# Basic Spanish for Lawyers
## 155+ Essential Phrases for Attorneys Working with Spanish-Speaking Clients

**Price:** $19 | **Format:** Markdown + PDF  
**Category:** Legal / Language Learning  
**Sections:** 10 + Quick-Reference Cards  
**Design:** Navy blue + deep burgundy/maroon — professional legal theme

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> **⚠️ Important Disclaimers:**
> 
> **Legal Disclaimer:** This workbook is a communication aid — NOT legal advice, NOT a substitute for professional interpretation, and NOT a replacement for a qualified legal interpreter. Attorneys are ethically obligated to ensure accurate communication with clients. Using this workbook does not satisfy your professional responsibility to provide competent representation.
>
> **Interpreter Disclaimer:** For depositions, sworn testimony, plea hearings, detailed case discussions, and any document a client must sign under oath, you MUST use a certified legal interpreter. These phrases are for basic intake, scheduling, simple instructions, and initial rapport-building only. Never use a family member — especially a minor child — as an interpreter for legal matters.
>
> **Notario Warning:** In the US, a notary public is NOT an attorney and cannot give legal advice. Warn Spanish-speaking clients: "Un notario en Estados Unidos no es un abogado."

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## 📖 How to Use This Workbook

- **Learn Sections 1 and 8 first** — initial meetings and client instructions are your highest-frequency interactions.
- **Practice phonetics out loud.** The pronunciation guides use English-friendly syllables.
- **Keep the Quick-Reference Cards** at your desk or in your briefcase.
- **Use these phrases for rapport, not for substance.** Legal concepts, rights, obligations, and consequences MUST be communicated through a qualified interpreter.
- **Invite questions.** Many Spanish-speaking clients hesitate to ask. Say: "No hay preguntas malas" (There are no bad questions).

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## 📋 Section 1: Initial Client Meeting & Intake (20 Phrases)

First contact with a Spanish-speaking client. Build trust from the first handshake.

| # | English | Español | Pronunciation |
|---|---------|---------|---------------|
| 1 | Hello, I'm your attorney | **Hola, soy su abogado/a** | OH-lah, soy soo ah-boh-GAH-doh/dah |
| 2 | Tell me what happened | **Cuénteme qué pasó** | KWEHN-teh-may kay pah-SOH |
| 3 | Do you speak English or prefer Spanish? | **¿Habla inglés o prefiere español?** | AH-blah een-GLEHS oh preh-fee-EH-ray es-pahn-YOHL |
| 4 | Is this your first time meeting with a lawyer? | **¿Es la primera vez que se reúne con un abogado?** | ess la pree-MEH-rah vehs kay say reh-OO-nay kon oon ah-boh-GAH-doh |
| 5 | Do you have any documents with you? | **¿Trae algún documento?** | TRY-eh ahl-GOON doh-koo-MEN-toh |
| 6 | Please bring me all your paperwork | **Por favor, tráigame todos sus documentos** | por fah-VOR, TRY-gah-may TOH-dohs soos doh-koo-MEN-tohs |
| 7 | I'm going to ask you some questions | **Voy a hacerle algunas preguntas** | voy ah ah-SEHR-lay ahl-GOO-nahs preh-GOON-tahs |
| 8 | Everything you tell me is confidential | **Todo lo que me diga es confidencial** | TOH-doh loh kay may DEE-gah ess kon-fee-den-see-AHL |
| 9 | Take your time — there's no rush | **Tómese su tiempo — no hay prisa** | TOH-meh-say soo tee-EM-poh — no eye PREE-sah |
| 10 | What is your full legal name? | **¿Cuál es su nombre legal completo?** | kwahl ess soo NOHM-bray leh-GAHL kom-PLEH-toh |
| 11 | What is your date of birth? | **¿Cuál es su fecha de nacimiento?** | kwahl ess soo FEH-chah day nah-see-mee-EN-toh |
| 12 | Do you have identification? | **¿Tiene identificación?** | tee-EH-nay ee-den-tee-fee-kah-see-OWN |
| 13 | What is your address? | **¿Cuál es su dirección?** | kwahl ess soo dee-rek-see-OWN |
| 14 | What is your phone number? | **¿Cuál es su número de teléfono?** | kwahl ess soo NOO-meh-roh day teh-LEH-foh-noh |
| 15 | Do you have an email address? | **¿Tiene correo electrónico?** | tee-EH-nay koh-REH-oh eh-lek-TROH-nee-koh |
| 16 | Have you spoken to another attorney about this? | **¿Ha hablado con otro abogado sobre esto?** | ah ah-BLAH-doh kon OH-troh ah-boh-GAH-doh SOH-bray ES-toh |
| 17 | I need to verify some information | **Necesito verificar cierta información** | neh-seh-SEE-toh veh-ree-fee-KAHR see-EHR-tah een-for-mah-see-OWN |
| 18 | Do you understand what I'm saying? | **¿Entiende lo que le digo?** | en-tee-EN-day loh kay lay DEE-goh |
| 19 | Please stop me if you don't understand | **Por favor, deténgame si no entiende** | por fah-VOR, deh-TEN-gah-may see no en-tee-EN-day |
| 20 | I'm here to protect your rights | **Estoy aquí para proteger sus derechos** | es-TOY ah-KEE PAH-rah proh-teh-HEHR soos deh-REH-chohs |

---

## ⚖️ Section 2: Explaining Legal Processes (20 Phrases)

Help clients understand what's happening and what comes next.

| # | English | Español | Pronunciation |
|---|---------|---------|---------------|
| 21 | This is how the court system works | **Así funciona el sistema judicial** | ah-SEE foon-see-OH-nah el sees-TEH-mah hoo-dee-see-AHL |
| 22 | Here's what will happen next | **Esto es lo que va a pasar ahora** | ES-toh ess loh kay vah ah pah-SAHR ah-OH-rah |
| 23 | You have a court date on ___ | **Tiene una cita en la corte el ___** | tee-EH-nay OO-nah SEE-tah en la KOHR-tay el ___ |
| 24 | The judge will ask you ___ | **El juez/la jueza le preguntará ___** | el hwehs/la HWEH-sah lay preh-goon-tah-RAH ___ |
| 25 | The prosecutor is ___ | **El/La fiscal es ___** | el/la fees-KAHL ess ___ |
| 26 | This is a civil case | **Este es un caso civil** | ES-tay ess oon KAH-soh see-VEEL |
| 27 | This is a criminal case | **Este es un caso penal** | ES-tay ess oon KAH-soh peh-NAHL |
| 28 | You have the right to ___ | **Usted tiene derecho a ___** | oos-TED tee-EH-nay deh-REH-choh ah ___ |
| 29 | These are your legal options | **Estas son sus opciones legales** | ES-tahs son soos ohp-see-OH-ness leh-GAH-less |
| 30 | The process will take approximately ___ | **El proceso tomará aproximadamente ___** | el proh-SEH-soh toh-mah-RAH ah-prok-see-mah-dah-MEN-tay ___ |
| 31 | We need to file this document | **Necesitamos presentar este documento** | neh-seh-see-TAH-mohs preh-sen-TAHR ES-tay doh-koo-MEN-toh |
| 32 | A hearing is scheduled for ___ | **Hay una audiencia programada para el ___** | eye OO-nah ow-dee-EN-see-ah proh-grah-MAH-dah PAH-rah el ___ |
| 33 | You will need to testify | **Usted tendrá que testificar** | oos-TED ten-DRAH kay tes-tee-fee-KAHR |
| 34 | The opposing party is ___ | **La parte contraria es ___** | la PAHR-tay kon-TRAH-ree-ah ess ___ |
| 35 | We are waiting for a decision | **Estamos esperando una decisión** | es-TAH-mohs es-peh-RAHN-doh OO-nah deh-see-see-OWN |
| 36 | The statute of limitations is ___ | **El plazo de prescripción es ___** | el PLAH-soh day pres-kreep-see-OWN ess ___ |
| 37 | This is a settlement conference | **Esta es una conferencia de conciliación** | ES-tah ess OO-nah kon-feh-REN-see-ah day kon-see-lee-ah-see-OWN |
| 38 | We have the right to appeal | **Tenemos derecho a apelar** | teh-NEH-mohs deh-REH-choh ah ah-peh-LAHR |
| 39 | I will explain this in more detail | **Le explicaré esto con más detalle** | lay eks-plee-kah-REH ES-toh kon mahs deh-TAH-yeh |
| 40 | Do you have any questions so far? | **¿Tiene preguntas hasta ahora?** | tee-EH-nay preh-GOON-tahs AHS-tah ah-OH-rah |

---

## 🔒 Section 3: Criminal Law (20 Phrases)

For criminal defense attorneys and public defenders. (Includes Miranda warning in Spanish.)

| # | English | Español | Pronunciation |
|---|---------|---------|---------------|
| 41 | You've been charged with ___ | **Se le ha acusado de ___** | say lay ah ah-koo-SAH-doh day ___ |
| 42 | This is a felony | **Esto es un delito grave** | ES-toh ess oon deh-LEE-toh GRAH-vay |
| 43 | This is a misdemeanor | **Esto es un delito menor** | ES-toh ess oon deh-LEE-toh meh-NOHR |
| 44 | You have a bail hearing | **Tiene una audiencia de fianza** | tee-EH-nay OO-nah ow-dee-EN-see-ah day fee-AHN-sah |
| 45 | We may be able to get bail reduced | **Podríamos lograr que reduzcan la fianza** | poh-DREE-ah-mohs loh-GRAHR kay reh-DOOS-kahn la fee-AHN-sah |
| 46 | The prosecution offered a plea bargain | **La fiscalía ofreció un acuerdo de culpabilidad** | la fees-kah-LEE-ah oh-freh-see-OH oon ah-KWEHR-doh day kool-pah-bee-lee-DAHD |
| 47 | Guilty | **Culpable** | kool-PAH-blay |
| 48 | Not guilty | **Inocente** | ee-noh-SEN-tay |
| 49 | No contest | **Sin impugnar / Nolo contendere** | seen eem-poog-NAHR / NOH-loh kon-TEN-deh-ray |
| 50 | Plea agreement | **Acuerdo de declaración de culpabilidad** | ah-KWEHR-doh day deh-klah-rah-see-OWN day kool-pah-bee-lee-DAHD |
| 51 | Trial date | **Fecha del juicio** | FEH-chah del HOO-ee-see-oh |
| 52 | Sentencing hearing | **Audiencia de sentencia** | ow-dee-EN-see-ah day sen-TEN-see-ah |
| 53 | Probation | **Libertad condicional** | lee-behr-TAHD kon-dee-see-oh-NAHL |
| 54 | Parole | **Libertad bajo palabra** | lee-behr-TAHD BAH-hoh pah-LAH-brah |
| 55 | Self-defense | **Defensa propia** | deh-FEN-sah PROH-pee-ah |
| 56 | Alibi | **Coartada** | koh-ahr-TAH-dah |
| 57 | I advise you to remain silent | **Le aconsejo que guarde silencio** | lay ah-kon-SEH-hoh kay GWAHR-day see-LEN-see-oh |
| 58 | Don't speak to anyone about your case | **No hable con nadie sobre su caso** | no AH-blay kon NAH-dee-ay SOH-bray soo KAH-soh |
| 59 | The burden of proof is on the prosecution | **La carga de la prueba recae en la fiscalía** | la KAHR-gah day la PRWEH-bah reh-KY-eh en la fees-kah-LEE-ah |
| 60 | Presumption of innocence | **Presunción de inocencia** | preh-soon-see-OWN day ee-noh-SEN-see-ah |

---

## 🌐 Section 4: Immigration Law (15 Phrases)

Essential terms for immigration attorneys and accredited representatives.

| # | English | Español | Pronunciation |
|---|---------|---------|---------------|
| 61 | Visa application | **Solicitud de visa** | soh-lee-see-TOOD day VEE-sah |
| 62 | Green card / Permanent residency | **Residencia permanente / Green card** | reh-see-DEN-see-ah pehr-mah-NEN-tay |
| 63 | Citizenship / Naturalization | **Ciudadanía / Naturalización** | see-oo-dah-dah-NEE-ah / nah-too-rah-lee-sah-see-OWN |
| 64 | Deportation / Removal proceedings | **Deportación / Proceso de remoción** | deh-por-tah-see-OWN / proh-SEH-soh day reh-moh-see-OWN |
| 65 | Asylum application | **Solicitud de asilo** | soh-lee-see-TOOD day ah-SEE-loh |
| 66 | Work permit | **Permiso de trabajo** | pehr-MEE-soh day trah-BAH-hoh |
| 67 | Sponsor / Petitioner | **Patrocinador / Peticionario** | pah-troh-see-nah-DOHR / peh-tee-see-oh-NAH-ree-oh |
| 68 | Biometrics appointment | **Cita de datos biométricos** | SEE-tah day DAH-tohs bee-oh-MEH-tree-kohs |
| 69 | Immigration court | **Corte de inmigración** | KOHR-tay day een-mee-grah-see-OWN |
| 70 | DACA | **DACA / Acción Diferida** | DAH-kah / ak-see-OWN deh-feh-REE-dah |
| 71 | Renewal | **Renovación** | reh-noh-vah-see-OWN |
| 72 | Adjustment of status | **Ajuste de estatus** | ah-HOOS-tay day es-TAH-toos |
| 73 | You may be eligible for relief | **Usted podría ser elegible para alivio migratorio** | oos-TED poh-DREE-ah sehr eh-leh-HEE-blay PAH-rah ah-LEE-vee-oh mee-grah-TOH-ree-oh |
| 74 | Do not leave the country without consulting me | **No salga del país sin consultarme** | no SAHL-gah del pah-EES seen kon-sool-TAHR-may |
| 75 | We will prepare you for your interview | **Lo/La prepararemos para su entrevista** | loh/lah preh-pah-rah-REH-mohs PAH-rah soo en-treh-VEES-tah |

---

## 👨‍👩‍👧 Section 5: Family Law (20 Phrases)

For divorce, custody, support, and protection order cases.

| # | English | Español | Pronunciation |
|---|---------|---------|---------------|
| 76 | Divorce | **Divorcio** | dee-VOHR-see-oh |
| 77 | Legal separation | **Separación legal** | seh-pah-rah-see-OWN leh-GAHL |
| 78 | Child custody | **Custodia de los hijos** | koos-TOH-dee-ah day los EE-hohs |
| 79 | Visitation rights | **Derecho de visitas** | deh-REH-choh day vee-SEE-tahs |
| 80 | Child support | **Manutención de menores** | mah-noo-ten-see-OWN day meh-NOH-res |
| 81 | Alimony / Spousal support | **Pensión alimenticia / Manutención conyugal** | pen-see-OWN ah-lee-men-TEE-see-ah / mah-noo-ten-see-OWN kon-yoo-GAHL |
| 82 | Restraining order / Protection order | **Orden de restricción / Orden de protección** | OHR-den day res-treek-see-OWN / OHR-den day proh-tek-see-OWN |
| 83 | Domestic violence | **Violencia doméstica** | vee-oh-LEN-see-ah doh-MES-tee-kah |
| 84 | Division of property | **División de bienes** | dee-vee-see-OWN day bee-EH-ness |
| 85 | Parenting plan | **Plan de crianza** | plahn day kree-AHN-sah |
| 86 | Mediation | **Mediación** | meh-dee-ah-see-OWN |
| 87 | Paternity | **Paternidad** | pah-tehr-nee-DAHD |
| 88 | Adoption | **Adopción** | ah-dop-see-OWN |
| 89 | The court will decide what's in the child's best interest | **La corte decidirá lo que sea mejor para el/la menor** | la KOHR-tay deh-see-dee-RAH loh kay SAY-ah meh-HOHR PAH-rah el/la meh-NOHR |
| 90 | You must follow the court order | **Debe cumplir con la orden judicial** | DEH-bay koom-PLEER kon la OHR-den hoo-dee-see-AHL |
| 91 | We can request a modification | **Podemos solicitar una modificación** | poh-DEH-mohs soh-lee-see-TAHR OO-nah moh-dee-fee-kah-see-OWN |
| 92 | The other parent is requesting ___ | **El otro padre/la otra madre está solicitando ___** | el OH-troh PAH-dray/la OH-trah MAH-dray es-TAH soh-lee-see-TAHN-doh ___ |
| 93 | You have the right to be heard | **Usted tiene derecho a ser escuchado/a** | oos-TED tee-EH-nay deh-REH-choh ah sehr es-koo-CHAH-doh/dah |
| 94 | This is a no-fault divorce | **Este es un divorcio sin culpa** | ES-tay ess oon dee-VOHR-see-oh seen KOOL-pah |
| 95 | The marital assets will be divided | **Los bienes conyugales se dividirán** | los bee-EH-ness kon-yoo-GAH-less say dee-vee-dee-RAHN |

---

## 🏥 Section 6: Personal Injury & Accidents (15 Phrases)

For plaintiffs' attorneys and personal injury practices.

| # | English | Español | Pronunciation |
|---|---------|---------|---------------|
| 96 | Accident report | **Informe del accidente** | een-FOHR-may del ak-see-DEN-tay |
| 97 | Injuries sustained | **Lesiones sufridas** | leh-see-OH-ness soo-FREE-dahs |
| 98 | Medical treatment | **Tratamiento médico** | trah-tah-mee-EN-toh MEH-dee-koh |
| 99 | Lost wages | **Salarios perdidos** | sah-LAH-ree-ohs pehr-DEE-dohs |
| 100 | Pain and suffering | **Dolor y sufrimiento** | doh-LOHR ee soo-free-mee-EN-toh |
| 101 | Insurance claim | **Reclamo al seguro** | reh-KLAH-moh al seh-GOO-roh |
| 102 | Settlement offer | **Oferta de acuerdo** | oh-FEHR-tah day ah-KWEHR-doh |
| 103 | Liability / Fault | **Responsabilidad / Culpa** | res-pon-sah-bee-lee-DAHD / KOOL-pah |
| 104 | Statute of limitations | **Plazo de prescripción** | PLAH-soh day pres-kreep-see-OWN |
| 105 | Demand letter | **Carta de reclamación** | KAHR-tah day reh-klah-mah-see-OWN |
| 106 | Were you taken to the hospital? | **¿Lo/La llevaron al hospital?** | loh/lah yeh-VAH-rohn al ohs-pee-TAHL |
| 107 | Do you have photos of the accident? | **¿Tiene fotos del accidente?** | tee-EH-nay FOH-tohs del ak-see-DEN-tay |
| 108 | Did you speak to the insurance company? | **¿Habló con la compañía de seguros?** | ah-BLOH kon la kom-pah-NYEE-ah day seh-GOO-rohs |
| 109 | Don't sign anything from the insurance company | **No firme nada de la compañía de seguros** | no FEER-may NAH-dah day la kom-pah-NYEE-ah day seh-GOO-rohs |
| 110 | We will negotiate on your behalf | **Negociaremos en su nombre** | neh-goh-see-ah-REH-mohs en soo NOHM-bray |

---

## 🏛️ Section 7: Courtroom & Hearing Phrases (15 Phrases)

Key phrases you'll hear and use in court.

| # | English | Español | Pronunciation |
|---|---------|---------|---------------|
| 111 | Your Honor | **Su Señoría** | soo sen-yoh-REE-ah |
| 112 | Objection! | **¡Objeción!** | ob-heh-see-OWN |
| 113 | Sustained | **Ha lugar / Se concede** | ah loo-GAHR / say kon-SEH-day |
| 114 | Overruled | **No ha lugar / Se deniega** | no ah loo-GAHR / say deh-nee-EH-gah |
| 115 | Witness | **Testigo** | tes-TEE-goh |
| 116 | Testimony | **Testimonio** | tes-tee-MOH-nee-oh |
| 117 | Evidence / Exhibit | **Prueba / Exhibición** | PRWEH-bah / eks-ee-bee-see-OWN |
| 118 | Cross-examination | **Contrainterrogatorio** | kon-trah-een-teh-roh-gah-TOH-ree-oh |
| 119 | Opening statement | **Declaración inicial** | deh-klah-rah-see-OWN ee-nee-see-AHL |
| 120 | Closing statement | **Declaración final** | deh-klah-rah-see-OWN fee-NAHL |
| 121 | Approach the bench | **Acérquese al estrado** | ah-SEHR-keh-say al es-TRAH-doh |
| 122 | Please rise | **Póngase de pie, por favor** | POHN-gah-say day pee-EH, por fah-VOR |
| 123 | Court is in session | **La corte está en sesión** | la KOHR-tay es-TAH en seh-see-OWN |
| 124 | Do you swear to tell the truth? | **¿Jura decir la verdad?** | HOO-rah deh-SEER la behr-DAHD |
| 125 | The jury will disregard that statement | **El jurado ignorará esa declaración** | el hoo-RAH-doh eeg-noh-rah-RAH EH-sah deh-klah-rah-see-OWN |

---

## 📝 Section 8: Client Instructions & Legal Advice (15 Phrases)

Critical directions your client must understand and follow.

| # | English | Español | Pronunciation |
|---|---------|---------|---------------|
| 126 | Sign here | **Firme aquí** | FEER-may ah-KEE |
| 127 | Don't sign anything without me | **No firme nada sin mí** | no FEER-may NAH-dah seen MEE |
| 128 | Don't speak to the police without me | **No hable con la policía sin mí** | no AH-blay kon la poh-lee-SEE-ah seen MEE |
| 129 | Don't discuss your case with anyone | **No hable de su caso con nadie** | no AH-blay day soo KAH-soh kon NAH-dee-ay |
| 130 | Bring these documents | **Traiga estos documentos** | TRY-gah ES-tohs doh-koo-MEN-tohs |
| 131 | You must appear in court | **Debe presentarse en la corte** | DEH-bay preh-sen-TAHR-say en la KOHR-tay |
| 132 | This is very important | **Esto es muy importante** | ES-toh ess mwee eem-por-TAHN-tay |
| 133 | Answer only what they ask | **Conteste solo lo que le pregunten** | kon-TES-tay SOH-loh loh kay lay preh-GOON-ten |
| 134 | Tell the truth | **Diga la verdad** | DEE-gah la behr-DAHD |
| 135 | I will be with you | **Yo estaré con usted** | yoh es-tah-REH kon oos-TED |
| 136 | Call me immediately if ___ | **Llámeme inmediatamente si ___** | YAH-meh-may een-meh-dee-ah-tah-MEN-tay see ___ |
| 137 | Keep copies of everything | **Guarde copias de todo** | GWAHR-day KOH-pee-ahs day TOH-doh |
| 138 | Don't post about this on social media | **No publique nada de esto en las redes sociales** | no poo-BLEE-kay NAH-dah day ES-toh en las REH-dess soh-see-AH-less |
| 139 | Be on time for court | **Llegue a tiempo a la corte** | YEH-gay ah tee-EM-poh ah la KOHR-tay |
| 140 | Dress professionally for court | **Vístase profesionalmente para la corte** | VEES-tah-say proh-feh-see-oh-nahl-MEN-tay PAH-rah la KOHR-tay |

---

## 💼 Section 9: Fees, Payment & Office Matters (15 Phrases)

Clear communication about money and office procedures.

| # | English | Español | Pronunciation |
|---|---------|---------|---------------|
| 141 | Consultation fee | **Tarifa de consulta** | tah-REE-fah day kon-SOOL-tah |
| 142 | Retainer agreement | **Contrato de servicios legales / Anticipo** | kon-TRAH-toh day sehr-VEE-see-ohs leh-GAH-less / ahn-tee-SEE-poh |
| 143 | Payment plan | **Plan de pagos** | plahn day PAH-gohs |
| 144 | Hourly rate | **Tarifa por hora** | tah-REE-fah por OH-rah |
| 145 | Flat fee | **Tarifa fija** | tah-REE-fah FEE-hah |
| 146 | Invoice / Bill | **Factura / Cuenta** | fak-TOO-rah / KWEHN-tah |
| 147 | Due date | **Fecha de vencimiento** | FEH-chah day ven-see-mee-EN-toh |
| 148 | I can't take your case at this time | **No puedo tomar su caso en este momento** | no PWEH-doh toh-MAHR soo KAH-soh en ES-tay moh-MEN-toh |
| 149 | I need a translator for our meeting | **Necesito un intérprete para nuestra reunión** | neh-seh-SEE-toh oon een-TEHR-preh-tay PAH-rah NWEHS-trah reh-oon-YOHN |
| 150 | Please call my office | **Por favor, llame a mi oficina** | por fah-VOR, YAH-may ah mee oh-fee-SEE-nah |
| 151 | My assistant will help you | **Mi asistente le ayudará** | mee ah-sees-TEN-tay lay ah-yoo-dah-RAH |
| 152 | We accept credit cards | **Aceptamos tarjetas de crédito** | ah-sep-TAH-mohs tar-HEH-tahs day KREH-dee-toh |
| 153 | This is the fee agreement — please review it | **Este es el acuerdo de honorarios — por favor, revíselo** | ES-tay ess el ah-KWEHR-doh day oh-noh-RAH-ree-ohs — por fah-VOR, reh-VEE-say-loh |
| 154 | You will receive an invoice monthly | **Recibirá una factura mensual** | reh-see-bee-RAH OO-nah fak-TOO-rah men-SWAHL |
| 155 | There are no hidden fees | **No hay cargos ocultos** | no eye KAHR-gohs oh-KOOL-tohs |

---

## 🌎 Section 10: Cultural Tips for Lawyers

Understanding cultural context is as important as knowing the words.

### Trust and Authority
- Many Spanish-speaking clients come from countries where the legal system is viewed as corrupt or adversarial to ordinary people. Your client may be deeply suspicious — of you, of the system, of the outcome. Earn trust through consistency, honesty, and patience.
- Always use **usted** (formal "you"). Using **tú** (informal) with an adult client can be perceived as disrespectful. All phrases in this workbook use **usted**.

### Legal System Differences
- In many Latin American countries, the legal system is inquisitorial (judge-led investigation), not adversarial (two sides arguing before a neutral judge). Your client may not understand cross-examination, jury trials, or plea bargaining. Explain these concepts simply.
- Written decisions and formal legal documents carry enormous weight. If you say "I'll send you something in writing," follow through — your word in writing builds credibility.
- The concept of a public defender may be unfamiliar or viewed with suspicion. Explain the role clearly and positively if relevant.

### Family and Decision-Making
- Major decisions often involve the entire family — not just the individual client. Spouses, parents, and adult children may expect to be consulted. Ask: "Would you like to discuss this with your family before deciding?"
- Clients may nod or say "sí" (yes) out of respect, not agreement. Follow up: "Can you tell me in your own words what we decided today?" to confirm understanding.

### Immigration-Related Fears
- If you're not an immigration attorney and your case involves a client who is undocumented, they may fear any interaction with the legal system. Acknowledge this directly: "Entiendo que pueda tener preocupaciones sobre su estatus migratorio" (I understand you may have concerns about your immigration status).
- Reassure them about attorney-client confidentiality and explain its limits clearly.

### ⚠️ Notario Fraud Warning
- In many Latin American countries, a **notario público** is a highly trained legal professional, similar to an attorney. In the US, a notary public is NOT a lawyer and cannot give legal advice. Unscrupulous individuals exploit this confusion — warn your clients: "Un notario en Estados Unidos no es un abogado. No puede darle consejos legales."

### When to Use a Certified Interpreter
- **Always for:** Depositions, trial testimony, sworn statements, plea hearings, detailed case discussions, any document the client must sign under oath.
- **You may use these phrases for:** Greetings, scheduling, collecting basic intake information, simple instructions.
- **Never use:** A family member (especially a child) as an interpreter. They may have conflicting interests, emotional involvement, or lack the vocabulary for precise legal concepts. A minor error in translation can have catastrophic legal consequences.
- Professional telephonic interpretation services are available 24/7 and cost far less than a mistranslated plea agreement.

### Building the Relationship
- A brief personal exchange — "¿Cómo está su familia?" (How is your family?) — before diving into legal matters is culturally normal and builds trust. It's not small talk; it's relationship groundwork.
- Many clients will hesitate to ask questions, fearing they'll appear ignorant. Invite questions explicitly: "No hay preguntas malas. Por favor, pregúnteme cualquier cosa." (There are no bad questions. Please ask me anything.)

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## 🃏 Quick-Reference Cards

### Top 10 Courtroom Phrases

| # | English | Español | Say It Like |
|---|---------|---------|-------------|
| 1 | Your Honor | **Su Señoría** | soo sen-yoh-REE-ah |
| 2 | Objection! | **¡Objeción!** | ob-heh-see-OWN |
| 3 | Tell me what happened | **Cuénteme qué pasó** | KWEHN-teh-may kay pah-SOH |
| 4 | You have the right to ___ | **Tiene derecho a ___** | tee-EH-nay deh-REH-choh ah ___ |
| 5 | Everything you tell me is confidential | **Todo lo que me diga es confidencial** | TOH-doh loh kay may DEE-gah ess kon-fee-den-see-AHL |
| 6 | Don't sign anything without me | **No firme nada sin mí** | no FEER-may NAH-dah seen MEE |
| 7 | You must appear in court | **Debe presentarse en la corte** | DEH-bay preh-sen-TAHR-say en la KOHR-tay |
| 8 | Sign here | **Firme aquí** | FEER-may ah-KEE |
| 9 | Do you understand? | **¿Entiende?** | en-tee-EN-day |
| 10 | I'm here to protect your rights | **Estoy aquí para proteger sus derechos** | es-TOY ah-KEE PAH-rah proh-teh-HEHR soos deh-REH-chohs |

### Client Meeting Cheat Sheet

| English | Español |
|---------|---------|
| Hello, I'm your attorney | **Hola, soy su abogado/a** |
| Tell me what happened | **Cuénteme qué pasó** |
| Everything is confidential | **Todo es confidencial** |
| Do you have any documents? | **¿Trae algún documento?** |
| This is a civil case / criminal case | **Este es un caso civil / penal** |
| You have a court date on ___ | **Tiene una cita en la corte el ___** |
| Don't speak to the police | **No hable con la policía** |
| Sign here | **Firme aquí** |
| I will be with you | **Yo estaré con usted** |
| Call my office | **Llame a mi oficina** |

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