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The University of Texas at Austin School of Law

Spanish for Lawyers

  • Semester: Spring 2008
  • Course ID: 279M
  • Credit Hours: 2
  • Unique: 28360

Course Information

Registration Information

  • Upperclass-only elective

Meeting Times

Day Time Location
WED 3:30 - 5:20 pm TNH 2.123

Evaluation Method

Type Date Time Location
Final exam May 12, 2008 8:30 am A-Z in 2.123

Description

The objective of this class is to provide you with information that will help you to communicate with Spanish-speaking lawyers and clients and to help you understand their different cultures. Spanish differs from country to country in Latin America. You will learn some of the subtleties that differentiate how legal Spanish is used throughout Latin America, and the way to communicate with Spanish-speaking lawyers and clients who do not speak any or very limited English. The class will be taught 50% in English and 50% in Spanish. Therefore, conversational Spanish skills are required. You will learn not only to communicate with clients and lawyers from Latin America but also some basic differences between the common law and the civil law systems, and how to explain in Spanish some American legal terms and concepts that do not exist in Latin American legal systems. There will be guest lecturers from both the U.S. and Latin America who will bring a range of perspectives to the course. Attendance is required and your participation will be fundamental to take the final examination. There will be a final essay examination and three short papers, written in English and Spanish, required during the semester. The enrollment is going to be limited to twenty students. Part I: Introduction and Overview of the Legal Systems of Latin America General Legal Terms and the Sources of Law Criminal Law Torts Contracts Business Law Employment Law Trusts Immigration Part II: Professional Rules and Latin American Legal Culture.

Instructors

Headshot of Munoz Ruiz, Marco M Munoz Ruiz, Marco M
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