For organizations across the world, quality translation services are essential for effective communication. But for law firms, solicitors, and other professionals working on legal documents, accurate translation is particularly critical.
When it comes to contracts, patents, property deeds, lease agreements, and other legal documents, clear and concise language is of the utmost importance. Even small errors can result in major misunderstandings.
At TranslationServices.com, our legal translation services are led by knowledgeable translators with a keen attention to detail and years of experience. Contact us to learn more.
Here are four qualifications to look for before hiring a legal translation agency.
Language fluency
An essential trait in professional translators across all industries, fluency in both the source and target languages is key for a legal translation provider. The ideal legal translator is a native speaker of your target language and has a mastery of your source language as well.
Legal fluency
A legal translator must be fluent not only in the source and target languages but also in legal terms. “Legal speak” could almost be considered its own language; however, terms and legal grammar conventions often vary greatly across cultures and countries.
In some instances, certain legal phrases are so specific to one culture that they are considered untranslatable to others. For example, the concept of habeas corpus is familiar in the United States, but the term does not exist in all legal traditions. So in some situations, translating this term would require a lengthy explanation.
That’s why it is vital that your translator be familiar with what terminology exists—and does not exist—in the legal systems of both source and target countries.
Ideally, you should seek someone who has specific experience with your legal specialty, such as personal injury, probate, finance, insurance, intellectual property, private equity, or mergers and acquisitions.
Confidentiality
More so than other content, legal documents tend to be sensitive and personal. A legal translation service should understand this and outline strict confidentiality guidelines for all documents and projects.
Turnaround times
In the legal industry, time is of the essence. When choosing a legal translation service, look for one that can deliver fast turnarounds without sacrificing quality.
Hire an experienced legal translation service
Contact TranslationServices.com to discuss your legal translation needs. We are backed by a team of highly qualified translation professionals with experience in industries ranging from probate to criminal law. Our professional legal translators are fluent in many languages and always uphold our commitment to confidentiality.