Specializing in Legal Translations
Translation, like smithing, is both a science and an art, requiring mastery of technical skills relating to language mechanics combined with an aesthetic understanding of style and form. All writing involves both technique and creativity, of course, but the mix differs depending on the kind of writing. Instruction manuals and medical reports emphasize precise word choice over style; poems and social media posts tend to rely more on nuance and tone. Legal translations blend these two aspects perhaps more than any other field.
I bring over three decades of experience and expertise to translating documents with legal import. My experience means I have a deep understanding of what a legal translation requires: technical precision, contextual awareness, appropriate tone, and subject area knowledge. In short, I will give you professional, nuanced translations that are ready for whatever purpose you need: courtrooms, bureaucracies, industry, business, academia, or administration.
Court Documents
JUDGMENTS, PROCEEDINGS, FILINGS. My familiarity with both the civil law tradition and the common law context are critical to translating documents where precise and accurate terminology is as important as the narrative line of argument being developed. I understand the different “legalese” of each system and can adapt the long, florid sentences typical of the Lusophone into the more direct yet still formal style of English-speaking legal systems.
Legal Forms
BIRTH CERTIFICATES, MARRIAGE LICENSES, POWERS OF ATTORNEY. In the Lusophone world, these documents contain complex, almost archaic ways of cataloging information, reflecting entirely different bureaucratic structures, as well as religious and cultural backgrounds, than in the U.S. and the U.K. My experience translating these seemingly straightforward documents takes that into account, as well as the important role of notaries and registrars in Portuguese-speaking countries.
Industry
MANUALS, TRAINING MATERIALS, REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS. Industry-specific documents often have the weight of legal texts, whether they be specifications for a bid, equipment training materials, or sales brochures. I have translated dozens of documents for various industries, most notably construction and aviation.
Business
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS, PERSONNEL EVALUATIONS AND PERFORMANCE REPORTS, ANNUAL REPORTS, FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS. Even seemingly mundane documents like email and general correspondence can have important legal weight in the business context. I have translated disciplinary interviews, audits, and spot evaluation documents, all of which require sensitivity to nuance and context.
Human Rights, International and Global Studies
ACADEMIC PAPERS, JOURNAL ARTICLES. I hold a master’s degree in human rights and international law and have extensive work experience focusing on land law, human rights, and global studies. I have taught university classes on human rights, human security, and international studies.
Administration
MANAGEMENT REPORTS, WORKFLOW DOCUMENTS, INSTITUTIONAL EVALUATIONS. I have held a number of senior level university administrative positions where I was responsible for managerial oversight as well as coordination of institutional policies and procedures.