Law Offices - Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab

Level	Topic	Speakers	Length
Easy	Law Practice	Man – Woman	00:48

Pre-Listening Exercise

Chefs make food at restaurants. Teachers help students learn. Police officers fight crime. Postal carriers deliver mail.

So, what do lawyers do exactly? Think of an example before you listen to the conversation.

Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!

These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, exploring ideas, and sharing opinions.

In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way?
In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms.
For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate.

Everyone should consult a lawyer before signing an important contract.
Lawyers are too expensive for most people to afford.
You don’t need a lawyer for small legal problems.
Lawyers should always give honest advice, even if it’s not what you want to hear.
It’s better to represent yourself in court than to hire a lawyer.
People should hire a lawyer if they don’t understand their legal rights.
A good lawyer can help you win any case.
It’s not necessary to have a lawyer if you are innocent.
Lawyers should always explain legal terms clearly to their clients.
Everyone should know how to find a lawyer when they need one.

“behind bars” = in jail
“The police will put you behind bars if you break into that store.”

“keep your nose clean” = stay out of trouble
“You need to keep your nose clean, or you will lose your job.”

Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)

Here are some words and expressions that appear in the recording:

do for a living: do a job to earn money
– What did your father do for a living before he retired?
study (noun): the activity of learning something
– Becoming a lawyer takes years of study and preparation.
drop by (verb): visit informally
– I’ll drop by your house tonight around 8:00 p.m.

Does the woman’s job sound interesting? Do you want to have a job like hers? Why or why not? Retell her background and work experience.

Use the internet to find the five highest paying jobs in your country. Then, discuss the jobs that interest you most.