Dialogue 1. Lawyers who want to start their own practice

Task:  read the dialogue and reproduce it a) abridged b) in the form of a monologue.

This is the conversation between an experienced lawyer Dr. Howard and a graduate of law school Richard Warner.

Richard Warner: Dr. Harward, I’ve just graduated from law school and I’m at a loss, I don’t know whether to start my own practice or to work for a firm. What do you think the pros and cons of private practice are?

Dr. Howard: You see, there are many reasons why I prefer to be self-employed. First of all freedom is very important. The opportunity to turn down cases and clients when you disagree morally with the legal principles expoused by the clients.

Richard Warner: Is legal practice secure enough?

Dr. Howard: No, there is no such thing as job security in legal practice. But still you feel much more secure when you are your own boss and don’t depend on the success or failure of the firm you work for.

Richard Warner: Dr. Howard, did you face any difficulties when you started your private practice?

Dr. Howard: Sure! One of them was getting an office. You know, some lawyers work at home. But I don’t think it’s a good idea. You should have business relations with your clients. And home atmosphere might spoil them. Anyway, if you can’t get an office you can use the attorney conference room in the local courtroom or meet the client at his or her place of business.

Richard Warner: What is your attitude to a sole practice and partnership?

Dr. Howard: Well, you see, they both have some economic and psychological advantages and disadvantages. When I started my own practice I had a shared office arrangement. That means that I could remain a sole practitioner, get the second opinion any time I needed and paid much less for the rent.

Richard Warner: It must be not easy for a starting lawyer to get clients. Dr. Howard, did you have to advertise your services?

Dr. Howard: What is important for any business is the location of the office. It should be in the area where there is a need for it. My first clients were my friends and relatives. If fact it happens with every lawyer starting his own practice. Later they advertised my services to their friends and so it worked for some time though it was not enough. And I had to advertise my work in local newspapers.

Richard Warner: Dr. Howard, thank you very much for your recommendations and advice. I think I’ll be self-employed. And the difficulties I’m going to face will be justified by the rewards.

Dr. Howard: I think you’ll manage. Good luck!

Notes:

pros and cons – за и против

Ex. 1. How is the following expressed in the dialogue?

1. protected against danger or risk;

2. a state of being a partner, esp. in business;

3. a person who pays a professional person, esp. a lawyer, for help and advice;

4. personal, not shared with others;

5. earning money from one’s own business and not as pay from an employer;

6. to meet an unpleasant state of affairs;

7. to make services known to the public;

8. a favourable moment or occasion;

9. a sum of money fixed to be paid for a room or a building;

10. belonging or allowed to no other, unshared.

Ex. 2. Study the dialogue and make a list of expressions the speakers use to:

• ask for suggestions;

• make suggestions;

• express preferences.

Ex. 3. Translate and activate the following sentences in your speech:

1. Каковы «за» и «против» частной практики?

2. Я предпочитаю работать на себя.

3. Возможность отказаться от каких-либо дел и клиентов привлекает меня.

4. Ты чувствуешь себя более защищенным, если сам являешься своим боссом.

5. Риск существует в любой деятельности особенно, если нет опыта.

6. Снять хороший и недорогой офис – большая проблема.

7. Преимущества и недостатки есть как в партнерской деятельности, так и в работе самостоятельно практикующего юриста.

8. Вам следует снять помещение совместно с другой юридической фирмой.