International lawyers increasingly work with clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel from different countries. In these situations, lawyers often need to run meetings in English. These meetings may involve negotiations, legal strategy discussions, client consultations, or internal law firm meetings.
For many non-native English-speaking lawyers, running a meeting in English can feel challenging. You may worry about finding the right words, managing the discussion effectively, or sounding professional and confident.
The good news is that running a meeting in English follows a predictable structure. Once you learn the typical phrases and communication strategies, it becomes much easier to lead discussions clearly and professionally.
In this article, we will explain how lawyers can run meetings in English, including the typical structure of legal meetings, useful phrases, and practical tips for clear communication.
Why It Is Important for Lawyers to Run Meetings in English Effectively
Lawyers frequently participate in meetings such as:
client consultations
internal strategy meetings
negotiations with opposing counsel
meetings with regulators
cross-border transaction discussions
When lawyers can run meetings in English effectively, they demonstrate professionalism and leadership. Clear communication helps ensure that:
legal issues are properly understood
decisions are recorded accurately
misunderstandings are avoided
Poorly managed meetings can create confusion and sometimes even legal risk.
For example, if a lawyer fails to clearly confirm an agreement reached during negotiations, the parties may later disagree about what was decided.
Therefore, learning how to run meetings in English is an essential professional skill for international lawyers.
The Typical Structure of a Legal Meeting
Most professional meetings follow a similar structure. Lawyers who want to run meetings in English successfully should understand these stages.
1. Opening the Meeting
At the beginning of the meeting, the lawyer leading the meeting usually welcomes participants and explains the purpose of the discussion.
Example phrases:
Thank you all for joining the meeting today.
The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the draft agreement.
Let me briefly outline the agenda.
The agenda is the list of topics that will be discussed during the meeting.
Example:
Today we will review the contract terms, discuss the indemnity clause, and agree on the next steps.
Setting the agenda helps the meeting remain organized and efficient.
How Lawyers Can Run Meetings in English: Leading the Discussion
Once the meeting begins, the lawyer leading the discussion must guide the conversation. Learning how to run meetings in English involves asking questions, inviting comments, and managing time.
Asking for input
Useful phrases include:
I would like to hear your thoughts on this issue.
Do you have any concerns about this clause?
Could you clarify your position on this matter?
The word clarify means to make something easier to understand.
Managing the discussion
Sometimes discussions become long or unfocused. Lawyers must guide the conversation back to the main issue.
Example phrases:
Let's return to the main issue.
Perhaps we can discuss that point later.
I think we should focus on the contract terms first.
These phrases help the lawyer maintain control of the meeting.
How Lawyers Can Run Meetings in English During Negotiations
Many legal meetings involve negotiations. Negotiation means trying to reach an agreement between parties who may have different interests.
Lawyers who run negotiation meetings in English often use careful and diplomatic language.
Diplomatic language means polite language that avoids conflict.
Example phrases:
We understand your position, but we have some concerns.
Perhaps we can find a compromise.
Would you be open to revising this provision?
The word provision means a clause or section of a contract.
These phrases help maintain a professional tone during negotiations.
Clarifying Legal Issues in Meetings
Lawyers often need to explain legal concepts during meetings. When you run meetings in English, it is important to explain issues clearly, especially when clients are not lawyers.
Example phrases:
Let me explain how this clause works.
In simple terms, this provision limits liability.
The legal risk here is relatively low.
The word liability means legal responsibility for damages or loss.
When explaining complex legal matters, it is helpful to speak slowly and avoid unnecessary legal jargon.
Jargon refers to specialized language that may be difficult for non-lawyers to understand.
Confirming Agreements During the Meeting
A key responsibility when you run meetings in English is confirming what the parties have agreed.
This prevents misunderstandings later.
Example phrases:
Just to confirm, we have agreed to revise the payment schedule.
So we are in agreement on this point.
Let me summarize the key points.
The word summarize means to explain the most important points briefly.
Summarizing agreements helps ensure everyone has the same understanding.
How Lawyers Can Run Meetings in English: Closing the Meeting
Closing the meeting clearly is just as important as opening it.
When lawyers run meetings in English, they typically summarize decisions and explain the next steps.
Example phrases:
Let me briefly summarize today's discussion.
We agreed to revise the confidentiality clause.
We will circulate the updated draft tomorrow.
The phrase circulate a draft means to send a document to others for review.
Finally, it is polite to thank participants.
Example phrases:
Thank you all for your time today.
I appreciate everyone's contributions.
Professional closing language leaves a positive impression.
Common Challenges for ESL Lawyers Running Meetings
Many international lawyers experience similar difficulties when they try to run meetings in English.
Speaking too quickly
When nervous, people often speak quickly. This can make communication harder.
Speaking slowly and clearly improves understanding.
Using overly complex language
Some lawyers believe they must use complex legal English to sound professional.
However, clear and simple language is usually better.
Hesitating when searching for words
This is normal for non-native speakers. Short pauses are acceptable in professional meetings.
Preparing useful phrases in advance can help reduce hesitation.
Practical Preparation Tips
If you will run meetings in English, preparation is extremely helpful.
Prepare an agenda
An agenda keeps the discussion organized.
Write down key phrases
Examples:
Let's move to the next point.
Could you clarify that issue?
Let me summarize the discussion.
Review important documents
Before the meeting, review contracts or other documents that will be discussed.
Preparation increases confidence.
Example Structure for Running a Legal Meeting
Here is a simple structure lawyers can follow when they run meetings in English.
1. Opening
Welcome participants and explain the purpose.
2. Agenda
Present the topics to be discussed.
3. Discussion
Review each issue and invite comments.
4. Clarification
Explain legal issues and resolve questions.
5. Agreement
Confirm decisions reached during the meeting.
6. Closing
Summarize next steps and thank participants.
Using this structure helps meetings remain efficient and productive.
Final Thoughts
The ability to run meetings in English is an important professional skill for international lawyers. Meetings are often where important legal decisions are discussed, negotiated, and confirmed.
Although leading meetings in a second language can feel challenging, learning common meeting phrases and following a clear structure can make the process much easier.
With preparation and practice, lawyers can run meetings confidently and communicate complex legal issues clearly to colleagues, clients, and business partners.
Legal English Lexicon
Agenda
A list of topics to be discussed during a meeting.
Clarify
To explain something so that it becomes easier to understand.
Clause
A specific section of a contract or legal document.
Confidentiality
The obligation to keep certain information secret.
Diplomatic language
Careful and polite language used to avoid conflict.
Jargon
Specialized language used by professionals that may be difficult for others to understand.
Liability
Legal responsibility for harm, damages, or losses.
Negotiate
To discuss terms with the goal of reaching an agreement.
Provision
A clause or rule contained in a legal document.
Summarize
To explain the main points briefly.
