Ready to Go Deeper?
At LegalEnglish4Lawyers.com, we don’t just define legal terms — we explore them through real documents, client scenarios, and clause-by-clause analysis.
Click here to see a quick view of all posts.
-
Legal English Phrasal Verbs:
20 Essential Expressions for Lawyers.
Phrasal verbs are a key part of English communication, and lawyers often rely on them in both formal and informal legal contexts. Whether you’re in a courtroom, negotiating a deal, or working through case procedures, understanding these phrases can enhance your clarity and effectiveness. Below are 20 legal English phrasal verbs commonly used in the legal profession, categorized by their function.
General Communication
- Bring up
Definition: To introduce a topic during a discussion.
Example: “I need to bring up the missing evidence.”
In the legal world, bringing up relevant points at the right moment can make all the difference in a case. This phrasal verb is essential when making sure every piece of evidence or argument is addressed. - Follow up
Definition: To contact someone again for further information or action.
Example: “We’ll follow up with you after reviewing the contract.”
Lawyers often need to follow up with clients, opposing counsel, or courts to ensure nothing is overlooked. - Hold off
Definition: To delay or postpone something.
Example: “Let’s hold off on filing the lawsuit until we gather more evidence.”
Sometimes, waiting for the right moment to take action can be strategic in legal cases. - Look into
Definition: To investigate or examine something.
Example: “We’ll look into the potential conflict of interest before proceeding.”
Investigations are a crucial part of legal practice, and this phrasal verb signifies taking a closer look into the details. - Rule out
Definition: To eliminate something as a possibility.
Example: “We’ve ruled out the witness as unreliable.”
Lawyers must often rule out unlikely possibilities in order to focus on strong arguments. - Touch base
Definition: To connect with someone briefly, often to update them.
Example: “Let’s touch base next week to discuss the progress.”
Touching base with clients or colleagues ensures everyone stays updated on case developments.
Casework and Procedure
- Draw up
Definition: To write or prepare a legal document.
Example: “The lawyer is drawing up the settlement agreement.”
Drafting legal documents, such as contracts or agreements, is a core function for lawyers. - File away
Definition: To store a document for future reference.
Example: “We’ll file this away for now, but keep it accessible.”
Organizing and storing important legal documents is essential for efficient case management. - Lay out
Definition: To explain something clearly and concisely.
Example: “The judge asked the lawyer to lay out the key arguments.”
Lawyers are often required to lay out their arguments in a clear, structured manner. - Throw out
Definition: To dismiss a case or argument as invalid.
Example: “The motion to dismiss was thrown out due to lack of evidence.”
Courts throw out cases that lack sufficient grounds, making this phrasal verb key in litigation. - Wrap up
Definition: To conclude a meeting, discussion, or case.
Example: “Let’s wrap up this deposition for today.”
Wrapping up a discussion or case signifies its conclusion, marking the final stages of legal proceedings.
Negotiation and Client Interaction
- Close the deal
Definition: To reach a final agreement.
Example: “We managed to close the deal on favorable terms.”
This phrasal verb is crucial in contract negotiations when parties finalize an agreement. - Come clean
Definition: To confess or admit to something.
Example: “The witness finally came clean about what they saw.”
Honesty and disclosure are often critical in legal cases, whether from clients or witnesses. - Hold firm
Definition: To remain steadfast in your position.
Example: “The lawyer advised the client to hold firm on their demands.”
In negotiations, standing your ground can lead to better outcomes for clients. - Put off
Definition: To postpone or delay something due to external factors.
Example: “We were put off by the other party’s unreasonable demands.”
Negotiations or legal actions may be delayed due to unforeseen challenges or impasses. - Talk down
Definition: To persuade someone to accept lower terms.
Example: “The lawyer was able to talk down the settlement amount significantly.”
This phrase is commonly used in negotiations, where reducing costs or terms can be a priority.
Miscellaneous Legal Terms
- Grandstand
Definition: To perform for effect, often by using exaggerated arguments.
Example: “The lawyer was accused of grandstanding during the closing arguments.”
Some lawyers may grandstand to sway opinion, though this tactic can be frowned upon in formal settings. - Hold water
Definition: To be valid or convincing.
Example: “The defense attorney’s argument doesn’t hold water under scrutiny.”
An argument that “holds water” is one that stands up to analysis and scrutiny. - Leave no stone unturned
Definition: To conduct a thorough investigation.
Example: “We need to leave no stone unturned in finding the truth.”
Thoroughness is a key value in legal research and investigations, ensuring all facts are uncovered. - Throw in the towel
Definition: To admit defeat or give up on a case.
Example: “The defendant decided to throw in the towel and accept the plea bargain.”
While lawyers strive for success, sometimes conceding a case may be in the best interest of the client.
Conclusion
Phrasal verbs play an important role in legal communication, both in and out of the courtroom. Using these legal English expressions appropriately can help convey meaning effectively and avoid confusion. Remember that the context and formality of the situation will dictate which phrasal verbs are most suitable. Keep your communication clear, concise, and professional to ensure the best outcomes for your clients.
Ready to go deeper? Learn Legal English with personalized coaching at LegalEnglish4Lawyers.com.
DISCLAIMER: The content provided herein is only for discussion purposes and may contain errors. The reader is responsible to confirm 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
- Bring up
-
Venture Capital Start Up Glossary: 22 Key Terms Every Startup Should Know
Navigating the world of venture capital (VC) can feel like learning a new language. Whether you are a startup founder seeking funding or simply curious about the VC space, understanding the key terms is essential to making informed decisions. Below is a glossary of 22 fundamental venture capital terms that startups should know when discussing investment rounds, equity, and funding agreements.
1. Tag-Along Rights
Tag-along rights give minority shareholders the right to sell their shares when majority shareholders sell theirs. This ensures that minority shareholders can benefit from the same terms as the majority and aren’t left behind in a transaction.
2. Drag-Along Rights
Drag-along rights allow majority shareholders to compel minority shareholders to join in the sale of the company, under the same terms and conditions. This ensures that a potential buyer can acquire 100% of the company without being blocked by minority shareholders.
3. Vesting
Vesting is the process by which an employee or founder earns their equity over time, usually based on a schedule. For example, after one year (the cliff), a percentage of shares may vest, with additional shares vesting over the next few years.
Get In Touch to Schedule a Free Consultation for Legal English Tutoring
4. Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
An MVP is the most basic version of a product that includes only essential features. It is used to test the market and validate the product idea before committing further resources to development.
5. Buyback
A buyback occurs when a company repurchases its own shares from investors or the open market. Startups may use buybacks to consolidate ownership, reduce dilution, or prepare for an IPO.
6. Right of First Refusal (ROFR)
The right of first refusal gives existing investors the option to purchase shares before they are offered to a third party. This helps investors maintain their ownership percentage and influence in the company.
7. Anti-Dilution
Anti-dilution provisions protect investors from losing ownership percentage during subsequent funding rounds, especially in a down round. These clauses can adjust the conversion price of preferred stock to ensure investors maintain their equity stake.
8. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
An ESOP is a program that gives employees the option to buy company shares as part of their compensation. This aligns employees’ interests with the company’s success and is often used as a retention tool in startups.
9. Down Round
A down round occurs when a company raises funds at a valuation lower than in previous funding rounds. This can dilute the value of shares for existing investors, but it’s sometimes necessary for securing further investment in tough times.
10. Convertible Note
A convertible note, used in early-stage financing, is a loan that converts into equity during a later funding round, often with a discount or cap on the conversion price. This allows early investors to get more favorable terms compared to later investors.
11. Cliff
A cliff is a specific period, usually one year, before any stock options or equity granted to an employee or founder become vested. If the person leaves the company before the cliff period ends, they forfeit their equity.
12. Cap Table (Capitalization Table)
A cap table is a detailed breakdown of a company’s ownership, showing how much equity each shareholder owns. It’s an important tool used to track the distribution of shares among founders, employees, and investors, especially as new rounds of funding occur.
13. Burn Rate
Burn rate refers to how quickly a company is spending its cash reserves, usually expressed as a monthly figure. Startups monitor their burn rate closely to ensure they don’t run out of cash before the next funding round or becoming cash-flow positive.
14. Seed Capital
Seed capital is the initial funding used to start a business. This money is often provided by angel investors, friends, or family and is typically used to develop a minimum viable product (MVP) or conduct early market research.
15. Convertible Note
A convertible note is a type of short-term debt that converts into equity during a future financing round. It’s often used during seed funding when it’s difficult to determine a company’s valuation. The note may come with a discount or valuation cap for early investors.
16. Exit Strategy
An exit strategy is a plan for how investors will realize their returns, typically through an acquisition, merger, or IPO. For founders, it’s essential to align exit strategies with investors early on in the relationship.
17. Initial Public Offering (IPO)
An Initial Public Offering is when a private company offers its stock to the public for the first time. This is a major milestone for startups and often provides investors with a way to “exit” and realize returns on their investment.
18. Series A, B, C Funding
Series A, B, and C are stages of venture capital investment. Each “series” represents a new round of funding:
- Series A: Early-stage funding to scale a business model.
- Series B: Expansion funding to increase product or market reach.
- Series C: Late-stage funding for significant scaling or acquisitions.
19. Valuation
Valuation is the process of determining the current worth of a company. For startups, this is a critical factor in negotiations with investors, as it dictates how much equity they will need to give up in exchange for investment.
20. Equity
Equity refers to ownership interest in a company, typically in the form of stocks or shares. When investors provide funding, they often receive equity in return, which gives them a stake in the company’s future success.
21. Term Sheet
A term sheet is a non-binding agreement that outlines the basic terms and conditions under which an investment will be made. It serves as the foundation for the final contract and includes key details such as valuation, amount of investment, and investor rights.
22. Angel Investor
An angel investor is an individual who provides capital to early-stage startups, often in exchange for equity or convertible debt. Angel investors typically come in during the “seed” stage and play a critical role in helping startups get off the ground before larger venture capital firms get involved.
Conclusion
Understanding these key venture capital terms will help you navigate the complex world of startup funding. Whether you’re negotiating your first term sheet or preparing for an IPO, having a solid grasp of these concepts will give you a strategic advantage in discussions with investors and stakeholders.
DISCLAIMER: The content provided herein is only for discussion purposes and may contain errors. The reader is responsible to confirm 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
-
Artificial Intelligence Glossary (Part 3): 7 key vocabulary words and phrases to understand the new language around AI.
(Confabulation) – (AI Red-Teaming) – (Provenance Data Tracking) – (Cascading Impacts) – (Custom Co-Pilots) – (Content Window) – (Homogenization).
(Confabulation)
Confabulation refers to the phenomenon where a machine generates false information to fill in gaps in its memory or understanding, often without intention or awareness.
(AI Red-Teaming)
AI red-teaming involves using artificial intelligence techniques to simulate adversarial attacks or scenarios in order to test the security or robustness of AI systems.
(Provenance Data Tracking)
Provenance data tracking involves recording and tracing the origins and lineage of data throughout its lifecycle, often to ensure data quality, compliance, or accountability.
(Cascading Impacts)
Cascading impacts refer to the ripple effects or secondary consequences that result from the actions or decisions of AI systems, which may propagate through interconnected systems or societies.
(Custom Co-pilots)
Custom co-pilots refer to personalized or tailored AI assistants or systems that provide support, guidance, or assistance to users in specific tasks or domains.
(Context Window)
A context window refers to the scope or range of surrounding information or context that is considered or analyzed by an AI system when making predictions or decisions, often used in natural language processing or computer vision tasks.
(Homogenization)
Homogenization refers to the process of standardizing or making uniform data, models, or processes, often to facilitate interoperability or consistency across systems.
DISCLAIMER: The content provided herein is only for discussion purposes and may contain errors. The reader is responsible to confirm 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