YOU MAY BE WONDERING….

  • What does Themis mean?

Themis was the Titan goddess of law. Often represented carrying a pair of scales, she is the personification of justice, wisdom and good counsel.

  • What makes you different from other legal translators?

My background as a solicitor in a commercial legal environment gives me an in-depth understanding of legal concepts and language. While many legal translators have pursued some sort of law studies, few have this additional hands-on experience. Thanks to my specialist postgraduate diploma in legal translation and the continued training I undertake, I have a thorough grasp of the issues arising from the difference in documents from francophone and anglophone jurisdictions.

  • Why can’t I just get a machine to translate my document for me?
While a translation app may be sufficient to translate your breakfast order or a casual email to a friend, the same can't be said of legal translation. Context and nuance are all-important in a field as complicated as the law and even sophisticated AI programs can get it wrong. An incorrectly-translated legal document could have catastrophic and expensive consequences. Don’t take that risk  - make sure you use a qualified, specialist human translator, like me.
  • Why do you only translate from French into English, and not from English into French?

Ideally, translators should only ever work into their native language to ensure a completely accurate and comprehensible translation. My native language is English and I pride myself on the written English translations I produce. I can put you in touch with qualified English-French legal translators if that is what you require.

  • Can you interpret for me in court or in a business meeting?
I am a translator, which means I deal only with written documents. If you are looking for an interpreter, who deals instead with the spoken word, I can point you towards a suitable directory.
  • Can you advise me on French law?
No. My role as a legal translator is to convey the meaning of the French document into English so that you can understand it. Where relevant, I will add some explanatory notes to assist you, but they cannot take the place of legal advice. You should therefore also consider instructing a French lawyer before entering into a legally-binding transaction.
  • Can you certify my translation?

In some countries, translators can register with an official body as a ‘sworn translator’ who may then legalise the documents they have translated. In the UK, we do not have any such body or concept. However, as a qualified member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, I am able to certify my own translations by providing you with a signed declaration stating that the translation is a true and accurate rendering of the original. In most cases, this type of self-certificate will be acceptable to the requesting party.