There are few environments where a mistranslation is as costly as a courtroom. That’s why legal translation is so crucial, as well as so specialized. That’s why it’s essential to only trust the experts – certified translators who are not only linguists, but legal experts too. Read on to discover more about these skilled professionals, and find out why certified translation services in Washington DC are particularly sought after.
Certified interpreters vs. certified translators
To begin with, you might be wondering how a certified interpreter is different from a certified translator. While both are skilled, certified language professionals who work to break down language barriers, there is quite a simple distinction between the two roles: interpreters translate the spoken word, while translators focus on written content.
- Certified interpreters translate interactions that take place in courtrooms, and usually work in real time to relay the messages and accounts of lawyers, witnesses, or judges. They also interpret the spoken components of meetings between lawyers and clients with different language backgrounds, or other spoken interactions such as police interviews, witness conversations, or even pre-trial conferences and discussions.
- Certified translators, meanwhile, translate all the written paperwork that underpins each and every legal process. Their work may not be as immediately visible, but it’s certainly no less important; in fact, it is a fundamental aspect of the justice system, and ensures that everyone involved has the documentation they need in their language of choice.
The primary focus of this article is on certified translators, and in a city such as Washington DC, where international legal matters play out on a daily basis, these professionals have an essential role to play, bridging national boundaries and forging connections between the world’s different legal systems.
What is legal translation?
Legal translation is a highly specialized branch of translation. That’s because legal translators are not only language experts, with native-level fluency in both languages of the pair they work with. In addition, they also understand both legal systems, including the processes and protocols, many complex legal terms, as well as how legal conventions differ between jurisdictions.
Legal translators handle a wide range of legal documents, translating everything from lengthy, binding contracts, to court judgments, witness statements, or birth certificates.
A lot is at stake with legal translation; it’s not just the risk of sounding unprofessional with a poorly worded translation. In the legal sector, a mistranslation can lead to disputes, delays, or even invalidate proceedings. That’s why, often, a certified translator is required, as this means the linguist has passed a certification exam (such as from the ATA in the US), or alternatively is a sworn translator. This is common in European countries and means they have been authorized by a court to produce official translations.
A day in the life of a legal translator
Every day is different for a legal translator. One day, they could be translating birth certificates for a family hoping to emigrate. The next, they could be working on a court-ordered translation involving a dense 30-page contract full of technical language and formatting quirks. In this type of document, every semi colon, every detail, and every date matters.
Verifying all legal terms used in both the source and target languages is also a key part of the translator’s job. To guarantee consistency, it’s also essential that they consult any earlier court records or decisions. This aspect of the work calls for a great deal of focus and concentration in addition to a thorough knowledge of the legal systems of both nations.
Much like the attorneys working on the case, the legal translator will also need to be familiar with every single detail of the court case so far. Legal translators have enormous responsibility, and everyone involved in the proceedings depends on their ability to translate accurately and reliably, without adding nuance, yet respecting any that was already there.
While no two days are the same for certified translators, their role comes with enormous responsibility.
Washington DC translation services
Certified translators are particularly crucial in Washington DC. The many embassies, international organizations, and federal agencies based here depend on highly accurate legal translations every single day. When every word counts, certified translation services in Washington DC are essential and guarantee the legal integrity of everything from visa applications to international contracts and treaty agreements.
Capital Linguists: Your leading provider of translation services in DC
Capital Linguists is a highly respected translation agency based in Washington DC. With a team of highly qualified and experienced translators, you can be sure your translation will conform to the required standards, whether here in the US or in an international context.
You’ll have a dedicated project manager on hand 24/7 to answer questions and keep you updated every step of the way. So, if you need translation services in DC, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to help!
