Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Target Language • Source Language • Localization

Legal Translation

Term from Translation industry explained for recruiters

Legal Translation is a specialized type of translation that focuses on converting legal documents from one language to another. It's different from general translation because it requires deep knowledge of both legal systems and terminology in different countries. Think of it like being a language bridge between courts, law firms, and international businesses. Translators in this field must be extremely precise because even small mistakes in legal documents can have serious consequences. This work includes translating contracts, court documents, laws, patents, and other legal paperwork.

Examples in Resumes

Performed Legal Translation for international contracts and corporate documents from Spanish to English

Specialized in Legal Translation and Legal Document Translation for immigration cases

Led a team of translators handling Legal Translation and Juridical Translation projects for multinational law firms

Typical job title: "Legal Translators"

Also try searching for:

Legal Document Translator Certified Legal Translator Court Translator Legal Linguist Judicial Translator Legal Translation Specialist Law Translator

Where to Find Legal Translators

Professional Associations

Job Boards

Online Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle conflicts between different legal systems when translating documents?

Expected Answer: A senior legal translator should explain how they research equivalent legal concepts between countries, consult legal dictionaries, and know when to keep original terms with explanatory notes. They should mention experience with different legal systems like common law and civil law.

Q: How do you manage quality control for large legal translation projects?

Expected Answer: Should discuss their process for maintaining consistency across documents, using translation memory tools, implementing review procedures, and managing teams of translators for large projects.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What resources do you use to verify legal terminology?

Expected Answer: Should mention legal dictionaries, official court glossaries, consultation with legal professionals, and reliable online resources. Should explain their verification process.

Q: How do you ensure confidentiality in your translation work?

Expected Answer: Should discuss NDAs, secure file handling, data protection measures, and professional ethics regarding client confidentiality.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What types of legal documents have you translated?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list basic legal documents like contracts, certificates, or court documents, and explain their approach to handling these materials.

Q: How do you maintain accuracy in legal translations?

Expected Answer: Should discuss double-checking terminology, using reference materials, and knowing when to ask for clarification from seniors or clients.