Interpreting in court and legal settings is a highly specialized field that requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. Legal interpreting involves interpreting for a wide range of legal proceedings, including depositions, trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings. It requires a deep understanding of legal terminology, legal procedures, and cultural differences that can affect communication.
Dr. Debra Russell is a sign language interpreter (ASL/English) but conducts research and teaches also for spoken languages. Dr. Russell was TIL’s 2023 kick-off guest speaker for the January Professional Development Speakers Series (The Function of Questioning in Legal Settings) and spoke to the need for a specialized skill set to work in legal and court settings. The workshop gave us an overview of the complexities involved in working in these formal and important environments. Now, Dr. Russell will join us once again as this year’s guest educator for TIL’s Interpreting in Legal and Court Settings – starting May 2.
As a Canadian certified interpreter, educator, and researcher with a practice spanning over 30 years, Dr. Russell has focussed much of her research and work in the legal sphere, as both an interpreter and educator. We asked Dr. Russell why specialized training is necessary.
Watch Dr. Russell’s response at The Interpreter’s Lab site HERE
Training in legal interpreting can open a world of opportunities for interpreters. Specialized training for legal interpreting ensures that interpreters have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide accurate and effective interpreting services. Legal proceedings can be complex and nuanced; the consequences of misunderstandings can be significant. As interpreters explore new areas of work, expanding beyond healthcare and other public sector services, it is important to advance by building a solid set of skills that will enhance their existing expertise and experience.
Legal proceedings can be intimidating for anyone, and without an informed understanding of protocols that govern the interactions in a courtroom or court-like setting (e.g., administrative tribunals, examinations for discovery, etc.), even a practiced interpreter can become overwhelmed and anxious. Specialized training in legal interpreting facilitates the interpreter’s contextual knowledge and allows them to better understand and navigate the legal system in which they are working.
Skilled and trained legal interpreters work with law firms, all levels of local, provincial and federal courts, administrative tribunals and other legal establishments, and can command higher rates of pay.
If you’re an interpreter who wants to take your skills to the next level, consider investing in specialized training in legal interpreting. This is a wonderful opportunity to work with one of Canada’s most respected and eminent educators.
Registration for Interpreting in Legal and Court Settings closes April 22, 2023.
Find out more and register by CLICKING here
Debra Russell, PhD, is a Canadian certified interpreter, educator, and researcher. Her interpreting practice spans over thirty years. Her interpreting focus is medical, legal, mental health and employment settings. She has had a long history of leadership positions at the local, national, and international level, serving on several volunteer organizations. She is the Past President of the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI).
Dr. Russell is extensively published in the field of interpretation, including as the co-author of Interpreting in Legal Settings and the author of Interpreting in Legal Contexts: Consecutive and Simultaneous Interpretation.
She continues to teach both spoken language and sign language interpreters. She loves to travel and has presented in over 64 countries.
Dr. D Russell: Interpreting Strategies in Legal Discourse