The Edge of Excellence: Legal English At LEWB

Lawyers are among the top ten most in-demand professions in South Africa in 2023 and have been for quite some time. This comes as no surprise given the country's dynamics and the rising crime phenomena. What is surprising, however, is that the average South African lawyer isn’t proficient enough in English even though the language is the primary form of instruction in the nation's institutions and colleges. In truth, legal English is extensively practised in higher education, but it tends to dissipate mysteriously when lawyers begin practising.

Admittedly, South Africans can relate to what I am saying. Simply attending or watching court proceedings on television will reveal the many “ehs”, “uhms”, and long pauses of not knowing how to express oneself in English. Why, therefore, are qualified, practising lawyers unable to express themselves professionally in English while having completed their education in English? Language is unquestionably an essential component of any criminal justice system. And although English is the sole language of record recognised in South African courts, it is a fact that many lawyers are not fluent in it. 

As far as I can tell, seamless communication is essential in legal practise – without it, business can be lost. Moreover, oral and written communication, precision, grammar, and terminological skills are prerequisites for success in the legal field. Therefore, there is no doubt that English is now the most widespread language in a globalised legal world. Also, a quick side note: English proficiency is often a prerequisite for legal professionals looking to practise abroad. There is no getting around this. 

I’ll admit, legal English vocabulary can appear rather daunting, even for expert English intellectuals like myself. This is because the definitions are typically quite specialised, which might be overwhelming if you haven't been trained on their specific legal meaning. But, fear not! You can master how to pronounce and understand legal terms used by South African lawyers with our one-on-one in-person or online legal English classes. This gives you the edge over many other lawyers. Join Learn English with Bathabile today to safeguard your future!