It is not wrong to think that legal translation service is for things that involve the law and the legal system. However, the fact is, legal translation is likewise a service that immigration agencies, organizations, corporations, and businesses need.
Various industries call for legal translation services, such as manufacturing, life sciences, finance, media and technology. You have to consider the fact that law firms engage in several practice areas, including litigation, real estate, private equity, intellectual property, insurance, banking, employment and benefits, and dispute resolution.
What Are Legal Translation Services?
Legal translation is the rendering of any text used by the legal system, often using the official language that is relevant to the jurisdiction where the document will be used. For legal purposes, legal translation services are applicable to legal rulings, precedents, witness statements, transcripts, identity documentation, filed patents, financial documents, and official reports. As long as a document has legal significance, you may need legal translation services.
Legal translation has specific terminology, which is why it is vital to choose a translator with knowledge in the subject matter. With the sensitive nature of legal documents, it is essential to make sure that the translation will be exact. Mistranslations in legal translations can have serious legal and financial repercussions.
Legal translation is one of the most difficult types of translation. Aside from excellent language skills, the translator must have an in-depth knowledge of different legislations, laws and standards, both locally and internationally.
Legal Document Translation Services
Legal translation services handle different types of documents for legal purposes. The most important thing to remember is to choose the translation agency or translator that has experience and capability in the type of translation service you need.
Here are some of the types of documents that need legal translation:
Immigration Documents
In the U.S. the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) require that immigration applicants should submit translations of all their documents that are not written in English. Further, the legal translation must be certified, meaning that the translator or the translation agency proves the qualification of the translator and the accuracy of the translation. It should be signed and dated by the translator or the translation agency representative.
The translations are used for the processing of the immigration documents. During immigration interviews, the USCIS may appoint an interpreter. In some cases though, the interviewee must bring their own interpreter who must meet the requirements of the USCIS.
Litigation Papers
The court, client and attorneys will benefit from the legal translation of litigation papers that are written in a foreign language. The translation will give all concerned parties a clearer picture of the case and help decide how to go ahead in resolving the issue.
Contracts
Contracts are legally binding documents, which is why they need legal translation services to satisfy the requirements and meet the linguistic preferences of all concerned parties. It is imperative that the translation of contracts is accurate to make sure mutual understanding, lease agreements and prevent conflicts.
Corporate Documents
Corporations that are going global have to see to it that their corporate documents are available in the language that their counterparts in foreign countries speak. Even if the prospective business partners speak English, it is part of corporate best practices to make sure that corporate documentation is available in the preferred language. The translated documents will help ease communication and negotiations.
Financial Records
Financial records are very sensitive, and their translations should be error-free, as a small error can have adverse effects. Errors can lead to legal issues, nullification of investment agreements, or finance charges.
Other Documents
Several more documents need legal translation, including:
- Arrangements and agreements
- Lease agreements
- Sales contracts
- License agreements
- Labor agreements
- Minutes of meetings
- Registration certificates
- Articles of incorporation/association
- Resolutions
- Regulations and orders
- Court documents
- Auxiliary documents such as certificates, permits, powers of attorney
Translation Services for Immigration Purposes
The United States is a favorite destination of people from foreign countries who are seeking a better life for themselves and their families. Immigration is a complex process and for people who have none or little fluency in the English language, the process becomes more difficult. One of the things that foreign-born immigrants should keep in mind is that the USCIS requires all non-English documents to have certified translations.
Certified translations are the same as standard translation, except that it should have a signed and dated Certificate of Accuracy from the translator or the translation agency.
Incidentally, the responsibility to translate all documents that are not in English also applies to foreign nationals who are applying for temporary visitors’ permits, residency, or work visas.
The types of documents that need translation include:
- Birth certificates
- Academic records
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce papers
- Drivers’ licenses
- Death certificates
- Medical records
- Employment records
- Letters of recommendation
- Other supporting documents (as requested)
Providing English translations of all your immigration papers will help facilitate the processing of your application. The USCIS has to learn your identity and understand your personal background.
To insure high-quality translation of your immigration papers, see to it that you work with a translator or a translation agency with the right experience and knowledge in legal translation.
Need Knowledgeable and Experienced Legal Translators? Contact Us!
Legal translation requires competence in the particular subject matter, experience and attention to detail. Even the slightest of errors is not permitted in legal translation. See to it that you are getting professional translation service from native-speaking legal translation experts from eTranslation Services. Our translators live in-country, ensuring you that they understand local laws and regulations, which can help in the accurate translation of your papers, whether you are using them to settle disputes, claims and other legal cases, facilitate business transactions or seal corporate agreements.
You can get in touch with us through email at [email protected] or by calling us at (800) 882-6058 to discuss your legal translation requirements or request a quote.