English Reference

Word

legal department

Definition

compound. the part of a company or organization that handles all matters related to the law.

compound. the specialized division within a corporate or governmental entity responsible for providing legal advice, drafting contracts, and managing litigation.

Examples

“The legal department is reviewing the new contract.”

“If you have questions about the copyright on these images, you should contact our legal department.”

“The merger was delayed for several months while the legal department scrutinized the regulatory requirements of the foreign market.”

Examples

simple

“The legal department is reviewing the new contract.”

contextual

“If you have questions about the copyright on these images, you should contact our legal department.”

complex

“The merger was delayed for several months while the legal department scrutinized the regulatory requirements of the foreign market.”

Usage

often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to a specific company's team.

Teaching tip

this is a functional compound noun; help students distinguish it from 'law firm', which is an independent business rather than an internal department.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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