Legal translation is the specialised translation of legal documents such as contracts, articles of association, judgements, corporate documents and legal correspondence. This work requires translators with deep understanding of legal systems, legal terminology and how laws and contracts function in both source and target countries to ensure accurate and legally binding translation.
Why is specialist expertise required?
Legal documents are precise and binding, which means every word matters. An incorrect translation of a legal term can alter the meaning of a contract, create legal disputes or render the document invalid. Legal translators must understand how different legal systems operate and how legal concepts differ between countries. For example, certain legal concepts exist only in specific legal systems and require adaptation rather than direct translation. A professional language partner uses translators with legal training or extensive experience in legal translation who understand the legal context of both the source and target languages.
What is included in professional legal translation?
Professional legal translation includes translation by an experienced legal translator with documented expertise, review by an additional legal expert (four-eyes principle), quality assurance according to ISO standards with ISO-certified system support, consistent legal terminology through client-specific term bases and secure handling with confidentiality agreements and encrypted data transfer. In certain cases, a certified translation is required. An experienced language partner recommends that legal documents should always be reviewed by the client’s own solicitors or barristers before use, as the translator is responsible for linguistic accuracy whilst legal advice requires a qualified lawyer. For certain official documents, a certified translation might be required.