акцентовано на наступному:
1. General Introduction – вступізагальнийогляд
In this webinar, we will explore effective communication strategies tailored for Ukrainian lawyers, focusing on legal drafting, courtroom advocacy, negotiation techniques, and cross-border legal communication.
Special attention will be given to clarity in legal writing, persuasive argumentation, and the differences between formal legal English and legalese, ensuring that participants can confidently engage in both domestic and international legal practice.
Professional communication in legal strategies refer to the formal and structured exchange of information within the legal field.
- Clarity and Precision: Legal communication must be clear and precise to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that all parties have a correct understanding of the issues at hand.
- Formality: Legal communication typically adheres to a formal tone and structure, especially in written documents like contracts, pleadings, and legal briefs.
- Confidentiality: Legal professionals must maintain confidentiality regarding client information and sensitive legal matters.
- Ethics and Professionalism: Communication must align with ethical standards and professional conduct, ensuring respect and integrity in all interactions.
2. Key Elements of Professional Communication – ключовіелементи професійної комунікації
- 1) Clarity and precision in language;
- 2) Understanding legal terminology and context;
- 3) Cultural awareness and sensitivity;
- 4) Maintaining professional etiquette.
- Clarity and precision in language:
The Pig War: A Lesson in Legal Clarity and Peaceful Resolution:
The Pig War (1859) was a territorial dispute between the United States and Britain over the San Juan Islands, triggered by the shooting of a Britishowned pig by an American settler.
Due to ambiguous treaty language in the Oregon Treaty (1846), both nations claimed sovereignty over the islands, escalating tensions to the point where military forces were deployed.
The peaceful resolution – ultimately achieved through diplomatic negotiations and arbitration – highlights the crucial role of clear legal drafting and judicial communication in preventing conflicts and ensuring peaceful dispute resolution.
“Brandeis Brief”in Muller v. Oregon (1908): Attorney Louis Brandeis, representing the state of Oregon, submitted a brief that departed from traditional legal arguments by incorporating extensive sociological and scientific data to demonstrate the adverse effects of long working hours on women’s health and welfare. This innovative approach provided empirical evidence supporting the state’s position and was instrumental in persuading the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the law limiting women’s working hours.
- Understanding legal terminology and context:
Legalese – a style or form of language used in legal documents and communications that is characterized by technical terminology, complex sentence structures, and the use of Latin phrases.
Юридична мова – стиль або форма мовлення, що використовується в юридичних документах та комунікаціях і характеризується технічною термінологією, складними синтаксичними структурами та використанням латинських фраз.
Legalese is the dense, technical, and often convoluted language used in legal writing, where precision is paramount but clarity is often sacrificed.
The great British barrister F. E. Smith once reviewed a legal document and muttered to himself: “This argument is flawless… therefore, I must be missing something.“ Thus demonstrating the legal instinct to doubt one’s own conclusions, even when they seem perfect.
Advocatus diaboli: Завзятий обвинувач; також у католицизмі під час процесу канонізації святого «адвокатом диявола» називали відповідача, який збирав докази проти канонізації.
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity:
Legalese does not typically use informal internet abbreviations like “IDK” (I don’t know) or “LOL” (laugh out loud).
However, in legal writing and professional communication, there are many commonly used legal abbreviations and acronyms that serve as legalese shorthand.
Acronyms are constituted by the initial letters of a given phrase and are generally articulated as a singular lexical item (for example, NASA), whereas initialisms are articulated by pronouncing each individual letter sequentially (as exemplified by FBI).
Different cultures have unique approaches to using abbreviations in communication, often influenced by language, technology, and social norms.
Below are several examples illustrating this phenomenon:
- LTD – An acronym denoting “Limited,” commonly utilized in Anglophone jurisdictions to signify a company structure that limits the liability of its shareholders. This designation is prevalent in countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada.
- LLC – Signifying “Limited Liability Company,” this acronym is widely recognized in the United States and other jurisdictions, indicating a business structure that combines the attributes of a corporation with those of a partnership, thereby providing liability protection to its owners.
- MOU – The term “Memorandum of Understanding” serves as an acronym referencing a formal agreement between parties, outlining the terms and details of a mutual understanding. It is utilized in various cultural contexts to signify preliminary agreements that may not yet be legally binding.
- NDA – Representing “Non-Disclosure Agreement,” this acronym is employed globally to denote a legally binding contract that ensures confidentiality between parties regarding sensitive information. NDAs are prevalent in business negotiations and intellectual property discussions across cultures.
- Maintaining professional etiquette:
The Role of Professional Etiquette in Legal Communication:
Professional etiquette is essential in legal communication as:
- 1) it ensures clarity, credibility, and respect, which are crucial for maintaining professional relationships and upholding the integrity of legal proceedings.
- 2) It governs how lawyers interact with clients, judges, opposing counsel, and colleagues, influencing the persuasiveness of arguments, negotiation outcomes, and courtroom decorum.
3. Differences in legal systems and terminology – відмінність в правових системах і термінології
Meaning of “KUDOS”: Its Use in Legalese
“Kudos” is a Greek-derived English word meaning praise, recognition, or credit for an achievement.
Where “Kudos” Might Be Used in Legal Circles:
- Professional Acknowledgment: “Kudos to the research team for their thorough case analysis.”
- Legal Journalism or Academic Writing: “The court gave kudos to the legislature for drafting a clear statute.”
- Internal Law Firm Communication: “Kudos to the associates for successfully handling the arbitration.”
Where “Kudos” Would Not Be Used in Legalese:
- Formal Legal Writing (Contracts, Statutes, Court Judgments) Instead of “kudos,” legal writing would use phrases like: “Recognized for their contribution…” “Commended for their legal argument…”.
- Legal Pleadings and Court Filings Courts require precise, neutral language; informal expressions like “kudos” would be inappropriate.
Alternative Formal Legal Phrases for “Kudos”:
- 1) «Duly recognized for their contribution to…»;
- 2) «Acknowledged for their exemplary legal work on…»;
- 3) «Commended by the court for their persuasive argument…».
4. Practical Tips for Effective Communication – практичні поради для ефективного спілкування
- Use plain and concise language;
- Verify understanding with summaries or confirmations;
- Adapt to cultural and linguistic nuances;
- Employ technology tools for efficient communication.
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