Legal translation – why it’s worth employing a professional
Language and terminology in legal texts needs to be precise. Here you can read more about why professional legal translation is important.
Companies and organisations that operate internationally often need to work with legal documents in different languages. Whatever the type of document – from agreements to contracts, policies and court judgements – it is imperative that everything is translated accurately.
A legal document that has been incorrectly translated can lead to misunderstandings, contracts becoming invalid and even costly legal disputes. That is why it is always worth employing a professional translator with extensive experience in the area.
Legal texts often include complex terminology that requires more from a translator than just linguistic skills. A professional who specialises in legal translations must therefore possess an in-depth understanding of national legislation and the relevant international and local regulations. This type of translator can ensure that the correct legal information is communicated with no inaccuracies – thus preventing any misunderstandings.
Common types of legal translations
Legal translations cover a wide spectrum. They often involve some form of agreement between various parties or a document where a business commits to follow particular standards or terms over and above what the law requires.
Here are some examples of the most common types of legal documents:
- Various types of contracts: International companies often need to have business contracts translated into one or more different languages. In cases where there are differences between legislation and regulations in different countries, this needs to be explained or clarified in the translation – as a lawyer in the country in question often needs to adapt the text even further.
- Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policies: Customers need to be informed of their rights and responsibilities when purchasing a product or service. The process often involves them providing their personal details and they have the right to know how a company is going to use their data. This is why there is a requirement to provide a privacy policy and the company’s terms and conditions in the languages spoken in the markets in which the company operates.
- Intellectual property rights documentation: Companies need to protect their intellectual property rights, which can be done at both a national and international level. The purpose of this is to prevent other companies from copying their business, services or products.
- Legal information and documentation: Employees who work for an international company need to understand the relevant legal requirements that apply to operations in the country where they are working. The company must comply with local legislation and regulations, such as company documentation, financial reporting, refund policies, marketing, product safety or consumer rights.
Important factors to consider
There are a number of important factors to consider when you are commissioning a translation of legal documents:
- Certification: Some public bodies, such as courts, local authorities or universities may require a translation to be authorised or certified. Find out what is required in your case.
- Confidentiality: Sometimes confidentiality is particularly important. Make sure the translation agency you employ has procedures for handling confidential information. You can even sign a separate confidentiality agreement with the agency you employ, if necessary.
- Legally binding language version: If the document that you need translating is legally binding, it may be necessary to add a clarification to the translated document to inform recipients that the original document is the legally binding language version and that it is that document that will take precedence if there are any issues with interpretation.
- Making adaptations to comply with local legislation: If, on the other hand, it is the translation that will be the legally binding document, a lawyer in the country in question must review and adapt the document in line with the legislation that applies in that specific country, in terms of both form and content.
Novoterm’s legal language services
Novoterm offers a wide range of legal language services, including legal translations, proofreading and text editing. Contact us today if you need help with your legal documents – we can translate into more than 40 languages.
Novoterm is a highly regarded translation agency that was established in 1996. We offer language services in more than 40 languages provided by translators and proofreaders who understand your industry – we listen, we understand, we translate.