Vocabulary Words Every Legal Office Receptionist Should Know

Client

Definition: A person or organization that receives services from a professional.

• The lawyer met with a client to discuss the case.
• She is a client at the local hair salon.
• The company values every client highly.

Client in a sentence

Lawyer

Definition: A professional who practices law and represents clients in legal matters.

• The lawyer prepared the case for court.
• She wants to become a lawyer to help others.
• Understanding the role of a lawyer is crucial in legal issues.

Lawyer in a sentence

Case

Definition: A particular situation or example.

• In this case, we need to find a solution.
• The teacher explained the case of the missing book.
• He carried his glasses in a protective case.

Case in a sentence

Court

Definition: A place where legal cases are heard.

• The judge works in a court.
• He went to court for the trial.
• The court decides on important matters.

Court in a sentence

File

Definition: A collection of documents or data stored together.

• I need to organize my files on the computer.
• He saved the file in a new folder.
• Please check the file for the latest updates.

File in a sentence

Document

Definition: A written or printed paper that provides information.

• Please sign the document.
• I need to read this document carefully.
• They stored the document in a safe place.

Document in a sentence

Meeting

Definition: A gathering of people to discuss something.

• We have a meeting to plan the event.
• She prepared for the meeting with her team.
• The meeting will start at 3 PM sharp.

Meeting in a sentence

Phone

Definition: A device used for communication, typically by voice.

• I called my friend on my phone.
• She sent a message on her phone.
• Please turn off your phone during class.

Phone in a sentence

Schedule

Definition: A plan that shows when tasks or events will happen.

• I have a busy schedule this week.
• She made a schedule for her study time.
• They checked the schedule for movie times.

Schedule in a sentence

Office

Definition: A place where people work, often in an administrative capacity.

• She works in an office downtown.
• They have a meeting in the office tomorrow.
• His office is very organized and tidy.

Office in a sentence

Help

Definition: To assist someone with something.

• Can you help me with my homework?
• She helped her mother in the kitchen.
• He always helps his friends.

Help in a sentence

Sign

Definition: A symbol or notice that provides information or directions.

• The sign shows where to find the restrooms.
• Please read the sign before entering.
• They put up a sign for the event.

Sign in a sentence

Form

Definition: The shape or structure of something; also can mean to create.

• The teacher asked us to fill out a form.
• He likes to form new ideas during discussions.
• Understanding the different forms of art can enhance appreciation.

Form in a sentence

Payment

Definition: Money given for goods or services.

• I made my payment for the concert tickets.
• The payment is due at the end of the month.
• We can process your payment online.

Payment in a sentence

Assistant

Definition: A person who helps or assists in a specific task or role.

• The waiter was a helpful assistant during dinner.
• She worked as an assistant to the school principal.
• His assistant organized his schedule for the week.

Assistant in a sentence

Message

Definition: A piece of information sent from one person to another.

• I received a message from my friend.
• Please send me a message when you arrive.
• The message was clear and easy to understand.

Message in a sentence

Appointment

Definition: A scheduled meeting or arrangement.

• I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon.
• She made an appointment to see the dentist.
• His appointment was confirmed by email.

Appointment in a sentence

Support

Definition: To help or provide assistance to someone or something.

• Friends should support each other.
• The community came together to support the event.
• We need to support local businesses.

Support in a sentence

Information

Definition: Facts or details about a subject.

• I need more information about the project.
• The teacher provides information on how to study.
• You can find information online for your research.

Information in a sentence

Service

Definition: The action of helping or doing work for someone.

• The restaurant provides excellent service to its customers.
• We offer a service to help students with their studies.
• Volunteering is a way to give back to the community through service.

Service in a sentence

Report

Definition: A spoken or written account of something.

• I need to write a report about my science project.
• The news report covered the recent event.
• He will report the findings to the class.

Report in a sentence

Reception

Definition: The act of receiving or welcoming someone; also refers to a front desk in an office.

• The reception at the hotel was friendly.
• She works at the reception desk of the office.
• They held a reception to celebrate the achievement.

Reception in a sentence

Inquiry

Definition: the act of asking questions to gain information

• The teacher encouraged inquiry during the lesson.
• Her inquiry into science led to many discoveries.
• Understanding inquiry promotes critical thinking.

Inquiry in a sentence

Greeting

Definition: A polite word or sign of welcome; an expression of goodwill.

• She gave him a friendly greeting when he arrived.
• The greeting card said "Happy Birthday!"
• A warm greeting can make someone feel welcome.

Greeting in a sentence

Attorney

Definition: A person who is licensed to practice law and represent clients.

• He hired an attorney to help with his case.
• The attorney explained the legal process to her.
• She wants to become an attorney after finishing law school.

Attorney in a sentence

Phone Call

Definition: A conversation conducted over a telephone.

• She made a phone call to her friend after school.
• He received a phone call from his teacher.
• They scheduled a phone call to discuss the project.

Phone Call in a sentence

Receptionist

Definition: A person who greets visitors and handles inquiries at a front desk.

• The receptionist answered the phone politely.
• She works as a receptionist at a busy office.
• The receptionist helped me find the right room.

Receptionist in a sentence

Legal

Definition: Relating to the law; permitted by law.

• It is legal to drive at age sixteen in our state.
• We should follow all legal rules in our community.
• He studied legal issues in school.

Legal in a sentence

Procedure

Definition: a series of steps to accomplish a task

• Follow the procedure to complete the assignment.
• The procedure for the experiment was explained.
• He learned the procedure for making cookies.

Procedure in a sentence

Correspondence

Definition: Written communication, often between people or organizations.

• She kept a correspondence with her pen pal in another country.
• The company values correspondence with its customers.
• Understanding correspondence is important in business communication.

Correspondence in a sentence

Record

Definition: To capture or store information; a written account of something.

• I will record the lecture for later.
• They set a new record in the race.
• She likes to record her thoughts in a journal.

Record in a sentence

Litigation

Definition: The process of taking legal action; a lawsuit.

• Litigation can be expensive and time-consuming.
• They decided to avoid litigation and settle.
• She studied litigation in law school.

Litigation in a sentence

Subpoena

Definition: A legal document that orders someone to appear in court or produce evidence.

• She received a subpoena to testify as a witness.
• The lawyer issued a subpoena for the missing documents.
• He was nervous about the subpoena he received in the mail.

Subpoena in a sentence

Affidavit

Definition: a written statement made under oath

• He signed an affidavit to confirm his identity.
• The lawyer submitted an affidavit to the court.
• An affidavit is often used as evidence in legal matters.

Affidavit in a sentence

Deposition

Definition: a formal statement made under oath; the act of removing someone from office

• The lawyer took her deposition on the events of that day.
• His deposition was crucial to the case.
• They scheduled a deposition for next week.

Deposition in a sentence

Mediation

Definition: A process where a neutral third party helps resolve a dispute between two sides.

• Mediation can help settle conflicts without going to court.
• She acted as a mediator during the discussion.
• Understanding mediation techniques can help in negotiations.

Mediation in a sentence

Jurisdiction

Definition: The official power to make legal decisions and judgments; the area of authority.

• The court has jurisdiction over criminal cases.
• Understanding jurisdiction is important in law.
• They debated the jurisdiction of the local court.

Jurisdiction in a sentence

Contract

Definition: A formal agreement between two or more parties.

• They signed a contract for the new job.
• The contract outlines the terms of the agreement.
• It's important to read a contract carefully before signing.

Contract in a sentence

Negotiation

Definition: A discussion aimed at reaching an agreement.

• The negotiation between the two companies took weeks.
• They entered into negotiation to settle the dispute.
• Successful negotiation requires good communication skills.

Negotiation in a sentence

Filing

Definition: The process of organizing and storing documents or information.

• She spent the afternoon filing important papers.
• He is responsible for filing all the reports.
• Understanding filing systems is essential for organization.

Filing in a sentence

Evidence

Definition: the information that helps prove something

• The detective found evidence at the scene.
• She presented evidence to support her argument.
• The evidence showed that he was telling the truth.

Evidence in a sentence

Settlement

Definition: An official agreement or a community where people live.

• The peace settlement ended the conflict.
• They moved to a new settlement in the countryside.
• The settlement was established many years ago.

Settlement in a sentence

Hearing

Definition: The ability to perceive sounds; also refers to a formal meeting to listen to evidence.

• Her hearing is very sharp, and she notices sounds easily.
• The judge scheduled a hearing for the case next week.
• He had difficulty hearing in noisy environments.

Hearing in a sentence

Plaintiff

Definition: A person who brings a case against another in a court of law.

• The plaintiff argued that the contract was broken.
• In the trial, the plaintiff presented evidence to support her claim.
• The plaintiff is seeking damages for the accident.

Plaintiff in a sentence

Defendant

Definition: A person accused of a crime in a court of law.

• The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
• The lawyer defended the defendant during the trial.
• He was nervous as the defendant in the case.

Defendant in a sentence

Brief

Definition: Short in duration or extent; concise.

• He gave a brief summary of the meeting.
• The teacher's explanation was brief and clear.
• We had a brief chat before class started.

Brief in a sentence

Paralegal

Definition: A person trained to assist lawyers in legal work but not qualified to practice law.

• The paralegal prepared documents for the trial.
• She works as a paralegal in a law firm.
• Paralegals play an important role in legal processes.

Paralegal in a sentence

Statute

Definition: A written law passed by a legislative body.

• The new statute aims to protect the environment.
• She learned about the statute during her civics class.
• Understanding statutes is important for knowing our rights.

Statute in a sentence

Compliance

Definition: Following rules or standards.

• The company is in compliance with safety regulations.
• They ensured compliance with the new laws.
• She checked for compliance with the guidelines.

Compliance in a sentence

Liability

Definition: the state of being responsible for something, especially in law

• He accepted liability for the accident.
• The company has a liability to its employees.
• Understanding liability is important in business.

Liability in a sentence

Confidentiality

Definition: The state of keeping information secret or private.

• The company values the confidentiality of its clients.
• She signed an agreement to ensure confidentiality.
• Maintaining confidentiality is important in counseling.

Confidentiality in a sentence

Testimony

Definition: A formal statement or evidence, often given in court; personal account of an experience.

• Her testimony helped the jury understand the case.
• He gave a testimony about his experience.
• The testimony was important for the trial.

Testimony in a sentence

Witness

Definition: A person who sees an event, often a crime, and can provide information.

• The witness testified at the trial.
• She was a witness to the accident and reported it.
• Witnesses play a crucial role in legal cases.

Witness in a sentence

Claim

Definition: To state something as a fact or to assert a right to something.

• He will claim his prize at the ceremony.
• She made a claim about her invention.
• You need to claim your lost items at the office.

Claim in a sentence

Appeal

Definition: to make a request for a decision to be reviewed

• The student decided to appeal the exam results.
• His speech had an emotional appeal that moved many.
• Understanding appeal helps in discussions about rights.

Appeal in a sentence

Discovery

Definition: The act of finding or learning something new.

• The scientist made a great discovery.
• Her discovery changed the way we think about health.
• They celebrated the discovery of a new species.

Discovery in a sentence

Arbitration

Definition: A process where a neutral third party helps resolve disputes between two sides.

• Arbitration is often used to settle business disagreements.
• They agreed to arbitration to avoid going to court.
• Understanding arbitration can help in conflict resolution.

Arbitration in a sentence

Docket

Definition: A list of items, such as cases or tasks, to be discussed or acted upon.

• The docket included several important cases for review.
• The judge reviewed the docket before the session started.
• Checking the docket helps keep track of pending matters.

Docket in a sentence

Tort

Definition: A wrongful act leading to legal liability; a civil wrong.

• A tort can result in a lawsuit.
• She filed a tort claim for damages.
• Understanding tort law is important for legal studies.

Tort in a sentence

Negligence

Definition: failure to take proper care; lack of attention

• His negligence led to an accident at work.
• Understanding negligence is essential in law.
• She was sued for negligence after the incident.

Negligence in a sentence

Precedent

Definition: An action or decision that serves as an example for future situations.

• The court's ruling set a legal precedent.
• They referred to a precedent in their argument.
• Understanding precedent is crucial in law and governance.

Precedent in a sentence

Retainer

Definition: A fee paid in advance to secure services, often from a professional.

• She paid a retainer to the lawyer for ongoing legal advice.
• The consultant requires a retainer for their services.
• With a retainer, you ensure access to expert help when needed.

Retainer in a sentence

Counsel

Definition: To give advice or guidance to someone; also refers to a person who provides support.

• She went to a counselor for help with her studies.
• He decided to counsel students in need.
• The teacher offered counsel on how to improve grades.

Counsel in a sentence

Motion

Definition: The act of moving or changing position.

• The motion of the car was smooth on the road.
• He studied the motion of planets in science.
• Her hand made a motion to wave goodbye.

Motion in a sentence

Clause

Definition: A group of words with a subject and verb.

• A clause can be independent or dependent.
• The sentence has a main clause and a subordinate clause.
• He identified the clause in the sentence.

Clause in a sentence

Indemnity

Definition: Security or protection against a financial loss or damage.

• The policy offered indemnity against theft.
• They sought indemnity for damages caused by the storm.
• Indemnity clauses are common in contracts.

Indemnity in a sentence

Adversarial

Definition: Involving opposition or conflict.

• The adversarial nature of the debate made it intense.
• Adversarial relationships can create tension in teams.
• He preferred collaborative rather than adversarial approaches.

Adversarial in a sentence

Summons

Definition: a legal document ordering someone to attend court

• She received a summons for jury duty.
• The lawyer presented the summons to the defendant.
• He was surprised by the summons in the mail.

Summons in a sentence

Resolution

Definition: A firm decision to do or not do something; also refers to solving a problem.

• She made a resolution to exercise more this year.
• The resolution of the conflict took time.
• He found a resolution to his problem after thinking.

Resolution in a sentence

Evidentiary

Definition: Relating to evidence or its use in legal contexts.

• The evidentiary rules guided the trial process.
• She studied evidentiary standards in law school.
• Understanding evidentiary concepts is crucial in court.

Evidentiary in a sentence

Trademark

Definition: A recognizable sign, design, or expression that distinguishes products or services of a particular source.

• The logo is a registered trademark of the company.
• He filed for a trademark to protect his brand.
• Understanding trademarks helps prevent infringement.

Trademark in a sentence

Patent

Definition: A legal right granted to an inventor to exclude others from making their invention.

• He applied for a patent for his new invention.
• A patent protects the inventor's ideas.
• Understanding patents is important for entrepreneurs.

Patent in a sentence

Intellectual Property

Definition: Creations of the mind, such as inventions or artistic works.

• Protecting intellectual property is important for creators.
• She filed a patent for her intellectual property.
• Understanding intellectual property rights is essential.

Intellectual Property in a sentence

Litigation Support

Definition: assistance provided during legal disputes

• Litigation support includes gathering evidence and research.
• She works in litigation support to help lawyers.
• Understanding litigation support is important for legal processes.

Due Diligence

Definition: The careful review and consideration of important information.

• Due diligence is necessary before making big decisions.
• He conducted due diligence before investing in the company.
• Performing due diligence helps prevent mistakes.

Litigation Strategy

Definition: A plan for how to approach a legal case in court.

• The lawyer developed a litigation strategy for the trial.
• He discussed their litigation strategy with the team.
• A good litigation strategy can improve chances of success.

Case Law

Definition: Law established by the outcome of former court cases.

• Case law is important for understanding legal principles.
• They studied case law to prepare for the exam.
• Understanding case law helps in legal decision-making.

Case Law in a sentence

Injunction

Definition: a legal order that requires someone to do or refrain from doing something

• The court issued an injunction against the company.
• An injunction can stop harmful activities.
• She filed for an injunction to protect her rights.

Injunction in a sentence

Verdict

Definition: A decision made by a jury or judge in a court case.

• The jury reached a verdict after hours of deliberation.
• The verdict was announced in the courtroom.
• He awaited the verdict with anxiety.

Verdict in a sentence

Tortfeasor

Definition: A person or entity that commits a tort.

• The tortfeasor was held responsible for the damages.
• Understanding the role of a tortfeasor is important in law.
• In court, the tortfeasor must justify their actions.

Tortfeasor in a sentence

Sanctions

Definition: Official penalties or restrictions imposed on individuals or countries.

• Economic sanctions were placed on the country.
• Sanctions can affect international relations.
• The UN imposed sanctions to encourage compliance.

Probative

Definition: Having the effect of proving something; providing evidence.

• The evidence was deemed probative in court.
• Probative value is crucial in legal proceedings.
• Such facts are probative and can influence the case outcome.

Probative in a sentence

Jurisdictional

Definition: Related to the authority of a court or organization to make legal decisions.

• The jurisdictional rules determine which court hears the case.
• She questioned the jurisdictional limits of the court.
• Understanding jurisdictional matters is crucial in law.

Jurisdictional in a sentence

Pleadings

Definition: formal written statements in a legal case

• The pleadings outlined the arguments from both sides.
• The lawyer reviewed the pleadings before the trial.
• Understanding pleadings is crucial in legal procedures.

Counterclaim

Definition: A claim made to offset another claim in a legal case.

• The lawyer filed a counterclaim against the plaintiff.
• His counterclaim argued that he was not at fault.
• Understanding counterclaims is important in legal studies.

Counterclaim in a sentence

Expert Witness

Definition: A person with specialized knowledge who testifies in court.

• The expert witness provided valuable insights during the trial.
• Her testimony as an expert witness was crucial for the case.
• Understanding the role of an expert witness is important in law.

Expert Witness in a sentence

Discovery Request

Definition: A formal request for information or documents, often in legal contexts.

• The lawyer submitted a discovery request for evidence.
• She learned about the discovery request in law class.
• Understanding discovery requests is crucial for legal proceedings.

Legalese

Definition: The formal and technical language used in legal documents.

• Legalese can be confusing for many people.
• He translated the legalese into simpler terms.
• The contract was full of legalese that was hard to understand.

Legalese in a sentence

Memorandum

Definition: A written message, especially in a business context, used for communication.

• They issued a memorandum to inform employees of changes.
• The memorandum included important deadlines.
• He wrote a memorandum to document the meeting minutes.

Memorandum in a sentence

Stipulation

Definition: A condition or requirement specified in an agreement.

• The contract had a stipulation about payment.
• He accepted the job with the stipulation of a raise.
• Understanding stipulations is important in negotiations.

Stipulation in a sentence

Pro Bono

Definition: Legal work done voluntarily and without payment.

• The lawyer took the case pro bono to help the community.
• Pro bono services are essential for those who cannot afford legal help.
• Many firms encourage lawyers to do pro bono work.

Pro Bono in a sentence

Tortious

Definition: Relating to or involving a tort; wrongful act leading to civil legal liability.

• His actions were considered tortious and led to a lawsuit.
• Understanding tortious behavior helps in legal cases.
• A tortious act can result in compensation for damages.

Tortious in a sentence

Equitable

Definition: Fair and just; treating everyone in a way that is fair.

• The teacher strives to create an equitable classroom.
• They discussed equitable solutions for the community.
• Understanding equitable practices can promote fairness.

Equitable in a sentence

Enforceable

Definition: Able to be enforced or compelled by law; legally valid.

• The contract was enforceable in a court of law.
• She made sure the agreement was enforceable before signing.
• Understanding enforceable terms is important in contracts.

Enforceable in a sentence

Fiduciary

Definition: A person entrusted with the responsibility to manage someone else's money or assets.

• A fiduciary must act in the best interest of their clients.
• He serves as a fiduciary for the family trust.
• Understanding fiduciary duties is essential in finance.

Fiduciary in a sentence

Malpractice

Definition: improper or negligent treatment by a professional

• The doctor was sued for malpractice after the incident.
• She studied malpractice cases in medical school.
• Malpractice can lead to serious consequences.

Malpractice in a sentence

Settlement Agreement

Definition: A legal document that outlines the terms of a resolution between parties.

• They signed a settlement agreement to resolve the dispute.
• The settlement agreement included compensation terms.
• Understanding the settlement agreement was important for both sides.

Tort Reform

Definition: Changes to the legal system that aim to reduce frivolous lawsuits.

• The government discussed tort reform to improve fairness.
• Tort reform can help businesses manage risks.
• Understanding tort reform is important for policymakers.

Punitive Damages

Definition: Compensation awarded in a lawsuit to punish the defendant.

• The court awarded punitive damages to the victim.
• Punitive damages are meant to discourage wrongdoing.
• They sought punitive damages for the harm caused.

Punitive Damages in a sentence

Class Action

Definition: A legal action filed by a group of people with similar claims.

• The class action lawsuit was filed against the company.
• They joined the class action to seek justice.
• Class actions can help many people at once.

Class Action in a sentence

Arbitration Clause

Definition: a section in a contract requiring arbitration for disputes

• The arbitration clause helped avoid lengthy court battles.
• She included an arbitration clause in her contract.
• Understanding the arbitration clause is important before signing.

Arbitration Clause in a sentence

Conflict Of Interest

Definition: A situation where someone's personal interests could influence their professional decisions.

• The lawyer disclosed a conflict of interest in the case.
• Understanding conflict of interest is important in ethics.
• She avoided any conflict of interest in her work.

Conflict Of Interest in a sentence

Non-disclosure Agreement

Definition: a legal contract that keeps information confidential

• They signed a non-disclosure agreement before discussing the project.
• The non-disclosure agreement protects sensitive business information.
• Understanding non-disclosure agreements is important in business.

Disclosure

Definition: The act of making something known or revealing information.

• The disclosure of the report surprised everyone.
• He signed a disclosure agreement before sharing details.
• Transparency requires timely disclosure of important information.

Disclosure in a sentence