Legal documents contain very distinctly written text. The verbiage is carefully woven into a specific syntax to represent the most accurate meaning intended—in a way that should not be interpreted to mean anything else. When words, phrases, or punctuation are omitted or not in the right order, a statement can have more than one perspective (or even be misunderstood altogether). This type of speech is commonly called “legalese,” and is very difficult for someone not educated in law to understand. Now, imagine this convoluted jargon needing to be translated into another language. Read further to learn more about translation for law firms.
What Kind of Translation Services Do Law Firms Need?
Translation for law firms requires a special type of professional translator with cogency not only in the source language but also in legal terminology and structure. Any type of legal document that will be a matter of record needs translation, such as:
- Contracts
- Deeds
- Subpoenas
- Court filings
- Decrees
- Licenses
- Terms and agreements
While it is certainly important that translated content in marketing, entertainment, and other literary materials is accurate and appropriate for the surrounding community, inaccuracies in legal documents will cause much bigger problems for those involved.
The Benefits of Translation for Law Firms
When a law firm expands its practice beyond the country of origin, many more opportunities can be cultivated. Part of the decision to expand globally must include strategies for how and to what extent the legal documentation should be translated.
Some of the benefits of translation for law firms include:
- Expanded opportunities and education
- Collaboration with a wider range of legal professionals
- Expanding into other areas of law
- Civic gratitude by aiding law enforcement with criminal prosecution
- Enhanced credibility for the law firm and team
When contemplating the benefits of translation for law firms, it must also be recognized that there are dire consequences for falling short. In a litigious society, there is a reliance upon legal advice and assistance. Legal documentation assures monetary safety, peace of mind, and binding protocol. Much diligence goes into crafting legal wording for not only covering all aspects of the agreement concerned but also safeguarding the literal meaning of the verbiage from all angles.
How Legal Document Translation Is Different from Other Types of Translation
A legal document is, in essence, a factual depiction of accounts agreed upon by multiple parties. The legal documents to be translated must retain the precise understanding of the content, and adhere to the mutual terms. When legal documents require translation, there can be no room for error.
In working with this type of material, an understanding of how the document will be used should guide the translator with sentence and paragraph structure. Context is as important as the words themselves. Most legal wording follows the passive voice, for an objective tone. There can be no misunderstanding of the meanings behind phrasing and vocabulary, and an emotional disconnection helps to navigate away from distraction.
The stakes are high in translating legally binding works. Imagine an error in phrasing (or even punctuation) of a document in court, where the meaning is ambiguous enough to be argued against. Criminals could go free, houses could be lost, money could be put into the wrong hands, contracts could be nullified, and regulatory compliance could be undermined by a typographical oversight on a legal document.
Reasons to Have a Translation Company for Your Legal Texts
Translating complex legal text will always need a human component. Translation companies may use a hybrid method of translation with technologies (augmented translation) to reduce the bulk of voluminous material, allowing time to focus on more time-sensitive matters. However, a niche translation company can:
- Convert complicated legal speech to meet jurisdiction regulations
- Act as a liaison to communicate details to the parties involved
- Help negotiate or mediate in a contractual impasse
- Aid in arbitration
Translation experts with legal training in multiple languages may also be needed for cases that involve people in several different countries.
Always Hire an Expert
Legal document translation services should only be trusted in the hands of industry professionals. With Future Trans, you will benefit from 24 years of experience in professional translation services. Contact us and one of our representatives will get back to you.
