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Brief Guide to Legal Translation: From Choosing a Company to Getting a Translation


— October 29, 2018

Legal translation is, in most cases, applied in law-related areas. There could be a language barrier, thus a need for a competent translator. The chosen professional should be able to deliver accurate, reliable and transparent translation.


Legal translation is, in most cases, applied in law-related areas. There could be a language barrier, thus a need for a competent translator. The chosen professional should be able to deliver accurate, reliable and transparent translation.

Where there’s a lack of transparency, then misunderstandings that are costly, result. For instance, lawsuits that could easily be avoided might occur. Therefore, authentic texts are needed in this case and should be legally in operation. Authenticity is more reliable other than “convenience translations” that in most cases, are not legal.

If you’re in need of a legal translation service, you need to consider various factors ranging from finding the right company to getting the required translation. Many translation agencies have come up in recent years and hence finding the appropriate one has never been an easy task.

People reviewing a contract; image by rawpixel, via Unsplash.com.
People reviewing a contract; image by rawpixel, via Unsplash.com.

Without proper knowledge of what to consider when selecting, you may never get the solution to the predicament you could be facing.

Here are essential guidelines that will help when choosing the right company.

Consider Accreditation and Certification

Professional translation services require a legally operating company that will guarantee you quality. Certification helps to ascertain the fact that it has been permitted to offer such services. You should be able to get access to their records of this requirement and help clear doubts about the company’s operation.

The ideal company should have official accreditation regarding auditing records that should be available on their websites. It should be transparent about its documentation to ensure correct services provided. Avoid those who only talk about being certified (or even self-certified) without any proof of accreditation.

Consider Working Experience

Experience covers extensive areas when talking about work. You should determine the length of time a particular agency has been in operation, and offering what kind of services over that period. Know their coverage regarding specialties: for instance, if they translate from one language to another or one text to another form.

Learn about their achievements in providing the service and get to know their past clients, if possible. Many companies will provide a list for references.

Determine the experience of the staff in the company. You’ll want those who have provided translation services for a long time. Time ensures that greater skills are acquired, and better ways of doing the work are integrated.

Consider the Time of Operation and Global Customer Service Provision

Getting a company that works on a “24/7 system” globally is such a relief. It is because you may never know when you will need the service and where. It’s good security for you since services are available at any time and place.

Also, time zones vary in the world and thus without this provision, communications will be negatively impacted. You do not want delays that may significantly cost your translation project. Therefore, choose the company that has its offices in various places around the globe.

After selecting the right company, there’s a need to get the proper translation services for your project. The following serves as part of what to consider.

Determine the Techniques and Technology Used by the Translator

As a client, ensure that what you want is delivered to you the way you prefer it. Find out the various translation techniques that are employed by the service provider in translating. Quality is ensured by the tools related to it.

Advanced technology incorporated will help get efficient services. The best online translations should have sophisticated systems that speed up the whole process.

Ensure That You Give Your Translator All the Relevant Instructions and Documents

You’ll not expect the exact service if you provide shallow information and requirements about it. Provide everything needed for the process and clear instructions on the right approach for the translation.

Determine Customer Relationship with the Translator

Assigning your work to friendly personnel will ensure a good connection regarding communication. Get to know how easy they are to talk to and their responsiveness.

The above guidelines will serve to help in your quest for getting satisfying legal translations.

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