Common English Mistakes in Legal Memos by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In accordance with the recent agreement signed between our company and the client, it is important to clarify that the parties involved are married witho the terms outlined in the document. The obligations stated must be fulfilled by both parties, and any deviation from the agreed conditions should be communicated with the legal team immediately. Please ensure that all departments are aware of their responsibilities under this contract to avoid any potential disputes.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This mostly looks good - it's just this: "married with the terms" should be "married to the terms"."

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In accordance with the recent agreement signed between our company and the client, it is important to clarify that the parties involved are married to the terms outlined in the document. The obligations stated must be fulfilled by both parties, and any deviation from the agreed conditions should be communicated with the legal team immediately. Please ensure that all departments are aware of their responsibilities under this contract to avoid any potential disputes.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In accordance with the recent agreement signed between our company and the client, it is important to clarify that the parties involved are married with the terms outlined in the document. The obligations stated must be fulfilled by both parties, and any deviation from the agreed conditions should be communicated with the legal team immediately. Please ensure that all departments are aware of their responsibilities under this contract to avoid any potential disputes.

Mistake Example #2

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

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations I am writing to inform you that I am reviewing the contract terms and Ihamve fiounding several clauses that areneeding clarification. I amnoticinge that the client is not complying with the payment schedule as outlined, and I amsuggesting that we aretakinge immediate action to address this issue. Please let me know if you are agreeing with this approach, and I camn preparinge a draft response for your review.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Changes I made were mostly to address verb tense issues. Nicely done :) "

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations I am writing to inform you that I am reviewing the contract terms and have found several clauses that need clarification. I notice that the client is not complying with the payment schedule as outlined, and I suggest that we take immediate action to address this issue. Please let me know if you agree with this approach, and I can prepare a draft response for your review.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations I am writing to inform you that I am reviewing the contract terms and I am finding several clauses that are needing clarification. I am noticing that the client is not complying with the payment schedule as outlined, and I am suggesting that we are taking immediate action to address this issue. Please let me know if you are agreeing with this approach, and I am preparing a draft response for your review.

Mistake Example #3

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

To: Legal Department Subject: Memo on Contractual Obligations In the case of the client, it is important to consider that they have reason in their claim regarding the breach of contract. The agreement states that the delivery of goods should occur within 30 days, and we have 15 days of delay. Additionally, the client has expressed that they have much interest in resolving this matter quickly to avoid further complications. It is recommended that we proceed with negotiations to reach a satisfactory solution for both parties.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"No changes are needed. The content is perfect. :)"

To: Legal Department Subject: Memo on Contractual Obligations In the case of the client, it is important to consider that they have reason in their claim regarding the breach of contract. The agreement states that the delivery of goods should occur within 30 days, and we have 15 days of delay. Additionally, the client has expressed that they have much interest in resolving this matter quickly to avoid further complications. It is recommended that we proceed with negotiations to reach a satisfactory solution for both parties.

To: Legal Department Subject: Memo on Contractual Obligations In the case of the client, it is important to consider that they have reason in their claim regarding the breach of contract. The agreement states that the delivery of goods should occur within 30 days, and we have 15 days of delay. Additionally, the client has expressed that they have much interest in resolving this matter quickly to avoid further complications. It is recommended that we proceed with negotiations to reach a satisfactory solution for both parties.