Common English Mistakes in Legal Memos by Ukrainian Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Confusion with word order ('Always I go to the store' instead of 'I always go to the store')

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In accordance with the agreement, must we ensure that all parties fulfill their duties by the end of the fiscal year. AWe alwayswe prioritize the client's interests, and it istherefore, it is crucial that the terms are clearly understood by alleveryone involved. Please review the attached document and confirm that all clauses arecomplianty with the current regulations.

Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I adjusted the word order and changed a few words to make the English sound more natural to a native speaker."

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In accordance with the agreement, must we ensure that all parties fulfill their duties by the end of the fiscal year. We always prioritize the client's interests, and it is therefore crucial that the terms are clearly understood by everyone involved. Please review the attached document and confirm that all clauses comply with the current regulations.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In accordance with the agreement, must we ensure that all parties fulfill their duties by the end of the fiscal year. Always we prioritize the client's interests, and therefore, it is crucial that the terms are clearly understood by all involved. Please review the attached document and confirm that all clauses are compliant with the current regulations.

Mistake Example #2

Skipping articles ('I bought car' instead of 'I bought a car')

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contract Terms I have reviewed thecontract and found several clauses that require clarification. CThe client has expressed concern regardingthe termination clause and its implications. Please advise on how we can address these issues to ensure theagreement is satisfactory for both parties.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"This looks very good overall. Just a reminder to use articles in your writing as needed."

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contract Terms I have reviewed the contract and found several clauses that require clarification. The client has expressed concern regarding the termination clause and its implications. Please advise on how we can address these issues to ensure the agreement is satisfactory for both parties.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contract Terms I have reviewed contract and found several clauses that require clarification. Client has expressed concern regarding termination clause and its implications. Please advise on how we can address these issues to ensure agreement is satisfactory for both parties.

Mistake Example #3

Using 'will' incorrectly in conditionals ('If it will rain, I will stay' instead of 'If it rains, I will stay')

To: Legal Department Subject: Contract Review If the client willagrees to the terms, we will proceed with the signing next week. However, if there will bare any objections, we will need to schedule another meeting to discuss potential amendments. Please let me know if you willhave any questions regarding this process.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I made some changes to the verb tense. Otherwise, it sounds great!"

To: Legal Department Subject: Contract Review If the client agrees to the terms, we will proceed with the signing next week. However, if there are any objections, we will need to schedule another meeting to discuss potential amendments. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this process.

To: Legal Department Subject: Contract Review If the client will agree to the terms, we will proceed with the signing next week. However, if there will be any objections, we will need to schedule another meeting to discuss potential amendments. Please let me know if you will have any questions regarding this process.