Supporting Legal Professionals with Certified Linguistic Expertise

By Mohammed Ahmed

In the complex and often intricate world of legal proceedings, precision in language isn't just about clarity; it's the cornerstone of justice. When proceedings rely on information provided in a foreign language, what’s essential is precision in the translation of that information, whether it’s the translation of a written document or the interpreting of a verbal statement. Since 2006, Translate UK has been committed to providing solicitors and courts across the UK with accurate legal translation and interpreting services.

Supporting the legal community

With precision, context and clarity being prerequisites for legal proceedings, it is crucial that translations and interpretations aren’t merely a generalised reiteration of one language into another. Instead, they need to come with a deep understanding of legal contexts and deliver accuracy in accordance with the letter of the law. For solicitors working in civil litigation, criminal law, immigration and more, such specialised expertise can be invaluable.

For those handling legal aid cases, we've put together a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet unique needs, ensuring that linguistic accuracy is always maintained. However, what sets Translate UK apart is our dedication to quality and our commitment to the standards set by the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI).

Our affiliation with NRPSI

Established by the judiciary in 1994 following the Runciman Royal Commission on Criminal Justice, the NRPSI was a response to several serious miscarriages of justice that resulted from insufficient interpreting in courts. This not-for-profit organisation’s mission is to ensure that language barriers in the legal domain are met with absolute proficiency and accuracy. As part of that mission, it seeks to ensure that the legal system only uses “interpreters with proven competence and skills, who are governed by a nationally recognised code of conduct.[i] ”

For this reason, when carrying out translations for legal clients, Translate UK collaborates closely with interpreters listed on the NRPSI. This means that solicitors who partner with us gain much more than just linguistic expertise. Rather, they work alongside skilled professionals who have validated their experience and qualifications, proved their entitlement to work in the UK, undergone meticulous security vetting and pledged to uphold the NRPSI's Code of Professional Conduct.

Beyond our linguistic capabilities, we also have the unique advantage of having an in-house legal expert with over 20 years’ experience as a solicitor. This blend of legal and linguistic expertise ensures that every project we undertake accurately captures the spirit, ethos and essence of each legal document.

Confidentiality assured

Confidentiality is paramount for those working in the legal system. Recognising this, every linguist at Translate UK signs a code of conduct and data protection agreement in line with GDPR regulations. In addition, we ensure the safe transmission of documents by employing secure email protocols to keep our clients' data safe.

A vital service for a just society

People from all parts of the world have come to live, work, study and visit the UK and, for many, English is not their first language. For this reason, the role of translators and interpreters in upholding justice is pivotal. At Translate UK, we strive to bridge not just language gaps, but cultures, contexts and legal nuances with expertise. For those with foreign language needs working in the legal sphere, whether it’s translating legal documents or interpreting to and on behalf of someone in a courtroom, we are by your side.

For more information, visit https://www.translateuk.co.uk/

[i] https://www.nrpsi.org.uk/

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