Legal Translation Services


Espresso Translations is an ISO-certified legal translation agency that provides legal translation services for all your law translation needs.

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Legal document translation services for use in the United States


Espresso Translations is an ISO-certified professional legal translation agency with a wealth of experience in providing services for various specialties in the legal industry. When you need reliable, precise translations of legal documents that are guaranteed to be accepted by authorities in the United States, put your trust in Espresso’s team of professional legal translators.

We offer our clients—including some of the largest law firms in the world—with a range of legal translation services including:

  • Language translations of legal files such as contracts and agreements, court documents, litigation documents, patents and intellectual property documents
  • Certified translations for official use, such as  immigration documents, wills and trusts, and legal certificates
  • Translation and transcription services for audio and video recordings to be used in courts of law
  • Governmental documentation such as international treaties and agreements for US or international government agencies
  • Certified legal translations for corporations, such as regulatory and compliance documents, bylaws and shareholder agreements
  • Legal translations for real estate and property transactions, such as deeds, leases, and sale and purchase agreements 

We provide legal translation services of the highest quality that are unparalleled in the language services industry. When you need the best legal translation services for anything from a business contract with complex legal jargon to an urgent translation for dispute resolution, we can help.

Boasting a team of more than 2,000 native translators experienced in the legal sector, we offer professional legal translation services performed by qualified linguists in more than 150 different language pairs.

When you require a fluent, natural-sounding human translation, our highly qualified, in-country translators have extensive experience in translating for legal purposes and only translate into their native languages. We provide the best legal translation services of documents, free from the risk of misinterpretation thanks to our translators’ broad expertise in the United States legal system.

We are an ISO-certified legal translation company with comprehensive legal experience in all types of legal fields including family law, intellectual property, commercial law, and public services. Our translations are guaranteed to meet the quality standards required by US government agencies, and our certified legal translations will be accepted by law courts, federal government departments and immigration agencies in the United States.

Our team of professional legal translators is ready to assist you with a great service and a full range of legal linguistic solutions. Just email us your legal materials and confirm the source and target languages, and we will get back to you with a competitive quote within one hour. Don’t worry if you are faced with a time-sensitive legal procedure: we can also provide fast service for your critical legal documentation.

Our prices for legal translation services start at $30. Delivery of electronic documents is included at no extra charge, but we can also mail you a printed copy of the translation for a small fee.

With Espresso Translations, you can rely on excellent quality translations plus a friendly, helpful service.

US government approved professional legal document translations

Espresso Translations offers government approved legal translation services that are guaranteed to be accepted by law courts, immigration offices, and federal and state agencies in the United States. We follow government guidelines when certifying legal translations, ensuring top-quality translations into US English. 

We follow strict ISO 17100 protocols, ensuring that we provide highly accurate translations that you can trust when dealing with US corporate legal departments, the US court system and all government institutions.

If you need to translate your legal documents into other languages for overseas clients or for use in a foreign court, we can help you determine whether regular translations will suffice or if you will need a specialist translation, such as a sworn or a notarized translation. We can also determine the correct languages for official use in a given country, thanks to our personalized service.

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What is a legal translation?


A legal translation is the process of translating law-related content from one language to another. Espresso provides certified legal translations that may include documents or files that form part of legal proceedings, transcriptions of video or audio files for use in court, or remote court interpreting.

Translations for legal purposes will usually only be considered compliant documents if they have been certified, sworn, or notarized. The official requirements for legally valid translations vary from country to country. Our dedicated team is well versed in the different requirements of each country and can assist you in determining the best service for your needs.

Who are legal translation services for?


US authorities or legal entities often require professional legal translation services for valid translated documents. More and more businesses and individuals in today’s globalized world are engaging in overseas transactions and procedures that involve the United States.

A person moving from one country to another will likely need to translate their vital documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, for immigration purposes. Companies and organizations, on the other hand, may need to translate contracts and agreements signed with foreign counterparts, or may need to translate company bylaws for overseas subsidiaries. 

Occasionally, legal disputes may arise between foreign parties, requiring certified translations into the language of the court handling the case.

When you need legal translation experts, count on Espresso Translations for all your international translation projects.

How much does it cost to translate a legal document?


Prices for certified legal translation services for use in the United States start from $30 per page. Prices can vary depending on the length of the document, the complexity of the technical language, the language pair, and the file format.

Legal translation costs more than standard translation due to the expertise required by the translator to provide a meticulous translation that can be relied upon from a legal perspective. The cost will also depend on whether you require a sworn, notarized, or certified translation.

How much does a legal document translation service cost per word?

Legal translation cost per word ranges from $0.10 to $0.20 per word, depending on the language combination. Many companies will also impose a minimum charge per order or per language.

Our brilliant service here at Espresso Translations includes a clear per-word pricing policy for translated files and documents. We multiply the total word count by the per-word rate for your particular source language and target language. If a document must be translated into multiple languages, we can often apply a volume discount.

How long does translating legal documents take?


It usually takes between 24 and 48 hours to translate a one-page legal document. Naturally, the turnaround time depends on the length and complexity of the files. A document containing technical or specialist language (pharmaceutical documents, for example) will take longer to complete, because specific legal terminology will need to be accurately researched.

Formatting also affects translation turnaround times. For instance, a scanned document with a lot of handwritten text will typically take longer to process. The same holds true for complex illustrations. An editable Word document, on the other hand, is much quicker to translate.

Who can translate legal documents?


Only professional translators with legal qualifications and experience should translate legal documents. At Espresso Translations, our expert legal translators have experience in legal matters or hold an international law degree, meaning they have the technical knowledge and experience required to provide quality translations you can rely on. 

Our legal translation team includes translators with experience in many different types of law, such as corporate law, financial law, criminal law, tort law and various other legal specialties. 

Can anyone translate legal documents?


Translation services for legal purposes should not be entrusted to a non-specialist translator. While in theory anyone could translate legal documents, a translation not performed by an experienced, qualified translator might not be officially recognized or accepted by US or foreign authorities.

The complex, specialized language used in legal documents would be difficult for regular translators, and such a translation might not be able to be certified for legal purposes. Relevant experience in the subject matter of the relevant legal specialty, as well as knowledge of the requirements of translating official documents in a given country, are both essential for a high-quality legal translation.

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What is the best professional legal translation service for law documents?


Legal clients choose Espresso Translations for legal professional translation services because of the great experience and impeccable language skills we offer. We provide a reliable and experienced service with many years of experience in assisting top law firms and global clients in the legal industry.

Our team of dedicated legal experts and interpreters possesses a profound knowledge of the legal sector, ensuring every document is translated with the utmost precision and respect for the legal requirements. Our experienced language experts with dedicated legal translation training will ensure that each translation accurately captures every nuance and detail of the original text. 

High quality translations by professional legal translators


Espresso Translations offers high quality translations by professional legal translators with considerable experience in the translation industry.  Our professional service includes proofreading by a second translator in order to guarantee the highest quality standards.

High quality translations, especially in the realm of legal language, require a keen understanding of both the source and target texts. Our professional legal translators, fluent in the appropriate languages and well-versed in the nuances of complex language structures, ensure that every document is translated with precision. With direct experience in tackling the intricacies of foreign languages and the specialized terminology of legal contexts, our team provides experienced translation services that stand out for their accuracy and authenticity.

Why is legal translation important?


Legal processes can hinge on the precision and accuracy of a legal translation. The parties involved in a criminal law case, a professional court proceeding, or an international merger could potentially suffer financial losses, legal complications, or unjust consequences if the legal language in a document is misinterpreted.

Anyone who is part of a multilingual legal process should understand how crucial it is to choose a professional translation company for legal translations instead of relying on alternatives like machine translation. Translations of global law and notarial documents require immaculate translations. Machine translation, for instance, could be a false economy that costs more than it saves, because it often lacks the depth and precise legal understanding required to render legally sound documents.

Espresso Translations not only provides an efficient service but also brings expertise in accurately translating legal terminologies across various languages, ensuring that the translated content aligns perfectly with the meaning of the original text.

Where can I find the best certified legal translation agency near me?


When it comes to expert legal translation services today, geography is no barrier. Our reliable language services are available online anywhere in the world. While Espresso Translations has its offices in New York, we work remotely with clients all around the United States and the world.

Get a fast quote on your legal translation today. At Espresso Translations, we pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service and our skill in translating legal documents accurately so that you are happy with your finished file. 

How to legally translate documents online?


Start by choosing a good legal translation services company such as Espresso Translations. Given the plethora of services available, prioritizing providers with a track record of excellence and versatility can guarantee satisfaction in the long run. It is essential to select a translation company that meets your specific requirements, such as fast translation or experience in a special legal area.

For best results, look for a certified document translation service like Espresso that has an ISO certification or accreditation with a membership body such as the American Translators Association or the American Association of Language Specialists.

The reputation of Espresso Translations, one that has been built over many years, attests to our reliability and the easy experience we offer. A list of our best known clients and online reviews from our happy customers testify to our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. 

In legal contexts, it is vital to obtain accurate legal translation services that cater to most languages. Don’t forget to explore other services available from Espresso Translations, such as proofreading services, to ensure the highest quality result for your documents.

How do our legal certified translation services work?


Our legal certified translation process is simple. Send us the files either via email or through our online form and we’ll provide you with a quote within the hour. Once you agree to the service and make your payment, our global team of legal translation specialists will begin working on your order.

At Espresso, a native translator with extensive legal experience will translate your legal document. For assurance of the greatest legal accuracy, the translation is then checked a second time by another expert. 

For use in the United States, you may need a verified translation or certification of your legal translation. Espresso can attach an affidavit to your translated files including the translator’s contact information and a statement attesting to the truth and quality of the translation.

The final translation will be delivered to you by email. Hard copy delivery is also available for a small postage fee. 

Our translation procedures are designed to ensure the highest fidelity to the original document in terms of formatting and in the accuracy of the legal terminology. Our team’s vast experience in handling documents in various languages allows us to reproduce the exact format of your original files, offering additional services that make your translated document mirror the source in every way.

We prioritize the security of your documents. Our privacy policy ensures that every file you entrust to us remains secure, safeguarding your sensitive information throughout the translation process. Our comprehensive approach guarantees precision and peace of mind for individuals, law firms, and legal departments that need accurate an translation of legal documents.

Trusted Legal Translations in the US


We pride ourselves on excellent customer service, including speedy support and comprehensive guidance from our project managers. Check out our customer reviews:

The legal translation services offered by Espresso Translations exceeded my expectations with their impeccable accuracy in legal terminology.

– William

Brodies

Espresso Translations’ legal translation services were exceptional, showcasing impressive accuracy and precision in handling my documents.

– John

BCLP

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Frequently Asked Questions


Is legal translation important?

In a world where international language interactions are commonplace, experienced legal translators are undeniably important. Legal translations are technical by nature, and legal translators must be familiar with the specificities of language and legal terminologies to ensure that meaning is conveyed accurately. When the slightest misinterpretation can lead to significant legal repercussions, top quality legal translations are crucial. To ensure the best outcomes for translations in the United States, trust Espresso Translations to prioritize quality for your legal documents. The legal domain demands more than basic translation—it requires expertise and precision.

Can I translate my own legal documents?

We do not advise the DIY approach to translation of legal documents, even for those who are proficient in both the source and target languages. It is risky to translate a legal document on your own. The accurate translation of technical documents and terminology is especially paramount in confidential legal matters. Even minor errors or misinterpretations can render a document legally unacceptable. For official legal purposes, remember that if it is worth doing, it is worth doing well.
US government agencies, legal firms, and other institutions often require translations to be done by a qualified legal translation services provider to ensure that the content is accurate and uses the correct specific legal terminology. To ensure that the translated document is accepted and serves its intended purpose, Espresso Translations employs a team of legal translators who can offer translation with the requisite expertise and precision. 

What is the difference between legal translation and translation?

Legal translation is a unique subset of translation that requires a specific set of skills based on the area of law involved. 
When translating legal text, it is crucial to assign significance to each term within its specific context, as well as in the overall document. Consequently, precise translation is necessary, accompanied by an understanding of the term’s surrounding clause. Corporate translations, for instance, may call for both a particular linguistic expertise and an understanding of business and the law.
In addition to the language skills and subject proficiencies required for legal translation, legal documents may need to be certified, notarized, apostilled or sworn. Such translations involve authentication and are often accompanied by other documents bearing an official seal or declaration to validate their accuracy for formal proceedings.
Legal interpretation is another subspecialty that is different from translation. Interpreters orally convey legal content, often in real-time scenarios like courtrooms, while translators usually deal with the written word. 
In short, the complexity of legal translation demands a unique skill set. This is why a translation agency like Espresso Translations, with a large team of translators with diverse skills, is your best bet when you need legal material translated.

What is the difference between legal translation and legalised translation?

In legal translation, the contents of a legal document or file are translated from one language to another. In a legalized translation, however, the translation is accompanied by an apostille. Legalized translations are accepted by countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention, as the apostille confirms the authenticity of the signatures on the translation.

Do I need a sworn translator for the translation of legal documents?

France, Spain, and some other civil law countries require sworn translators to translate financial or legal text, files and documents. For instance, French translations of birth certificates or business contracts would need to be carried out by a sworn translator. Businesses and agencies in the United States may or may not require sworn translations of legal files or similar documents, so ask your translation agency to be sure. 
For trustworthy translations tailored to your specific legal needs, look no further than Espresso Translations. Our services cater to a wide range of legal and financial translation requirements. Whether you need assistance with contracts, financial documents, or other legal material, we are equipped to provide legal solutions of the highest caliber. We pride ourselves on delivering a personal service, ensuring that each client’s unique legal translation needs are met with precision and professionalism. 

Does my legal translation need to be a certified translation?

The need for a certified translation varies in the United States. Your best bet is to ask Espresso Translations if you are not sure if you need a certified translation. Let yourself be guided by our experience and legal expertise for all your legal translations. Contact us today for a quote so we can assist you with your translation needs.

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