Skip to content

French to English Legal Translator | Lawyer-Linguist

French to English Legal and Certified Translation FAQs

Female French to English legal translator and lawyer-linguist with glasses smiling

FAQs about French to English legal and certified translation services

Whether working with a French to English legal translator is a whole new world for you or whether you’re a dab hand, here are answers to a few questions that I get asked from time to time. If you can’t find the answer to your question below, contact me.

What is French to English legal translation?

French to English legal translation is translating anything that will be used for legal purposes from the French legal system or a French-speaking legal system into English. This means translating any French legal text, legal document, or other files needed for legal purposes into English. The most common legal documents that I translate are contracts, agreements, terms and conditions, non-disclosure agreements (NDAS) and confidentiality agreements, wills and documents for property purchases and sales.

What is a French to English certified translation?

A certified legal translation goes one step further than legal translation. A certified legal translation can be used for official purposes because it has to be prepared by someone like me, a member of a professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) or the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI).

Translations required for official purposes, such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, legal documents, academic certificates and transcripts etc., can be used for a whole host of exciting reasons. I’ve recently provided certified English translations of French birth certificates for British passport applications for HM Passport Office, certified English translations of French academic certificates and transcripts for students applying to study at UK universities and certified English translations of French marriage certificates for the happy couples. Contact me if you’ve been asked to obtain a certified English translation for official purposes, as I’m qualified to help. 

What makes someone a qualified French to English legal translator?

A qualified French to English legal translator will combine French to English translation skills with French and English legal qualifications and be a member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) or the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). They should also have a professional online presence and professional indemnity insurance. Although professional indemnity insurance is not legally required, it should be because it will give you peace of mind. Luckily for you, I have all of the above so get in touch.

What is it like to work with a French to English legal translator?

I can’t speak for every translator, but I can tell you how nice it is to work with me. I really love what I do, and I’m told that’s evident at every stage of your journey. Not only can you trust me to get the job done, but I’ll make sure you enjoy the whole process. As much as I love the work, my clients’ happiness throughout the project is paramount. Happy client, happy translator! From that very first conversation and that bespoke quote, right through to checking in with you after delivery of the project. Yes, that’s right, after delivery! Client aftercare is a huge priority for me because I like to make sure that my work helped you to achieve your goals. Plus, hopefully you’ll come back for more or tell your friends about me.

How much do legal and certified translation services cost?

Legal and certified translations are generally quoted per word, and the pricing varies depending on:

  • the document’s word count
  • the document’s format
  • the document’s subject area
  • the urgency of the translation

My proofreading and editing and revising services are quoted per hour and can vary depending on the quality of the text to be proofread, the subject matter and your delivery deadline.

Legal English lessons and mentoring sessions for translators are quoted per hour or per package and my legal templates for translators are priced per document.

Can you provide French to English certified translations for offical purposes?

Yes. As a member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), I am fully qualified to provide French to English certified translations of birth, death and marriage certificates, legal documents, academic certificates and transcripts etc for official purposes, including certified translations for French-speaking students applying to study in the UK and certified translations for British passport applications for HM Passport Office. You can find out more about my French to English certified translation service here and you can find out more about how a French to English certified translator like me certifies your legal and official documents here.

What is a ‘location independent’ business?

This is a huge advantage for you. As my business is location independent, this means that I can work with clients all over the world. As long as I have my laptop and a Wi-Fi connection, I’m all set to work for you. Whether I’m in my office in the cultural quarter of Barcelona or back in my office in the UK while visiting family and friends, I can always offer you the service that you deserve, wherever I am in the world.