Legal translation is one of the most sensitive sub-fields in the world of translation. Transferring contracts, court decisions, statements of claim and other legal texts into another language requires far more than language knowledge. In this article we explain why legal translation requires specialist expertise, which documents it covers and what to pay attention to during the process.
What Is Legal Translation?
Legal translation is the rendering of legal documents from one language into another. Contracts, court decisions, powers of attorney, statements of claim, constitutional texts, legal opinions and legislative translations all fall within this category. The defining feature of legal translation is that the translation relates to a document that produces legal consequences.
For this reason, even the smallest mistake in a legal translation can have serious consequences. A mistranslated contract clause may lead to a dispute between the parties. An incorrectly conveyed court decision can delay the recognition process in another country.
Why Is an Expert Translator Necessary?
Legal translation requires expertise for the following reasons:
- Terminological precision: Legal language is very different from everyday language. “Termination of contract” and “withdrawal from contract” produce different legal consequences. The translator must know these nuances.
- Differences between legal systems: Some concepts do not have a one-to-one equivalent between English law and Turkish law. The translator must know the right alternative to convey the concept properly.
- Legal consequences: The translation is often used before an official institution. An incorrect translation may lead to document rejection or to a legal dispute.
- Confidentiality: Legal documents contain sensitive information. The translation process must be conducted in line with the principle of confidentiality.
Which Documents Fall Within Legal Translation?
Legal translation covers a wide range. The most common documents are:
- Contracts (lease, sale, service, distribution, etc.)
- Court decisions and reasoned judgments
- Statements of claim, defences, expert reports
- Powers of attorney and letters of consent
- Dispute resolution and arbitration documents
- Patent and trademark registration documents
- Company incorporation documents (articles of association, certificate of activity)
- Legal opinions and advisory memoranda
Points to Watch Out for in Legal Translation
If you are commissioning a legal translation, we recommend that you pay attention to the following:
- Check the translator’s experience: It is essential to work with a translator specialised in legal documents. Language knowledge alone is not enough.
- Choose a double-reading process: Professional offices have a second specialist proofread the translation. This process significantly reduces the risk of error.
- Request a confidentiality agreement: You can request a written commitment that your documents will not be shared with third parties.
- Check terminology consistency: The same concept must be translated the same way throughout the document.
Corpus Tercüme’s Approach to Legal Translation
At Corpus Tercüme, legal translations are carried out by sworn translators specialised in the relevant branch of law. Every document is proofread by a second specialist. We undertake to carry out all stages of work on your documents in accordance with the principle of confidentiality. We deliver your legal documents in the shortest possible time, transferring their legal meaning in full.