Common English Mistakes in Legal Memos by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Direct translations from Spanish ('It makes sense' vs. 'It has sense')

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the case of the client, it hmakes sense to review the clauses related to the termination of the agreement. The client expressed concerns about the penalties, and it is important to ensure that all terms are clear and fair. It isWe recommended to scheduleing a meeting with the client to discuss these points and provide clarity.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have changed the idiomatic language to align with common English usage."

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the case of the client, it makes sense to review the clauses related to the termination of the agreement. The client expressed concerns about the penalties, and it is important to ensure that all terms are clear and fair. We recommend scheduling a meeting with the client to discuss these points and provide clarity.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the case of the client, it has sense to review the clauses related to the termination of the agreement. The client expressed concerns about the penalties, and it is important to ensure that all terms are clear and fair. It is recommended to schedule a meeting with the client to discuss these points and provide clarity.

Mistake Example #2

Misuse of present continuous ('I am having 30 years of experience' instead of 'I have 30 years of experience')

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations I am writing to inform you that I am reviewing the contract terms for the client, and I hamve fiounding several clauses that areneeding clarification. I amsuggesting that we areschedulinge a meeting with the client to discuss these points further. It is important that we are addressing these issues promptly to avoid any potential legal disputes.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Overall, your writing is very professional. I just needed to make some verb tense adjustments."

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations I am writing to inform you that I am reviewing the contract terms for the client, and I have found several clauses that need clarification. I suggest that we schedule a meeting with the client to discuss these points further. It is important that we address these issues promptly to avoid any potential legal disputes.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations I am writing to inform you that I am reviewing the contract terms for the client, and I am finding several clauses that are needing clarification. I am suggesting that we are scheduling a meeting with the client to discuss these points further. It is important that we are addressing these issues promptly to avoid any potential legal disputes.

Mistake Example #3

Confusion between 'do' and 'make' ('I make a mistake' instead of 'I made a mistake')

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the recent review of the contract, I makde several observations regarding the clauses that require immediate attention. It is crucial that we do a thorough analysis of the terms to ensure compliance with the regulatory standards. Please make sure to address these points in the upcoming meeting to avoid any potential legal issues.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Almost perfect :)"

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the recent review of the contract, I made several observations regarding the clauses that require immediate attention. It is crucial that we do a thorough analysis of the terms to ensure compliance with the regulatory standards. Please make sure to address these points in the upcoming meeting to avoid any potential legal issues.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the recent review of the contract, I make several observations regarding the clauses that require immediate attention. It is crucial that we do a thorough analysis of the terms to ensure compliance with the regulatory standards. Please make sure to address these points in the upcoming meeting to avoid any potential legal issues.