How to Choose a Legal Translation Company
When it comes to legal matters, even a small mistake can be costly. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that your documents say exactly what they should be saying. It becomes even more crucial when some documents have to be translated from a different language. Accuracy in translation is important for all kinds of documents, such as contracts, court papers, and immigration forms.
You need to be sure that the translation is correct and that the people who the documents are for accept it. That’s where a good legal translation company comes in. It could cost you time, money, or even a case if you choose the wrong one. Therefore, this article will guide you on how to choose the right legal translation company.
Make Sure they Specialize in Legal Translation
Not all translation companies are the same. Some translators only offer business or medical translations. Others may offer all services, but only a few specialize in legal work. If you want your legal papers done right, choose a company that focuses on legal translation.
Find out if they have translators who understand legal terms and court language. The translation may be wrong or unclear if they don’t. Also, find out if they’ve worked with the kind of legal documents you need translated; like contracts or immigration forms. This level of experience is very important.
Check Their Certifications and Memberships
A professional legal translation company should be certified. Search for businesses with the ISO 17100 certification. This certification is proof that they follow quality standards.
They should also belong to trusted group like:
- American Translators Association (ATA)
- Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)
- Association of Translation Companies (ATC).
Being a member of any of these groups means that the company follows strict rules and best business practices. Any company that isn’t certified might not follow the rules set by the law or the court. A lot of the time, judges and government offices need certified translations as well. Therefore, make sure that the service you choose possesses these certifications.
Ask About Their Legal Knowledge
It’s not enough to just change words from one language to another; the translator must understand the legal systems in both countries. That’s because a word in one law might not mean the same thing in another. Therefore, you should ask the following:
- Do your translators know the laws in both the source and target countries?
- Can they explain legal terms clearly? You can visit https://www.uscourts.gov/glossary for examples of legal terms.
- Have they worked on documents like mine?
You should look elsewhere if the company can’t answer these questions to your satisfaction.
Understand Their Confidentiality Policy
Legal papers are private and may include:
- Personal details
- Business secrets
- Terms of the contract
This information could cause you harm if it is leaked. That’s why a good translation company will have a strong confidentiality policy. They should use:
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Secure file transfers
- Data protection systems
Ask them what they will do to keep your documents safe. It’s a red flag if they can’t give you a clear answer. In such a situation, you should take your business elsewhere.
Review Their Reputation and Past Work
Do not believe what they say; read what other people say about them.
Look for the following about the company:
- Online reviews
- Client testimonials
- Case studies
If other people had a good experience, you are more likely to have one too. But be careful if there are a lot of bad reviews or none at all. Also, ask them for examples of legal translations they’ve done in the past. If they can’t show any, they may not have the experience you need.
Ask About Their Quality Control Process
A good legal translation company should have a system to check its work.
That includes:
- Proofreading by legal experts
- Editing by trained language experts
- Revisions to compare the original and translated versions
- Layout checks to keep formatting the same
These steps ensure there are no mistakes and that everything is clear. Therefore, find out how the company makes sure its translations are correct. If they don’t have a clear process, look for a service that does.
Compare Turnaround Times
Legal papers usually have deadlines, which mean that you can’t wait forever for a translation.
As a result, ask the professionals these questions:
- How long will it take to get the job done?
- Do you charge extra for fast service?
- Can you do urgent work if I need it?
The business should be honest about how much time they need. They might be offering low quality if they promise something that sounds too fast or too cheap. That is why you should ensure they can complete the job on time without rushing it.
Look Into Their Pricing Structure
Although price is important, you should explore deeper than just the final price. You need to know the company’s pricing structure. This is how most businesses charge:
- Per word
- Per page
- Per hour
Before you agree to them doing the job, ask them for a full quote, and ensure that everything is in the quote. This is important because some companies may add hidden charges later. Low prices may seem great, but they often mean lower quality. A slightly higher price from a trusted company is usually worth it.
Choose a Company That Prioritizes Communication
Everything goes more smoothly when there is good communication. You should be comfortable asking questions. You can read this article to learn how to develop good communication skills. In turn, the professionals should be able to provide a clear and quick answer.
Before the work starts, discuss the following:
- The parts of the document that need to be translated
- What the final format should be
- Whether you want a side-by-side or one-language copy
- Specific words or terms you’d like used
A reliable company will guide you through these steps.
Conclusion
If you want to hire the right law translation company, it’s not just about language. You need to ensure they can provide accurate translation while ensuring the safety of the documents and their content. A good business will keep your private information safe, meet goals, and have a good understand of the legal system. By following the tips we have shared in this article, we are certain you won’t make a mistake in your selection.