Development of Professional Communicative Competence of Future Lawyers in the Process of Teaching English

Abstract

Abstract. Introduction. The article reveals the problem of developing the professional communicative competence of a future lawyer in the process of foreign language training as one of the most actual issues of higher education. Learner-centered and knowledge-centered learning environment of preparation of law students is underlined in the article. The author analyses different scientific approaches to the definition of professional communicative competence. This notion includes such components as speech skills and social-cultural set of knowledge both in language and in professional sphere and the ability to apply them effectively appropriately and creatively in practical professional legal situations.

The purpose of research is to analyze the main characteristics of professional communicative competence of future lawyer in the process of foreign language study and effective teaching methods of its development.

Results of research. The author exposes the effective teaching methods and technologies of law students’ professional communicative competence development in the process of learning English as a foreign language. The article describes communication-based activities that promote active foreign language learning and develop communicative competence of future lawyers in the process of learning English. These activities are grouped into game-based activities, teacher–student and student-student interaction, discussions and debates. New techniques for ensuring law students’ professional communicative competence development in the process of learning English on the basis of these types of activities are presented in the article. The course outline covers professional-oriented topics according to a particular area of law (Business Law, Health Care Law, Constitutional Law, Migration services, Environmental Law, Criminal Law, and Intellectual Property Law). A detailed description of communication-based practice for developing the professional communicative competence of future lawyers in the process of learning English is presented in this article.

Conclusion. Game-based, project-based and brainstorm activities, case studies, discussions have been established to be among the most effective means for future lawyers’ professional communicative competence development.