Spanish for a Lawyer -- Abogado

July 9, 2007 8:43 PM

What's the best way for me to accelerate my Spanish language skills with an emphasis on vocabulary geared toward the legal profession?

I am currently focusing on building/improving my ability to speak and my ability to understand spoken Spanish and to read the language as well. I am using the course, "Learning Spanish Like Crazy". Background: While I am not fluent, I have a better than average understanding of the language as I have lived in several Central/South American countries. While I would like to be able to have a day-to-day grasp of the language, I would also like to develop my professional language skills. I am an attorney, and am looking for advice on how to develop my Spanish language skills from the legal profession perspective as well. Should I wait until I have a better overall grasp of the language, or should I try to integrate legal vocabulary and language skills as I learn?

posted by gm2007 to writing & language (4 comments total)

I don't know where you are, but the Los Angeles Public Library will give anyone holding a membership - which is free and has no residency requirement other than you having a place to live, a phone number, and an e-mail address - access to any of the Rosetta Stone online courses, which are excellent; there are two levels of Spanish. I just got my membership yesterday and I'm already working through reviewing my French. I am saving hundreds of dollars by doing it this way; check if your local library has something similar.

The best way to improve your legal vocabulary, I bet, would be to pick up some Spanish-language legal journals, or even some Spanish-language political magazine.
posted by mdonley at 10:11 PM on July 9, 2007

Should I wait until I have a better overall grasp of the language, or should I try to integrate legal vocabulary and language skills as I learn?

Definitely the latter. I spoke Spanish very well beginning my law practice, but the particular vocabulary (any vocabulary for that matter) really only sank in until I started using it. Most clients who speak no English will appreciate the effort even if you're not 100% successful communicating and ultimately have to rely on a translator.

The best tutelage I ever got learning languages: "You won't learn to speak if you fear sounding like the village idiot." Really, children may have some special quirk that allows rapid language acquisition, but they're main gift is lack of shame. If you're looking to use Spanish in the boardroom or other formal setting, then you might want to find a venue for much needed practice first. For me, no amount of study can match conversation for language acquisition.

Legal precision will require checking and double checking, obviously complicated by the translation. I sometimes spend extra time with bilingual clients to ascertain how certain terminology works in both languages. It gives me a lesson, makes my work better, and builds rapport.

Good luck.
posted by GPF at 11:01 PM on July 9, 2007

Seconding everything GPF said.

I learned Spanish working in bars in D.F. and around Morelos - but when I returned to the U.S. I was uncomfortable with my lack of "formal" Spanish language skills.
A few months ago I began working two days a week at a community resource center in a primarily Hispanic neighborhood. I handle cases where I am regularly communicating with the police, attorneys and employers and then relaying that information to my clients. It has vastly improved my grasp of "professional" Spanish in a very short period of time.

You said that you're an attorney - I'm sure there are some community resource centers that could really use your help - I think even one day a week spent assisting individuals who speak only Spanish would help, especially if there are other native speakers on staff. Free Spanish lessons and you get to help your community!
posted by Baby_Balrog at 9:01 AM on July 10, 2007

This has been nailed. Useing it in the kind of practice you want is the key.

I could direct you to some Peninsular Spanish legal blogs and newsletters ( Mainly Madrid) but if you are SA oriented that won't help.

Suerte!
posted by Wilder at 3:07 PM on July 10, 2007