Reduce Problems When Translating Legal Documents
New York, US (PRWEB) March 13, 2015 -- When translating documents from one language into another, potential challenges relating to the tone, voice, mood and even the choice of words are always present. These challenges are compounded in the translation of legal documents. Language translators and the organizations that engage them must be particularly conscious of these same elements, as well as issues unique to the legal profession including confidentiality, terminology and deadlines. It is important to address these areas before they become problems.
Strict Adherence to Legal Deadlines
It’s a fact of life: regardless of the country you’re working within, legal deadlines must be met. Both the client and the language services provider must ensure that documents arrive on or before the deadline. Parties who hand over documents after a deadline has expired may at the very least have to restart the legal process from the beginning. In the worst case, a missed deadline may result in a decision against the delinquent party.
The client should be aware of any deadlines that must be adhered to, and be certain to have their documents assembled well ahead of time. Documents should also be well written in language that is easily translatable whenever possible. When the documents are ready, the language services provider who is translating the content should be apprised of the deadlines and able to complete the translation accurately and well ahead of time.
Assurance of Confidentiality
Most legal documents are considered confidential and must be treated so by all parties who handle them. The improper handling of sensitive documents or even potentially leaked information can dramatically affect the outcome of a legal case or a business transaction.
To maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information during the language translation process, clients should first take steps to ensure they’ve selected a language services provider that hires trustworthy individuals. Be sure the provider completes background checks on employees and requires them to sign confidentiality agreements. If the provider does take these crucial steps, look elsewhere.
It is also important for clients and language services providers to use secure technologies for the transfer of documents back and forth. Email is not a preferred method as it is often not nearly as secure as people think it is. Both parties should use document transfer tools deployed via secure services to upload and download files.
Choose Translators with Legal Terminology Expertise
Legal terminology can be difficult for the average person to understand, especially when it terminology changes from one area of law (e.g., estate law and criminal) to another. Legal terminology can also differ greatly between different legal systems. For this reason, language service providers that perform legal document translations often hire translators with specialized experience in this type of work. The best way to minimize the risk of the potential for misunderstanding is to choose a translator with directly related legal translation experience. It is often incumbent upon the language services provider to ensure that the resulting documents are accurate, unless the client or their attorney is versant in the legal system for which the documents are being translated.
The need for quality legal translations continues to grow as more businesses expand their global footprint. One of the most important decisions an organization or individual can make is to choosing the right legal document translation partner. Additionally, it is essential to take steps in advance to reduce any potential problems in the documents before they are sent to the language translation provider.
Full article: http://www.merrillbrink.com/problems-when-translating-legal-documents-03092015.htm
About Merrill Brink® International
Merrill Brink International (http://www.merrillbrink.com) is a leading provider of complete translation and language solutions for global companies and law firms, with special expertise in serving the legal, financial, life sciences, software, heavy machinery and corporate markets. A proven leader with more than 30 years of experience, Merrill Brink offers a wide range of language solutions including translation, localization, desktop publishing and globalization services.
Merrill Brink is recognized in the industry for its commitment to quality and its pioneering approach of leveraging technology to reduce costs, eliminate redundant processes and accelerate translation life cycles. Merrill Brink is certified to ISO 9001:2008; ISO/IEC 27001:2005 and ISO 13485:2003, and compliant to EN 15038:2006 and ISO 14971:2007. Together, these standards provide assurance that the most stringent process and quality standards for translation are followed. Merrill Brink International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Merrill Corporation.
Vanessa Lontoc, Merrill Brink International, http://www.merrillbrink.com, +1 (917) 720-5598, [email protected]
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