An expert in legal translation possesses specialised competence that combines linguistic knowledge with a deep understanding of legal systems, legal terminology and how laws function in different countries. This is crucial because legal documents are binding and any incorrect translation might have legal and economic consequences.
What distinguishes a legal translation expert from a generalist translator?
A legal translation expert often has an academic education in law or many years of documented experience in legal translation. They understand legal terminology in both the source and target languages, and understand how legal concepts differ between various legal systems. An expert understands the difference between common law and civil law systems and how this affects the translation. They understand the structure and purpose of legal documents and how contractual clauses and legal texts should be formulated to be legally correct and binding in the target language.
Why is expertise crucial?
Legal documents such as contracts, corporate documents and judgements use specific terminology where each term has a precise legal meaning. An incorrect translation can alter a contract’s meaning, create legal disputes or render a document invalid. Therefore, it is crucial to use translators with proven legal expertise for these sorts of texts. An experienced translation partner that specialises in legal translation works according to ISO standards with ISO-certified system support and uses the four-eyes principle where at least two legal experts review each translation. They build client-specific legal term bases for consistent terminology and recommend that the client’s lawyers always review the translation before it is used. Secure data handling with confidentiality agreements and encrypted transfer is standard. Sometimes authorised translation of legal documents is required. Read more about when this might be required and how the process works.