Legal

Legal translation is the translation of technical or specialized field of law and jurisprudence. The law is written very differently in different times and countries. Sometimes the translator had to pass an oral customary law in local languages, a law written in another language.
In the field of legal texts, in particular international value of texts (eg international conventions, patent, engagement, labeling or border contracts value) or cross-border enforcement (eg European Directive or Regulation), and in particular important issues “good translation” exist, sometimes with conformity certification process (certified translation).

However some legal concepts are not universally shared and so difficult to translate; on the other hand some countries like Switzerland have chosen for their civil code to use common language to write the law, while others like Germany or Portugal when he recently rewrote her right have chosen to use a very technical and precise language (jargon, “non-popular” vocabulary and turns of phrase), but can understandable to the average person.
While it is relatively easy for a competent translator in the right to transfer or translate an obscure but precise legal text in a text clearer for everyone, the reverse is more delicate. The translator, although he himself is a lawyer and sometimes must interpret.
Legal translation is a complex exercise that must combine:

• advanced knowledge in law.
• a Masters in source and target languages.
• the writing skills to translate the nuances of the source text.

Translate in French an English contract involves passing the Anglo-Saxon law to Roman law and is to coincide with the principles of the two systems, sometimes distant. Thus, the target text must be equivalent, not identical, to the original text. This is even more true that each system has its own legal terminology.

Legal translation is not trivial and requires knowledge, adaptability and translation finesse. It is often even more difficult than other types of translations: the issues go beyond a general translation!
Indeed, like medicine, law is a broad technical vocabulary and pointed.

If one does not reflect accurately or if it slightly initialling the direction can be changed to see reversed, that is not acceptable.

Before calling a translator, several things to check:

• Ensure confidentiality: The translation company must commit to respect the strictest confidentiality on matters entrusted to him. It is best if the documents are sensitive, to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
• The question of oaths: All translations can be certified and submitted to international law formalities: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris, Apostille, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consulate.
• Are the translations by lawyers or legal experts and? Or by translators who have a strong knowledge and experience in Law from the middle?

Translations should, in some cases, be certified to the French original to be recognized by the government and have been a footnote to foreign authorities.

Only certified translators experts are entitled to put their stamp and only the footnotes office may issue an apostille.

The swearing of translation represents a significant additional cost. It is therefore important to ensure that the expert translator has solid legal knowledge, and desirable, for more security, that the translated text is reviewed by a legal expert translator.

In addition, you can, if you deem it necessary, check the name and function of the translator or of the person who performs the replay.

What right? : A solid knowledge in law for the translator is linked to a specialization in the right concerned by the text to translate: international law, civil law, corporate law, tax and accounting, insurance … We must choose the right specialist …

Timeliness: Most legal documents must be submitted for signature to a body, on specific dates. A commitment on delivery is required.

Finally, like all translations, remember that loyalty is a quality factor: if the translation company has given satisfaction the first time, and if it is serious, it will be even better in the future.