Foreign language training for lawyers: a challenge in the face of Comparative Law

La formación en lenguas extranjeras para juristas: reto de cara al Derecho Comparado

Abstract

This article aimed to establish the foundation for designing an academic program to train lawyers in foreign language proficiency, with a focus on practical and contextualized skills related to comparative law. A qualitative, explanatory-propositive research study was conducted to inform the design of such a program. The study relied on a review of specialized literature and participant observation. The results revealed the need for lawyers to develop specialized linguistic skills beyond general communicative proficiency, particularly for interacting with the common law system. The study concluded that it is imperative to promote continuing education programs that integrate practical skills contextualized within the legal field, and therefore proposed general guidelines for such a program.