Throughout my career, I've focused extensively on matters pertaining to construction and real estate, navigating complex legal frameworks and ensuring the smooth execution of various projects. However, I recognize the importance of continually expanding my knowledge and honing my skills, especially in a dynamic field like law.

Being a part of Bright Lawyers presents an exciting opportunity for me to immerse myself in Legal English, gaining insights into nuanced terminology and legal principles that are crucial in my area of expertise. I anticipate that this experience will not only strengthen my ability to communicate effectively with international clients and colleagues but also enhance my overall professional competence.

Furthermore, I look forward to collaborating with fellow participants and engaging in interactive learning activities that will broaden my perspective and contribute to my growth as a legal practitioner. I am confident that the knowledge and skills acquired through this program will empower me to provide even greater value to my clients and excel in my legal career.

I currently run my own law office alongside my colleague, Slobodan. My primary focus is on property law and contract law, but I'm eagerly looking forward to expanding my expertise into IT law and serving foreign clients and BL certainly brought me closer to this goal. During 5 months program I have significantly improved my English language skills and I am happy about the contracts and materials we got. Participating in the Bright Lawyers program has provided me with invaluable insights into these new areas of law.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Speakers for the Future program, and I look forward to acquiring new skills and knowledge that will enrich my legal practice and my speaking skills.

Thank you for this opportunity, and I am excited for the continuation of the Bright Lawyers program!

Warm regards, Miljana Bosin

It was a pleasure collaborating with all of you during a couple of months last year practicing together legal English lessons and in the same time improving other skills. I am really happy to have opportunity to continue activities through Speaking for the future project and big thanks to our colleague Karolina and her dedication. Besides, I had the opportunity to attend several projects abroad in Poland, Cyprus Spain and Malta and to practice my English skills and learn new things. I also met new friends from all around the Europe. Cant wait to start with new projects and learn new skills. Thanks! Mladen

My name is Rajna Jankovic, and I'm a lawyer based in Novi Sad, Serbia. Since graduating, I've gained valuable experience working both in public notary offices and in private law firms. My professional interests lie primarily in the realms of IT law and labor law, where I find the intersection of technology and employment regulations particularly intriguing.

In addition to my legal work, I am deeply committed to volunteerism, particularly in areas of public interest law, social security law, and animal law. Giving back to my community through pro bono legal services is a fulfilling aspect of my life, and I am dedicated to advocating for those in need.

Despite my experience and dedication to the legal field, I recognize the importance of continuous learning and improvement. That's why I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in Speakers for the Future. One of my primary goals is to enhance my legal vocabulary, allowing me to communicate more effectively and confidently in professional settings but also to get self confidence while speaking in public or in court. I am excited to learn more about debate technics and argumentation construction.

I'm grateful for this opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills, and I'm looking forward to engaging with fellow participants and instructors throughout this course.

Thank you for this opportunity!

Warm regards, Rajna Jankovic

My name is Veljko Martinovic, and I've been practicing law as an attorney since 2020. I'm excited to be a part of this additional course as it presents an invaluable opportunity for me to broaden my English skills and open up new avenues for working with international clients. We do not have an opportunity to improve speaking skills in combination of negotiation, debate etc. so I am very glad to be part of the project. I am also happy to had chance to participate at Erasmus plus training course project in Bulgaria as it was great chance to practice English language skills during 8 projects days communication with other participants coming from 5 different countries.

My professional interests primarily revolve around labor and criminal law. However, I am eager to explore other areas of law and deepen my expertise through this course.

I believe that enhancing my proficiency in legal English enabled me to better serve my clients but also facilitate effective communication and collaboration with legal professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Thank you for this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing on this learning journey with all of you.

Best regards, Veljko Martinovic

I hope you're all doing well. My name is Tea Kordić, and I'm excited to continue with the course but also to meet up all of you from the other group. I completed my studies in 2021 and have since been gaining valuable experience as a trainee attorney at a law office.

In my current role, I primarily focus on contracts and corporate law. However, I'm eager to broaden my knowledge and skills by exploring various other fields of law during my internship. I believe that exposure to diverse legal areas will not only enrich my understanding of the law but also help me become a more versatile and effective legal professional.

One of my goals in joining this course is to improve my English skills, particularly in the context of legal language and communication. I understand the importance of being able to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues from different linguistic backgrounds, and I'm excited about the opportunity to enhance my language proficiency through this program.

I'm looking forward to learning and growing alongside all of you. Here's to a rewarding and enjoyable experience together!

Warm regards, Tea Kordić

I've been practicing as an attorney at law for the past six years, and throughout this time, I've had the privilege of running my own office in Novi Sad. My expertise lies primarily in Commercial and Real Estate Law, where I've had the opportunity to assist clients in navigating complex legal matters and transactions.

In addition to my role as a lawyer, I am also a certified mediator. I strongly believe in the power of mediation as a more efficient and collaborative approach to dispute resolution. By facilitating open communication and understanding between parties, mediation offers a promising path towards resolving conflicts amicably and expeditiously.

Outside of work, I have a passion for travel and enjoy spending my free time immersed in nature. Whether it's hiking in the mountains or exploring new destinations, I find solace and inspiration in the great outdoors.

Once again, I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this project, and I'm looking forward to the knowledge exchange and growth that lies ahead.

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to gain valuable experience in various international M&A cases, which have further enriched my understanding of cross-border legal frameworks and business transactions. Looking ahead, my plan is to expand my professional focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues in the coming years. I believe that addressing ESG concerns is not only ethically imperative but also integral to building sustainable and resilient businesses in today's global landscape.

I am truly honored to be a part of this program, and I'm eager to embrace the new challenges and opportunities it presents. I'm excited about the prospect of acquiring new knowledge, honing my skills, and most importantly, meeting and collaborating with new colleagues who share my passion for the legal profession.

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, and I look forward to the journey ahead!

Working in these diverse areas of law has been both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to navigate complex legal issues and provide valuable assistance to my clients. Whether it's resolving disputes in employment matters, facilitating commercial transactions, drafting contracts, or addressing issues related to civil wrongs and liabilities, I am committed to delivering efficient and effective legal solutions.

I am deeply honored to be a part of this project, as it presents an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth. I am eager to engage in collaborative learning, exchange insights with fellow participants, and broaden my knowledge and skills in various aspects of the legal profession. Thanks Karolina for initiating this project.

I hope you're all doing well. My name is Rade, and I'm excited to share a bit about myself with you. I'm currently immersed in the fascinating world of administrative law within high school system.

While administrative law keeps me busy, my true passion lies in company law. There's something about the intricate workings of corporate structures and regulations that really captivates me.

In terms of my professional journey, I've had the privilege of gaining diverse experiences in various legal domains. During my two-year internship, I delved into commercial, litigation, and banking law, handling a wide range of cases and transactions.

Additionally, I spent a year working at a notary public office, specializing in real estate law. This role provided me with invaluable insights into property transactions and legal documentation.

Furthermore, I've had the opportunity to work in the banking sector, where I was involved in selling credit products, executing advertising campaigns, and serving as an external legal associate. These experiences broadened my understanding of financial regulations and corporate governance.

As I embark on this new chapter, I am eager to expand my knowledge of English legal language, professional terminology, and legal principles. I believe that mastering these aspects will not only enhance my professional capabilities but also enable me to effectively navigate the global legal landscape.

Thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself, and I look forward to learning and growing together in this program.

I am excited to continue on our program as the first part was insightful and valuable to legal career. I recently passed Bar exam and started to work as self practitioner. To be honest this term I learnt during the Bright Lawyers project and it was new for me. I am happy to get opportunity to expand my skills and knowledge with all of you.

Throughout my legal journey, I've developed a keen interest in various fields, with a primary focus on civil law. Within civil law, I find myself particularly drawn to the intricacies of contract law, where the nuances of agreements and obligations fascinate me. However, my curiosity extends beyond contracts, as I actively engage in learning and practicing employment law and commercial law.

I look forward to contributing to the legal community and making a positive impact in the field of law. Luna.

While my office is located in the small city of Stara Pazova, I haven't limited myself to a specific area of law. Instead, I've chosen to embrace a wide range of legal matters, primarily focusing on civil law.

Within civil law, I handle various aspects, including property law, contract law, family law, inheritance law, and litigation. Additionally, I've dabbled in criminal law and law of torts. I have significantly improved my English skills with Bright Lawyers program that gave me valuable basis for legal vocabulary and more professional approach towards my foreign clients. Furthermore I became more confident in approaching foreign clients as my knowledge improved. I am so happy to continuing with additional program with all of you.

Beyond the realm of law, music holds a special place in my heart. For the past 19 years, I've been passionate about DJ-ing and have had the privilege of performing both in Serbia and abroad. Music provides me with a creative outlet and serves as a source of joy and fulfillment in my life.

Thank you for allowing me to share a bit about myself. I'm excited to embark on this journey of improving my English language skills and expanding my legal knowledge. Here's to new beginnings and exciting opportunities!

My academic background and professional interests are centered around international relations and the international protection of human rights. I am deeply passionate about understanding the complexities of global governance and advocating for the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of nationality or background.

As part of this project, I am excited about the opportunity to expand my knowledge, speaking and communication skills as well as negotiation skills. For a diplomatic career, it is crucial to develop these skills, as they are not typically cultivated within the formal education system. Mastering the intricacies of legal terminology and communication in English is essential for effectively navigating the international legal landscape and engaging in meaningful dialogue with legal professionals from around the world.

I am eager to learn from the experiences and insights of fellow participants and instructors throughout this project. Together, I am confident that we can enhance our language skills and deepen our understanding of legal concepts in an international context.

I've been practicing as an attorney at law since 2020, primarily focusing on civil law, specifically labor law and the law of torts.

I joined this class with the intention of enhancing my English proficiency, particularly in the realms of labor law and contracts and the program exceeded my expectations as the methods were creative and different than formal education system that is usually boring. I expanded my legal vocabulary which helped me to effectively communicate and navigate the intricacies of legal matters with my clients.

Unfortunately, I am unable to actively participate in the new program at the moment, as I am expecting a baby soon. However, I am committed to self-study and engagement with the course materials expected to be published on this platform to continue my professional development.

Thank you for understanding, and I look forward to rejoining the class in the future with new colleague participants

Best regards, we keep in touch, Jelena Marić

I am delighted to meet up and grateful for the opportunity to connect with all of you on improving our English proficiency together. I am still an attorney at law, operating as a sole practitioner with my office based in Temerin.

In my legal practice, I specialize in labor, tax, and commercial law. While I find immense fulfillment in serving my current clients, I am eager to expand my business and venture into international markets. To achieve this goal, I recognize the importance of improving my skills in contract drafting and mastering business communication in English.

Participating in this course presents a valuable opportunity for me to enhance my abilities in these areas, equipping me with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of cross-border transactions and effectively communicate with clients from diverse backgrounds.

I look forward to collaborating with each of you on new program and sharing insights as we progress through this course. Together, I am confident that we can achieve our goals and further develop our professional capabilities.

Thank you for your attention, and I am excited to continue this journey with all of you.

My name is Biljana Obradovic and I've been working as an attorney since 2021. I specialize in a wide range of legal services, primarily focusing on competition and commercial law. 

I look forward to gaining a more in-depth understanding of legal practices in the English language as well as communication skills, active listening and learning how to speak in public without stress. I am especially curious about debating and methods around it. Thanks for the opportunity!!! Biljana

My line of work is mostly in damages compensation and employment law, although I enjoy dealing with all kinds of legal issues.

I'm looking forward to learning and improving my legal English, and meeting colleagues as well as enhancing new skills such as speaking and writing. I would like to have chance to analyses famous speeches to improve our speaking and presenting skills. Meanwhile I registered an association motivated by Karolina's example to initiate and execute activities for local community. Thanks, Regards, Jug

I speak and write in English well, however, some improvements in legal vocabulary are always necessary and participation at Bright Lawyers program helped me improve my legal vocabulary. Looking forward to gain new skills all together.

I mostly work in the field of contract law, damages, misdemeanor and labor law. I am also very interested in IT law and intellectual property law.

During this project I look forward to expanding my knowledge of English in the fields of employment, contract, intellectual property law, etc … 😊

I believe that this course will bring me something new, whether it is a client, a friendship or maybe a new interest in another area of law, who knows! 

As some of you already know, I will soon take on a new role as an assistant at the Faculty of Law, working within the Department of Commercial Law. This position will allow me to share my expertise and contribute to the education of future legal professionals.

The reason for my participation in this course is to further develop my English language skills alongside with communication skills as a future professor I have to be skilled speaker. As the legal landscape becomes increasingly globalized, proficiency in English is essential for effectively engaging with international clients and understanding their legal needs.

Outside of my professional endeavors, I am passionate about motorcycles, skiing, and other extreme sports. These activities provide me with a sense of adventure and exhilaration, serving as a balance to the demands of my legal career.

I am excited to embark on this new learning journey with all of you and look forward to exchanging insights and experiences along the way.

Who am I?

I wish it was easy for me to say who am I. Well, I was known by all as a soldier, by many as a server, by some as an actor, by few as a firefighter. Now people call me a student of law. So that is who I am today, yet I believe myself to be man of philosophy, a student of knowledge, a scholar of life, and as an explorer! I believe in a strong body and a sharp mind.

I love learning new things and meeting new people, maybe that is why I love learning new languages. I have tried to learn as much languages as I can, so I’ve learned English throughout my travels as well as some Spanish. Maybe it’s the way I was raised, learning Slovak and French from a very young age.

So who am I? Well, for you I will maybe  be your debate teacher, or maybe I’ll be a dear colleague of yours, or maybe, just maybe, I will be someone you will be proud to call your friend 🙂

My name is Karolina, and I'm honored to be a part of the projects organizing team. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborated with all of you, both in sharing valuable insights and learning from each other during several months of "Bright Lawyers" implementation. I am happy that we managed to create this valuable community of legal professionals and hope to get chance to expand to other cities. I am honored to get chance to continue with improving soft skills through "Speakers for the Future" project where we will have chance to practice speaking and successful communication technics, to develop active listening and methods for prompt thinking and ability to give prompt answers. We will learn how to negotiate successfully and how to work in teams directing us toward leadership and active citizenship.

In addition to my legal background, I bring with me a wealth of experience gained throughout my academic and civic engagements. Graduated among 3% of best law students at the Faculty of Law University of Belgrade, generation 2009-2013 I realized the importance of leadership and continuing improvement. During my studies and as an active citizen, I had the opportunity to engage in debate, participate in numerous projects, and acquire a diverse set of skills. These experiences have shaped me into the individual I am today and have propelled me towards my goal of becoming a successful lawyer and an initiator, leader in my field.

My journey in law began in 2011, and since then, I have primarily focused on Media Law understanding the importance of media in democratic society, with additional expertise in Commercial Law and International Human Rights. My passion for law extends beyond the confines of the courtroom, as I am deeply committed to using my knowledge and skills to drive positive change in society.

Outside of work, I find joy in traveling and exploring the world, immersing myself in different cultures and experiences. These adventures not only enrich my personal life but also provide valuable perspectives that I bring to my professional endeavors. I look forward to collaborating with each of you and contributing to our collective success.

Warm regards, Karolina

• Voice tone

• The way he structured the information to make you want to hear more of what he had to say

• Her vulnerability, honesty and warmth

• Body language

• Storytelling skills

• Confident delivery

• Authentic approach

The Greek philosopher Aristotle teaches that writers can use three appeals to influence or persuade their audience:  logos, pathos, and ethos.

Logos (Logic): Writers can persuade their audience by using logical argument. Writers appeal to readers’ sense of logic by making claims and using factual evidence to support those claims. Writers also appeal to logic through reasoning, such as if/then statements (also called enthymemes or syllogisms).

Pathos (Emotion): Writers can persuade their audience by invoking emotion or relating to readers’ emotions. Writers can appeal to readers’ sense of emotion through emotionally charged stories, word choice, and imagery.

Ethos (Credibility): Writers can persuade their audience by demonstrating trustworthiness, good will towards the audience, and morality. Writers appeal to readers’ sense of trust by citing credible sources, asserting personal authority or subject matter expertise, or demonstrating good intent and morality.

TIPS FOR DOING A RHETORICAL ANALYSIS

Questions to Consider

When conducting a rhetorical analysis, consider the following questions:

• Who is the intended audience, and how does the writer tailor the writing to that audience?

• What is the purpose, and how does the writer tailor the writing to that purpose?

• What appeals does the writer make and how? Are those appeals an appropriate choice for the intended audience and purpose?

• What kind of style and tone is used, and how are they suitable for the intended audience and purpose?

• What do the chosen writing strategies in the writing reveal about the writer or culture that made it?

This set of questions was adapted from “Basic Questions for Rhetorical Analysis,” a resource from Brigham Young University’s Silvae Rhetoricae: http://rhetoric.byu.edu/Pedagogy/Rhetorical%20Analysis%20heuristic.htm

Elements to Consider

When answering those questions, look at and consider the following elements of the writing:

• Word Choice/Diction

• Structure

• Tone

• Use of sources

• Evidence

• Genre

These 13 simple tips will give you a solid foundation for using language and your own body to give the best presentations ever.  It has to be said that it really, really pays to practice before you get anywhere near the audience!

1. Stay hydrated. To keep your vocal cords and mouth from drying up, Up your liquid intake (e.g., water or tea) well in advance of your presentation.

2. Get enough vocal rest. If you spend the night before your presentation shouting at a football match or in a loud bar, you’re putting unnecessary strain on your voice for the next day.

3. Stand up straight, with your weight evenly distributed on both feet. Make sure your chest is relaxed and open; if you let it cave in, you can’t make the most of your voice, and you may come across as insecure.

4. Breathe in and out calmly and deeply, feeling your breath fill your chest down to your diaphragm. Practice exhaling for a long time and taking a deep breath before each long sentence, and definitely before starting your presentation. This means you can speak freely, without having to catch your breath in the middle of a sentence.

5. Maintain a natural and relaxed pitch to your voice. Avoid letting your voice get higher when you speak louder or when you’re nervous. Lower pitches are often more comfortable to hear.

6. Record your presentation when you rehearse (yes this is terrifying, but it does pay off!) and listen to the tone of your voice and how you express yourself. Are you speaking too loudly or too softly? Where can you improve? What comes across as confident? Are there any places where you sound unconvincing?

7. Don’t rush your ideas! Take a deep breath after each sentence and make good use of the short pause (see below). This will keep you focused and calm.

8. Watch your speaking speed. Speaking too quickly means your audience won’t catch what you’re saying. The entire point is to be heard and understood. Your message is the focus, and it’s a real shame if your speech obscures that.

9. Speak clearly. Sounds obvious, but it’s easy to mumble or slur your words when nervous. A fun exercise is to practice tongue twisters every now and then, pronouncing them as clearly as possible.

10. Use short sentences. The shorter the sentence, the easier it is to understand. Our brains are designed to focus on one core concept when listening, and longer sentences can decrease that focus. Put the most important statements directly at the beginning of a sentence and emphasize them (e.g., “We generated 3.5 million euros this year. 3.5 million!”).

11. Try not to use too many foreign words: they can seem sophisticated when you write your speech, but quickly lead to many listeners switching off. The average attention span is only 20 minutes, so calibrating the length of your presentation is important.

12. Hum! You can practice finding your own optimal speech volume and voice tone by humming a few times and then going straight to speaking a sentence. This will help you use the most pleasant and persuasive pitch of your voice.

13. Find your groove. Keep your presentation feeling as free and easy as possible.

Try to practice all these tips when you rehearse your presentation. You’ll soon see how much more confident you come across. You’ve started mastering great speaking skills already!

2. Negotiate the process. Don’t assume you’re both on the same page when it comes to determining when to meet, who should be present, what your agenda will be, and so on. Instead, carefully negotiate how you will negotiate in advance. Discussing such procedural issues will clear the way for much more focused talks.

3. Build rapport. Although it’s not always feasible to engage in small talk at the start of a negotiation (particularly if you’re on a tight deadline), doing so can bring real benefits, research shows. You and your counterpart may be more collaborative and likely to reach an agreement if you spend even just a few minutes trying to get to know each other. If you’re negotiating over email, even a brief introductory phone call may make a difference. This is one of the most valuable negotiation skills to master.

4. Listen actively. Once you start discussing substance, resist the common urge to think about what you’re going to say next while your counterpart is talking. Instead, listen carefully to her arguments, then paraphrase what you believe she said to check your understanding. Acknowledge any difficult feelings, like frustration, behind the message. Not only are you likely to acquire valuable information, but the other party may mimic your exemplary listening skills.

5. Ask good questions. You can gain more in integrative negotiation by asking lots of questions—ones that are likely to get helpful answers. Avoid asking “yes or no” questions and leading questions, such as “Don’t you think that’s a great idea?” Instead, craft neutral questions that encourage detailed responses, such as “Can you tell me about the challenges you’re facing this quarter?”

6. Search for smart tradeoffs. In a distributive negotiation, parties are often stuck making concessions and demands on a single issue, such as price. In integrative negotiation, you can capitalize on the presence of multiple issues to get both sides more of what they want. Specifically, try to identify issues that your counterpart cares deeply about that you value less. Then propose making a concession on that issue in exchange for a concession from her on an issue you value highly.

7. Be aware of the anchoring bias. Ample research shows that the first number mentioned in a negotiation, however arbitrary, exerts a powerful influence on the negotiation that follows. You can avoid being the next victim of the anchoring bias by making the first offer (or offers) and trying to anchor talks in your preferred direction. If the other side does anchor first, keep your aspirations and BATNA at the forefront of your mind, pausing to revisit them as needed.

8. Present multiple equivalent offers simultaneously (MESOs). Rather than making one offer at a time, consider presenting several offers at once. If your counterpart rejects all of them, ask him to tell you which one he liked best and why. Then work on your own to improve the offer, or try to brainstorm with the other party an option that pleases you both. This strategy of presenting multiple offers simultaneously decreases the odds of impasse and can promote more creative solutions.

9. Try a contingent contract. Negotiators often get stuck because they disagree about how a certain scenario will play out over time. In such cases, try proposing a contingent contract—in essence, a bet about how future events will unfold. For example, if you doubt a contractor’s claims that he can finish your home renovation project in three months, propose a contingent contract that will penalize him for late completion and/or reward him for early completion. If he truly believes his claims, he should have no problem accepting such terms.

10. Plan for the implementation stage. Another way to improve the long-term durability of your contract is to place milestones and deadlines in your contract to ensure that commitments are being met. You might also agree, in writing, to meet at regular intervals throughout the life of the contract to check in and, if necessary, renegotiate. In addition, adding a dispute-resolution clause that calls for the use of mediation or arbitration if a conflict arises can be a wise move.

communication needs to be:

1. Clear.

2. Concise.

3. Concrete.

4. Correct.

5. Coherent.

6. Complete.

7. Courteous.