Legal translations require not only precision but also a deep understanding of both legal language and cultural nuances. Errors in translations can lead to significant issues, including delays, miscommunication, or even costly legal ramifications. For corporate legal teams and law firms, it’s crucial to adhere to best practices to make sure every translation is handled with care and professionalism.
In this blog, we’ll explore ten best practices to follow when you need a legal translation.
1. Understand Your Translation Requirements
Before diving into a translation project, identify the type of legal document you’re working with and what it requires. Legal translations come in different forms, from contracts to litigation papers, and each type has unique needs.
2. Choose a Provider Specializing in Legal Translations
It’s essential to choose a translation provider that specializes in legal content. Legal language is complex, and an experienced translator who understands legal terminology is your best bet for accurate and compliant results.
3. Protect Confidentiality
Confidentiality is non-negotiable in legal matters. Ensure that your translation provider takes data security seriously, with strict protocols in place and non-disclosure agreements signed as needed.
4. Offer Context to the Translator
Providing context can make a significant difference. Offer any relevant reference materials, glossaries, or similar documents that can help the translator understand the intent of the content and produce a more precise translation.
5. Utilize Translation Memory and Terminology Tools
Partner with a translation provider that uses translation memory and terminology management tools. These tools can enhance consistency and help reduce costs by reusing previously translated content where applicable.
6. Include Legal Subject Matter Experts
For highly specialized documents, it’s beneficial to involve subject matter experts in the review process. This ensures all terms are translated correctly and are compliant with any local regulations or nuances.
7. Set Realistic Deadlines
Make sure you establish clear, realistic deadlines from the outset. Avoid last-minute rushes by planning ahead, as rushed translations often lead to errors. Time is crucial when quality is on the line.
8. Ensure Thorough Quality Checks
Accuracy is critical in legal translation, so make sure your translation provider has a thorough review process. This should include proofreading by another translator and quality checks to catch any potential errors.
9. Account for Localization
If the translation is meant for a specific country or region, consider any localization requirements. This means adapting not just the words, but also the tone and specific references, to suit the target audience’s legal and cultural context.
10. Plan for Independent Linguistic Review (ILR)
Adding an Independent Linguistic Review provides an extra layer of quality assurance. It involves an external reviewer who evaluates and scores the translation, which can be especially helpful for critical legal content.
Why Trust Morningside with Your Legal Translations?
At Morningside, A Questel Company, we recognize that legal translations require a combination of accuracy, security, and deep industry knowledge. Our translators have extensive experience in a wide range of legal documents, ensuring that your content is always in expert hands. We leverage advanced translation management tools—such as translation memory and terminology databases—to guarantee consistency while saving on costs.
Security is paramount to us, and we follow stringent data protection measures to ensure your sensitive documents remain safe. Our quality assurance process is multi-layered, incorporating proofreading, double-checks, and, if requested, Independent Linguistic Review for additional accuracy. Whether you’re with a corporate legal team or a law firm, Morningside is here to support your translation needs seamlessly.
Get in Touch Today
Need professional legal translations for your firm or business? Reach out today to discuss your project and see how Morningside can make a difference.
Dylan Blaney, Vice President of Business Development, Morningside, a Questel Company, is responsible for the company's global legal translation strategy and maintaining relationships with the world's largest corporate legal departments and law firms. Dylan expertly advises law firms and corporations on best legal translation practices, specifically implementing workflows and technology that reduce cost, improve quality, and accelerate deadlines. He specifically focuses on international litigation & arbitration, FCPA, patent litigation, M&A, internal corporate communication & documentation to ensure adequate global communication in the legal marketplace.