The best approach is to try to become an “autonomous learner”, that is, a professional able and willing to proactively take charge of his or her own language development.
Just as we are ultimately our own career managers, we are also responsible for developing our own language skills.
When it comes to working in English, every Dutch lawyer has a different history, different aptitudes, different interests and different skills—not even to mention a different area of law and different clients. Each of us has our own style. We enjoy learning in different ways, and we each experience language in different ways. This is why it is so important for each of us to take charge of our own language learning.
So ask yourself this: Are you hoping that your English will improve “naturally” because of the work crossing your desk? Or the courses being offered by your organisation?
Or are you in charge?
Greg Korbee (December 2013)