TOLES Foundation Certificate in Legal English Skills Why Attend Legal English is a different language from general English. Just as lawyers in any particular country write in a different language from other people in that country, so do English lawyers. Sentences are often structured differently in legal English. The words lawyers use are often centuries old and no longer commonly used in general English. New prepositions must be learned and practiced. When reading a commercial contract or a letter, there is new technical vocabulary to understand on every page. This course is designed to look at authentic rather than artificial legal context. For this reason, there is a strong focus upon practical and authentic tasks, and upon candidates having a good grasp of terminology from the outset. The course takes account of significant language reforms in the English legal system and the legal profession's continued movement towards clearer use of English as recommended on Legal Practice courses at all major UK universities and legal training centers. The Test of English Legal English Skills (TOLES) governing body is a member of the International Division of the Law Society of England and Wales. Multi-national companies such as Allen & Overy LLP, Baker and McKenzie, PWC, KPMG, Sony Ericsson, European Court of Justice, European Central Bank and many more use TOLES training and exams to prepare their law professionals whose first language is not English for the international legal challenges. On the final day of the course, participants will take their TOLES Exam to earn the TOLES Foundation Certificate in Legal English Skills. Course Methodology The course consists of group discussions as well as individual and team tasks. There will be writing exercises and practice exams at the end of each day, culminating in sitting the TOLES Foundation Exam on the final day of the course. Course Objectives By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Apply correct legal vocabulary when communicating with clients/law professionals and will be familiar with modern legal writing style Recognize common mistakes in English and will be able to identify accurate prepositions and collocations within a legal context, particularly within the context of written contracts Differentiate between the English legal system and the American legal system Recognize improvements in their reading and comprehension skills of legal documents and demonstrate accurate written solutions within a legal context Target Audience This course is useful for law and legal professionals, translators, contract assistants and managers who already possess good general English and are now acquiring legal vocabulary, as well as those who are required to obtain a TOLES certification by their organization. Target Competencies Legal vocabulary and grammar Legal communication Legal comprehension skills Formal written contracts Note The Test of English Legal English Skills (TOLES) governing body is a member of the International Division of the Law Society of England and Wales. Multi-national companies such as Allen & Overy LLP, Baker and McKenzie, PWC, KPMG, Sony Ericsson, European Court of Justice, European Central Bank and many more use TOLES training and exams to prepare their law professionals whose first language is not English for the international legal challenges. The TOLES Foundation level exam tests Legal reading and writing. The focus of the exam is on testing the absolute linguistic accuracy required of lawyers in a modern international office. This means accuracy in two main areas: technical legal vocabulary, and grammar. Vocabulary from commercial deals, company documents, commercial contracts, intellectual property agreements, financial documents and forms of business are tested, as well as legal terminology from other areas. Upon passing the exam, participants will receive the TOLES Foundation Certificate. The Legal Profession Working in law Making a claim in civil court Areas of law Vocabulary check TOLES Foundation Exam practice The Language of Banking A new bank account Working in a bank Loans Vocabulary check TOLES Foundation Exam practice The Language of Contract Law A contract case More about precedent The elements of a contract The end of an offer What is consideration Contract and statute Going to court Vocabulary check TOLES Foundation Exam practice The Language of Employment Law Being an employer An employment contract How can an employment contract end? Acting for an employee Acting for an employer An employment case Vocabulary check TOLES Foundation Exam practice The Language of Tort Law What is the Law of Tort? Types of Tort The duty of care More about negligence A famous case in English law Vocabulary check TOLES Foundation Exam practice Understanding Contracts - Part 1 The style of written contract Understanding formal expressions Understanding technical words Understanding archaic terms Understanding some common words The structure of a contract Vocabulary check TOLES Foundation Exam practice The Language of Business Law Sole traders Partnerships A partnership agreement Limited liability partnerships Companies Public and private limited companies Incorporating a company Vocabulary check TOLES Foundation Exam practice Modern Letter Writing The layout of a letter Dates Complimentary close References Subject lines The body of a letter Putting a letter together The register of letter writing The content of a letter Typical sentences in legal letters Letter writing clinic Correcting common mistakes in letter writing TOLES Foundation Exam practice The Language of Company Law Who runs a company Areas of company law Directors Company meetings Company finance - a case study Closing a company Insolvent companies Vocabulary check TOLES Foundation Exam practice Understanding Contracts - Part 2 Some typical contract clauses Some important commercial vocabulary Termination clauses Intellectual property clauses Warranty, indemnity and force majeure clauses Vocabulary check TOLES Foundation Exam
Arabic Legal Writing and Drafting Skills Why Attend This course focuses on clear legal writing in Arabic. Effective communication with lawyers is about more than simply words. It entails understanding the unique way lawyers think and approach the legal, political, and business world. During this Arabic course, a number of legal documents are discussed, including drafting contracts, letters, policies and company bylaws. Participants also look at a wide variety of commercial agreements during practical drafting sessions. This course helps participants to draft confidently and effectively in Arabic regardless of the governing law. Course Methodology The course consists of group discussions as well as individual and team tasks. There will be writing practice throughout the exercises. Course Objectives By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Apply a plain Arabic style of writing to all legal documents Recognize the need for legal clarity in different types of legal documents: legal letters, emails, memorandum and opinions Apply good legal writing practice Use best practice techniques to write contracts, letters, policies and company bylaws Correct common mistakes in legal writing Address and deal with challenges and issues relating to the use of legal jargon Proofread effectively Target Audience The course is suitable for Arabic speakers looking for a better understanding of how to write Arabic legal documents. This course is for lawyers, legal secretaries, commercial managers, contract managers, HR executives and managers, purchasing managers, tender executives and anyone who must draft, amend or update contracts, legal letters and company policies and bylaws. Target Competencies Drafting letters, policies, company bylaws and contracts Proofreading Writing in plain Arabic Understanding legal terms Legal writing practice Note The Dubai Government Legal Affairs Department has introduced a Continuing Legal Professional Development (CLPD) programme to legal consultants authorised to practice through a licensed firm in the Emirate of Dubai. We are proud to announce that the Dubai Government Legal Affairs Department has accredited EMG Associates as a CLPD provider. In addition, all our legal programmes have been approved. Basic legal writing concepts and contract drafting The various types of legal documents Tips in writing bilingual legal documents Signs of a well drafted contract; the simple rules! The language of drafting Identifying the legal formalities for a binding contract Structure and formation of a commercial contract: following the formula The importance of Boilerplate clauses Plain Arabic in legal correspondence and writing a legal letter Good legal writing practice Pitfalls and issues relating to the use of legal jargon in legal writing Writing different types of emails Layout of a letter Body of a letter Putting a letter together Typical sentences in legal letters The letter writing clinic: looking at the ten most common problems Writing a legal policy or company bylaw and legal writing troubleshooting Layout of a policy or bylaw Body of a policy or bylaw How to write the best policy or bylaw Understanding the principles of legal interpretation The four defects that affect legal writing Use of consistent terminology Easily confused words How courts react to legal writing and what to expect
In January 2024 alone, reports were published about the SRA taking enforcement action against 3 firms and 4 individuals for failure to comply with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. The fines issued for these non-compliances total over £570,000 plus costs. The absence of staff training, or requirement to complete additional training, was noted in a number of these cases. Action has not only been taken against solicitors, but also other individuals who are not regulated by the SRA, whose breaches were so serious that the SRA felt compelled to take action. As all SRA enforcement action, from rebukes to fines, is published by the SRA, the potential financial and reputational impact upon firms may be felt by all staff, regardless of whether they had any direct involvement with the non-compliance. This course will cover the following to assist support staff in understanding the fundamental aspects of AML. The basics of what AML is In scope / not in scope work for AML POCA / TA PCPs - CDD & EDD Clients Risks – what could raise a risk? Reporting to the MLRO / MLCO Tipping off Target Audience The online course is suitable for support staff or legal practitioners wanting to understand the basics of AML. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Helen Torresi, Consultant, DG Legal Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).
This training is for lawyers who may come into contact with vulnerable people through their work. In particular, it is aimed at those who hold legal aid contracts and must meet the requirements of the Specialist Quality Mark (SQM) standard in respect of safeguarding. Everyone has the right to be kept safe from harm, abuse or neglect. We all have obligations to ensure that vulnerable people are protected and that we have appropriate procedures in place to ensure that abuse is identified and reported. We will help you to understand the following; What is safeguarding? The different types of abuse Example signs of abuse, harm and neglect What action should be taken if abuse is suspected The SQM requirements What a Safeguarding Policy should include Target Audience The online course is suitable for staff of all levels, from support staff to senior partners and is aimed at firms maintaining or wishing to obtain the Specialist Quality Mark. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Amie Higgins, Consultant, DG Legal Amie is a Senior Solicitor, qualified under the Law Society’s Immigration & Asylum Accreditation Scheme (IAAS) as an Advanced Caseworker and Supervisor. Amie specialises in all aspects of Immigration, Asylum and Human Rights work, with a specialism in human trafficking/modern slavery cases and working with vulnerable clients. Amie is an experienced trainer, delivering a range of training on both legal and practice management topics.
In January 2024 alone, reports were published about the SRA taking enforcement action against 3 firms and 4 individuals for failure to comply with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. The fines issued for these non-compliances total over £570,000 plus costs. The absence of staff training, or requirement to complete additional training, was noted in a number of these cases. Many of the breaches resulting in enforcement action involved failures by the fee earners to conduct appropriate due diligence, adequately check the source of funds and/or wealth or recognise and report red flags. As highlighted by enforcement action being taken against individuals as well as firms, fee earners cannot hide behind their firm when AML failures occur and may be held personally accountable by the SRA for non-compliances with the MLR 2017. This course will cover the following to assist fee earners in the application of AML in their casework. How to comply with your obligations and stay compliant Written CRA & MRA Client Booms Risks – what to consider? PCPs – CDD &EDD POCA / TA SOF and SOW On going monitoring Reporting to MLRO/MLCO Tipping off Target Audience The online course is suitable for fee earners or legal practitioners that want to improve their AML knowledge. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Helen Torresi, Consultant, DG Legal Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).
The COLP role goes beyond just ensuring your firm follows the rules in the SRA Standards and Regulations, it also comes with a personal accountability factor that demands your attention. Fear not! This 3 hour course will usher you through the intricacies of being a COLP, ensuring you not only meet but excel in your regulatory obligations. The course will cover: Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Understanding the Framework for COLPs Dive into the intricate regulatory framework that Compliance Officers for Legal Practice (COLPs) operate under. Shouldering the Responsibility: Unpacking the Duties of a COLP Explore the multifaceted responsibilities that come with the role of a COLP. Choosing the Right Leader: Identifying the Ideal COLP Candidate Learn the criteria for selecting the most suitable individual to take on the crucial role of COLP. Cracking the Codes: Key Elements of Codes and SRA Principles Delve into the essential components of the Codes and SRA Principles that form the backbone of legal compliance. Building a Robust Foundation: Understanding Compliance Systems for All Firms Explore the concept of compliance systems, what they entail, and why every firm should have one in place. Reporting Matters: Recognising 'Serious' Issues, SRA Enforcement Strategy, and Reporting Protocols Uncover the definition of 'serious' matters, grasp the SRA Enforcement Strategy, and gain practical insights on making effective reports to the SRA. Paper Trails Matter: Effective Record Keeping, Including Non-material Breaches Master the art of comprehensive record-keeping, including strategies for recording non-material breaches, and understand why it's integral to compliance. Personal Liability: Understanding and Mitigating Risks Navigate the landscape of personal liability for COLPs and develop strategies to mitigate associated risks. Staying Ahead: Keeping Abreast of Regulatory Changes and Guidance Develop effective strategies for staying up to date with dynamic regulatory changes and evolving guidance. Planning for Compliance: Crafting a Robust Strategy, Assessing Risk, and File Reviewing Formulate a comprehensive plan for tackling compliance, including risk assessment, maintaining risk registers, and implementing effective file reviewing. Across the Board: Legal and Regulatory Compliance Areas Every COLP Must Master Gain a high-level overview of crucial legal and regulatory compliance areas, including AML, transparency rules, and other pivotal aspects that demand the attention of all COLPs. Target Audience This online course is suitable for those new to the COLP role, or those supporting the COLP and for those that would like a refresher of the role and their responsibilities. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Helen Torresi, Consultant, DG Legal Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).
Our Financial Compliance and Legal Aid Payments Course provides a brief overview of historical changes and the current regulations. The course will cover what VAT regulations and the SRA Accounts Rules say on legal aid payments and will provide practical advice and tips on how to account for these payments so you adhere to the rules and regulations of the profession. Target Audience This online course is suitable for those in the legal profession who oversees, or is responsible for or involved in accounting for legal aid funds, including, costs lawyers, legal cashiers, COFA, those supporting the COFA, account managers, etc. Resources An information pack including the course slides will be provided to all delegates after the course, which may be useful for ongoing reference. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Sarah Charlton, Consultant, DG Legal Sarah has a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting and is a Fellow member of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants. Her career spans over 35 years working within the legal sector, fulfilling roles from COFA through to CEO. During her career she has worked with a number of legal regulators, professional bodies and government organisations. Sarah has been a member of the Institute of Legal Finance and Management throughout her career, qualifying as a Fellow member in 2005. Sarah also served as chairperson between 2010-2012 and continues to serve as an Executive Council Member.
This 1 hour on-line training seminar provides an opportunity for employers, HR managers, supervisors, and team leaders to learn how domestic abuse can impact on an employee and the business as well as the next steps to support your staff and protect your business.
Are you doing sanction checks in your law firm? In the intricate landscape of legal practice, understanding and adhering to the UK's sanctions regime is not just a recommendation; it is mandatory and it is imperative. This course aims to set clear expectations and offer practical support to firms, guiding them away from the pitfalls of breaching the UK's sanctions regime. This course will cover: What are sanctions What do you need to know about the sanctions for your firm How is it different to the AML regime? What controls to put in place? If the firm offers services to sanction areas – what controls? My client has been sanctioned – what do I do? Reporting obligations Using screening tools Licensing How does this impact Legal Professional Privilege? Sanction Risk Assessment Red flags factors Enforcement actions Target Audience This 90 minute course is for all legal firms, irrespective of the services provided. Whether you are navigating the sanctions regime independently or operating under a license from the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), this course is for you. Resources Comprehensive and up to date course notes will be provided to all delegates which may be useful for ongoing reference or cascade training. Please note a recording of the course will not be made available. Speaker Helen Torresi, Consultant, DG Legal Helen is a qualified solicitor with a diverse professional background spanning leadership roles in both the legal and tech/corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has held key positions such as COLP, HOLP, MLCO, MLRO and DPO for law firms and various regulated businesses and services. Helen’s specialised areas encompass AML, complaint and firm negligence handling, DPA compliance, file review and auditing, law management, and operational effectiveness in law firms, particularly in conveyancing (CQS).