The article is devoted to the problems that arise while teaching speaking and listening in a foreign language of students with insufficient language training at universities of law. This article reveals the problems faced by both students and teachers. The authors propose ways to solve these problems. The article provides examples from the personal experience of teachers on removing difficulties in classes; attention is paid to the need for independent study of students. The issue of motivation to learn a foreign language and the possibility of its improvement among students is touched upon. The role of the teacher’s personality is highlighted and the need for special methodological techniques that the teacher uses in classes creating favorable conditions for learning.