SamBen Services

I am happy to work with any individual or group. My focus typically goes toward lawyers, given my own background. But there is no limitation; if you or your group is motivated, I will be happy to work with you.

No. Many of my students and groups are lawyers and law firms, but I work with anyone from any field who is motivated.

As you have likely noticed, in France there is much discussion concerning Legal English. But I recall vividly that when I was a first-year law student at Stanford, one my best professors made a key point: the best legal writing is simply writing that is clear and unambiguous. Sometimes there are legal (and business) terms that one must use, but never forget the key point: clarity of expression is what will win points with your listener (reader). Never fall into the trap of thinking that since you used “heretofore” and “aforementioned” that you automatically sound smart.

Yes. We will decide together on the scope and level of the material to be covered.

Each student or group provokes a different setting. My overall goal is always to be efficient but for the courses to be enjoyable. I will typically have prepared several different exercises for each session. So a class might consist initially of a little informal conversation, then listening to an oral presentation (video, audio file, or even me reading a passage). Then as a group we will discuss the material we just viewed / heard, and clarify any terms or usages that may have been new to the student / class. Throughout the class I very actively use the chat box to exchange with the students, and to memorialize points for subsequent renewed study.

Both. If you have special concerns, or a particular goal, we will identify that during our initial time together. I can always accommodate such concerns. But most of my students are interested in improving overall, and I work with this in mind. But my focus is always on the specific individual (or specific group).

The vast majority of my work is performed remotely, using the platform Zoom. There is no charge to the student to use Zoom, my office covers this. If you have a strong need for a different platform, I am amenable to discussing the point.

On quite infrequent occasions, I will travel within France. This generally occurs because I am asked to provide a seminar type presentation. Feel free to inquire.

I have a preference for Zoom, although I have used many different platforms.

If it is an individual student, the class normally lasts sixty minutes. If there are several participants, then the class is more likely to last ninety minutes to ensure each participant has maximum time to practice. Other lengths of time can be accommodated, but this requires prior discussion and clear agreement. I do not want the student to lose focus simply because the class is too long. If you need to improve rapidly, a better approach is to consider more frequent classes, not to spend an unduly long amount of time that simply becomes unproductive.

I personally (or sometimes with an associate if there are numerous students starting together) will meet with you for an informal evaluation of your current abilities. SamBen uses the A1 through C2 scale, a standard European assessment framework (CEFR).

The student decides this, with my input and advice.

Yes, of course. I have helped individuals prepare for specific important client meetings, networking conferences, formal presentations, and much more. There is no limit to what we can do if we work together professionally and collaboratively.

This is not, regrettably, a simple question. As the answers above illustrate, there are countless ways in which we might work together. I am a highly experienced former U.S. federal litigator, and my professional services in the United States—pour user d’une litote—ne sont point dérisoires. But I live in France, and I take genuine pleasure in helping the French, who have always treated me with extraordinary kindness. We will find an arrangement that works for both of us.

Absolutely. Normally there will be a convention signed if it is a group setting. If it is an individual, then a simple accord or contract.

Yes.

Please just send me an email via the contact page here at this website. I will respond to you as promptly as possible. We will set up a time for an initial phone call or Zoom meeting and we will take it from there.

Just a basic idea of what your goals are. We can discuss them and work together to find what works best for you.

The initial consultation is free of charge. It usually lasts thirty minutes.

You have many options, as both you and I know. If you are looking at this page, I am going to assume you have come to the realization that – for better or worse – American English has come to dominate the international stage. I remember when this was not the case, but that is a subject for another day. Most of my students and firms deal extensively with the international community, whether it is American businesses, American lawyers, international firms in Asia, or anywhere in the world. I am comfortable with all of this. It may or may not suit your immediate needs. If we chat we can figure that out.

I was a law professor in Los Angeles, and I taught all of the graduate school and related higher education entrance exams (LSAT, GMAT, GRE, MCAT, SAT and so forth.). In recent years, I have worked with students hoping to attend U.S. law schools. But that will not be our work here, at least not directly.

Only you can answer this question to your own satisfaction. But my answer is simple: yes.