Legal translation and certified translation are related but distinct services. Many clients use these terms interchangeably, but understanding the difference is critical to making sure your translated documents are accepted by the right institution.
What Is Legal Translation?
Legal translation refers to the translation of legal content — contracts, court documents, statutes, agreements — by a translator with expertise in legal terminology and the legal systems of both languages.
- Requires deep knowledge of legal terminology in both languages
- Translator must understand both legal systems involved
- Errors in legal translation can have serious contractual or judicial consequences
What Is Certified Translation?
Certified translation refers to the formal certification of any translation — legal, medical, academic, or personal — through a signed Certificate of Accuracy. It is about the official status of the translation.
- Can apply to any type of document
- Focuses on official acceptability and accuracy certification
- Required by immigration, academic, and government institutions
When Do You Need Both?
Many legal documents require both legal expertise in translation AND official certification. This is where a certified legal translator becomes essential.
- Court submissions: need both legal expertise and certification
- International contracts: certified and legally precise translation
- Immigration legal documents: certified with legal accuracy
Conclusion
Legal translation is about expertise in legal content. Certified translation is about official status. For legal documents going to official institutions, you need both — and our certified legal translators deliver exactly that.