Become a Legal Translator

Become A Legal Translator

You can find a variety of translation programs that will provide you a certification but in order to become a legal translator, you will need to check with your local government on what is required though. Each government has unique and ever-changing requirements that translators must fulfill. Some fields such as Legal sometimes require different translator training or experience on top of a translation certification.  Some certifications may help improve your industry knowledge but not satisfy your local governments requirements to translate legal documents in your country.

If you’re looking for a governmental recognized license you should find out what the government requirements are to become a legal certified translator which may vary based on your specific location. We recommend you to get in touch with the place where you are planning to work for and ask for the requirements to become a Legal translator.

Only officially authorized translators have the right to perform legal documents translation and bureaucratic related documents such as scholarly writings and other regulations. The mistranslation of a passage in a contract for example, could lead to lawsuits, loss of money and time, and other problems that you wouldn’t want to deal with.

Legal translators must be thoroughly familiar with the language and functions of the U.S. judicial system, or whichever legal system exists within your country and target language's country. Court translators work in a variety of legal settings, such as attorney-client meetings, preliminary hearings, arraignments, depositions, and trials. Succeeding as a legal translator involves more than just understanding legal terminologies and formal languages; it also requires reading written documents distinctively.

Federal, State and municipal courts and The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators also offers certification. Here is a list of a few accredited Legal Translation Organizations:
  • The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators
  • The United Nations
  • The Institute of Linguists
  • Institute of Translation and Interpreting
  • La Société Française des Traducteurs
  • U.S. National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators
Source

By Vanessa Greenway, CTP Associate

Additional Related Resources:

1. Translator Certification
2. Online Translator Training
3. Translator Designation
4. Translation Certificate

Tags: Translator Training,Training to Become a Certified Translator , Translation Certification, Become a Legal Translator, How to Become a Legall Translator, Translation Training.