Legal English for Lawyers: 20 Real Phrases Lawyers Use to Talk About Their Cases

Introduction:

This list of legal English phrases may seem somewhat random — and that’s because it is. These expressions come directly from real conversations with lawyers about their cases, clients, and court proceedings. Each one reflects how legal professionals actually speak in practice, not just how they write.

For non-native English-speaking lawyers, learning these authentic phrases will help you sound natural and confident in professional discussions, client meetings, and legal correspondence.

Key Phrases Lawyers Actually Use

1. Minimum Billable Hours

Refers to the minimum amount of time a lawyer must bill within a set period.
Example: “Associates must meet the firm’s minimum billable hours each quarter.”

2. Still at Square One

Means no progress has been made; you are back where you started.
Example: “After months of discovery, we’re still at square one.”

3. Half the Estate

Used to indicate a proportional share in property or inheritance.
Example: “She claimed half the estate under the will.”

4. Carved Out

Something intentionally excluded from a broader deal or arrangement.
Example: “Intellectual property rights were carved out of the merger agreement.”

5. In Probate

Describes assets or property being reviewed by a probate court.
Example: “The property remains in probate until the executor completes the filings.”

6. A Bona Fide Dispute

A genuine, good-faith disagreement between parties.
Example: “The court found a bona fide dispute regarding the creditor’s claim.”

7. The Objections Were Relevant

A phrase used when the court sustains well-founded objections.
Example: “The objections were relevant and properly sustained.”

8. Claiming Sole Ownership of Half the Estate

Used to describe an inconsistent position in property or inheritance cases.
Example: “He was claiming sole ownership of half the estate.”

9. Joint Tenancy

A form of co-ownership giving both parties equal rights and survivorship.
Example: “They held the property in joint tenancy with right of survivorship.”

10. Prenup Agreement

Short for “prenuptial agreement,” a contract made before marriage defining financial and property rights.
Example: “They signed a prenup agreement to protect their separate assets.”

11. Assets

Everything of value owned by a person or entity.
Example: “The underlying assets will be distributed according to the trust.”

12. On the Record

Statements officially entered into the court record or transcript.
Example: “Counsel requested to make her comments on the record.”

13. Separate Property

Property owned individually and not subject to division at divorce.
Example: “The court ruled the investment account was separate property.”

14. Community Property

Assets acquired during marriage that belong equally to both spouses.
Example: “The house purchased after marriage is community property.”

15. Postnup Agreement

A contract made after marriage defining financial or property rights.
Example: “They signed a postnup agreement clarifying ownership of the business.”

16. Settlement Strategy

A plan outlining how a party intends to negotiate or resolve a dispute.
Example: “Before mediation, we discussed our settlement strategy with the client.”

17. An Asset Protection Scheme

A structure designed to shield property from creditors or claims.
Example: “The trust was challenged as an asset protection scheme.”

18. Burden of Proof

The obligation to establish a claim or defense to the required legal standard.
Example: “The burden of proof rests with the plaintiff.”

19. Absent an Express Stipulation or Mechanism

Formal phrasing meaning “unless the contract provides otherwise.”
Example: “Absent an express stipulation or mechanism, the default rule applies.”

20. Delay Tactics

Actions intended to postpone proceedings or slow litigation.
Example: “The opposing counsel’s repeated continuance requests were clear delay tactics.”

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Disclaimer

The content provided herein is only for discussion purposes and may contain errors. The reader is responsible for confirming the accuracy of the information provided. The content does not constitute legal or professional advice. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage incurred directly or indirectly from the use of this information.

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