Common English Mistakes in Legal Briefs by Spanish Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Spanish speakers from Mexico when writing a Legal Brief in English.

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of present continuous ('I am going to the school every day' instead of 'I go to school every day')

In the matter of the property dispute, I ambelievinge that the evidence isshowings clear ownership by my client. We are presenting the documents that areo provinge the land was acquired legally and I amhopinge the court isconsiderings this evidence carefully. My client is insistings that the opposing party idoes not havinge any legitimate claim, and we are requesting the court isto granting a favorable judgment.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I had to make some changes to the verb tense. Nice job overall!"

In the matter of the property dispute, I believe that the evidence shows clear ownership by my client. We are presenting the documents to prove the land was acquired legally and I hope the court considers this evidence carefully. My client insists that the opposing party does not have any legitimate claim, and we are requesting the court to grant a favorable judgment.

In the matter of the property dispute, I am believing that the evidence is showing clear ownership by my client. We are presenting the documents that are proving the land was acquired legally and I am hoping the court is considering this evidence carefully. My client is insisting that the opposing party is not having any legitimate claim, and we are requesting the court is granting a favorable judgment.

Mistake Example #2

Direct translation of Spanish expressions ('I have 25 years' instead of 'I am 25 years old')

To the Honorable Judge,I prespenctfully submit this brief in supportoargue thatf my client, Mr. López, and to assert his innocentce ofregarding the chargesbrought against him. HMr. Lópehasz, 30 years anold, has neveo prior beenhistory involved in anyf criminal activity. We areskpectfully request that the cCourtgive full considersation to the evidence demonstratingthat showsMr. hLópez was at his home duringat the time of the alleged incident.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"I made changes for it to sound a bit more natural and "legal.""

To the Honorable Judge, I respectfully submit this brief in support of my client, Mr. López, and to assert his innocence regarding the charges brought against him. Mr. López, 30 years old, has no prior history of criminal activity. We respectfully request that the Court give full consideration to the evidence demonstrating that Mr. López was at home at the time of the alleged incident.

To the Honorable Judge, I present this brief to argue that my client, Mr. López, is innocent of the charges against him. He has 30 years and has never been involved in any criminal activity. We ask that the court considers the evidence that shows he was at his home during the time of the alleged incident.

Mistake Example #3

Misuse of prepositions ('Married with' instead of 'Married to')

In the matter of the property dispute between Mr. Juan Lopez and Ms. Maria Gonzalez, it is important to note that Mr. Lopez was married witho Ms. Gonzalez for ten years before the separation. The couple acquired the property in question during their marriage, and it was intended to be shared equally. However, due to thea misunderstanding of the terms agreed withof the initial contract, Mr. Lopez believes he is entitled to a larger portion of the property. We respectfully requeastk the court to consider the evidence presented and rule in favor of a fair division according witho the law.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few small changes were needed to correct errors. Good job! "

In the matter of the property dispute between Mr. Juan Lopez and Ms. Maria Gonzalez, it is important to note that Mr. Lopez was married to Ms. Gonzalez for ten years before the separation. The couple acquired the property in question during their marriage, and it was intended to be shared equally. However, due to a misunderstanding of the terms of the initial contract, Mr. Lopez believes he is entitled to a larger portion of the property. We respectfully ask the court to consider the evidence presented and rule in favor of a fair division according to the law.

In the matter of the property dispute between Mr. Juan Lopez and Ms. Maria Gonzalez, it is important to note that Mr. Lopez was married with Ms. Gonzalez for ten years before the separation. The couple acquired the property in question during their marriage, and it was intended to be shared equally. However, due to the misunderstanding of the terms agreed with the initial contract, Mr. Lopez believes he is entitled to a larger portion of the property. We respectfully request the court to consider the evidence presented and rule in favor of a fair division according with the law.