As a multinational law firm, you require a legal interpreting service to improve communication with your clients. A law firm deals with a wide variety of clients and projects worldwide with the changing global dynamic and legal landscape, multilingual clients are on the rise, necessitating the need for legal interpreting and translation services. When a client is from another country, legal interpreting services may be required.
Here are some of the situations where a legal interpreter is needed.
- When taking depositions/testimonies
An English-speaking lawyer who is required to record the official statement of a non-English-speaking deponent should be accompanied by an interpreter to help bridge the language divide. The interpreter ensures that the exchange of information is accurate and equitable. Because the interpreter is trained to read non-verbal cues, this can ensure that the message and intent conveyed by the deponent are accurately interpreted. Additionally, the presence of an interpreter can help calm the nerves of an anxious deponent with limited English proficiency, assuring the individual that they are not being discriminated against.
- During interviews and negotiations
Numerous situations arise where parties must negotiate or be interviewed before a lawyer. Contracts, assets, properties, custodianships, alimony, or financial settlements may all be at stake. All of these are delicate issues, and some are time-sensitive. Thus, the law firm must get things right the first time, which can be accomplished with the assistance of a legal interpreter. To provide over-the-phone or on-site interpreting for negotiations and interviews, a law firm can hire legal interpretation services that use simultaneous or consecutive interpreting. In addition, a law firm requires legal translation services for legal documents.
- Legal trials and court hearings
Every person involved in a court proceeding or legal trial has the right to be heard. If some participants cannot communicate in the dominant language, an interpreter should be available. Everyone should be able to heed the proceedings and information exchange. While some courts pay for court interpreters, the individual who requires an interpreter is responsible for hiring and paying for the service in many civil cases. Therefore, if the law firm has access to legal interpreters, they can provide one for the client to ensure that there are no communication breakdowns or errors.
- Attorney-client meetings
A lawyer’s meetings with their clients are critical. Occasionally, an attorney must arrange an immediate meeting with a client who does not speak English. To ensure that communication goes smoothly and that both parties understand what is being said, it is critical to have a legal interpreter present.
Thus, to expand their services and reach non-English speakers within and outside the United States, law firms should have regular and immediate access to legal interpreters and translators. This is the most viable method of effectively serving and communicating with foreign clients.
