For many legal interpreters, a hearing or deposition can prove to be one of the most stressful situations in which to work because of the sensitive information being relayed and the repercussions of even the smallest error. However, while the environment is often stressful, legal interpreters representing -English speakers in the United States are extremely important to ensure that everyone has access to a fair and speedy trial. Since it is so essential to our judicial system, the following steps will help legal interpreters be prepared before arriving at location of the assignment.
Step #1 – Find out as much as possible about the hearing. Collect contact information for the client, along with the date, time and place of the hearing or deposition.
Step #2 – Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep is essential to ensure you are able to interpret accurately and without hesitation, which usually means around eight hours the night before.
Step #3 – Be prepared. Dressing professionally, gathering information and notes about the case beforehand, and studying any unfamiliar specialized vocabulary will help you feel confident during your assignment.
Step # 4 – Arrive on time! Arriving late is unprofessional and reflects badly on you, the agency you work for, and slows down the legal process. Make every effort to arrive on time and notify the client as soon as possible if you will be running late.
Step #5 – Faithful interpretation. A wide variety of language is used in a hearing or deposition, from street slang to formal legalese. It is critical to faithfully interpret the language used in order to maintain the proper style and register.
If you follow the above steps, you can rest easy, knowing you have done your best to interpret to the best of your professional ability. Do you currently work as a legal interpreter? Do you have recommendations for other legal interpreters? Let us know your experiences in the comments!
