Communicative Activities
Task 1. Being a lawyer is regarded as one of the best professions in many countries. Point out what the different areas of specialization are, and which you would choose, or have chosen, and why. Make notes under the headings. You can add any other points that occur to you.
choice of specialization;
number of years of training;
income expectations;
responsibilities;
kinds of clients;
need for foreign languages;
likely challenges and opportunities.
Task 2. Express your opinion on the following issues:
1. Are there different kinds of lawyers in your country? If so, what are the differences?
2. Can you describe the normal way that lawyers become qualified to practice law in your country?
3. Why is a career in law so popular? Why have you chosen law as your future career?
Task 3.
The jury in an English court is made up of 12 people. Their function is to decide on points of fact, in other words, whether the accused committed the crime with which she/he is charged; the role of the judge is to advise the jury on points of law. Will you describe the criteria of jurors’ selection in the RF, their number and the functions of Russian jurors?
Task 4.
Every legal system needs professionals to provide legal services. These systems are organized in many different ways. In England this work is carried out by two groups of professionals - solicitors and barristers. Below is the list of tasks carried out by solicitors and barristers. Classify them into the appropriate column.
advising clients on general legal issues
advising clients on specialist legal issues
advising on litigation advising on tax matters
advocacy
in all courts
advocacy
in the lower courts
commercial work conveyancing of houses
dealing with commercial transactions
drafting of documents in connection with litigation
making wills preparing cases
share and other property dealings
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advocacy in the lower courts
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advocacy in all courts
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Task 5.
The legal training for solicitors (who provide general legal advice to clients) and barristers (who present cases in the upper courts) is different. The following short texts describe the stages in legal training, but they are mixed up. Put the steps into the correct category and order.
1 Practice and continuing education
The next stage is to obtain a 'tenancy': becoming an assistant to a practising barrister.
2 Getting the qualifications
The next step is to acquire some legal training specific to the work of a barrister.
3 Developing practical skills
Next the intending solicitor has to enter a two-year training contract with a firm of solicitors to gain practical experience in a variety of areas of law.
4 Getting the training an experience: pupillage
This is the 'apprenticeship' served by trainee barristers, who are known as pupils. It usually takes a year and consists of a mixture of assisting and observing experienced barristers, as well as more practical experience.
5 Getting the academic qualifications
The quickest and most common route to qualification is by means of a qualifying law degree.
6 Getting the vocational qualifications
You will have to undertake the Legal Practice Course, which is the professional training for solicitors. The course teaches the practical application of the law to the needs of clients.
7 Getting the academic qualifications
The first part of training to become a barrister is known as the academic stage, which provides a general theoretical introduction to the law.
Task 6.
A. Look through the answers to the 9 frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding notaries public given by an experienced American notary and say what answers are relevant to the Russian notary. Accentuate the differences and comment on them.
1. What are the general powers/functions of a notary public?
A notary acts as an official witness to the identity of a person who comes before the notary. A notary is authorized to witness or attest a signature, administer an oath or affirmation, certify an oath or affirmation, take acknowledgments, and certify or attest a copy.
2. What qualifications must be met in order to become a notary public?
An individual must be a citizen of the United States, a legal resident of Oklahoma, or an out-of-state resident who is employed within Oklahoma, and at least 18 years of age or older.
3. How do I become a notary?
The individual should request an application form and submit it to the Secretary of State along with the $25.00 fee. A commission will be issued to the individual upon receipt of a properly completed application and the appropriate fee.
4. Is a notary public required to have a seal?
Yes. Each notary shall provide a notarial seal containing the notary's name, the words "State of Oklahoma " and "Notary Public". The seal may be either a metal seal which leaves an embossed impression or a rubber stamp. The date of expiration and commission number may be part of the stamp or seal.
5. What is an acknowledgment?
The notarial act evidenced by a certificate signed and dated by the notary public is referred to as an acknowledgment. The acknowledgment includes the jurisdiction in which the act is performed, the title "Notary Public", date of expiration, commission number, official stamp or seal, and official signature. The wording of the acknowledgment should correspond with the type of notarial act being provided.
6. Is a notary required to keep any records?
It is recommended that a notary maintain a record of all their official acts. It is a good way to keep track of individuals acts and is useful in the event a notary public be called into a court of law. It is suggested that the following information be kept:
Date of notarial act
Type of notarial act performed
A description of the document
The signature and printed name and address of each person for whom a notarial act was performed
A description of the form of identification provided (i.e. driver’s license or photo identification) or a statement that the person is “personally known” to the notary
The location where the notarization was performed
The amount of fee charged, if any