Legal Translation Services

Legal and business documents we can translate

Requests can involve a wide range of legal, regulatory and commercial material. Subject to the relevant language and translator availability, these may include:

This list is illustrative. If your document type is not shown, send us the material or a representative extract and explain its intended use. We will confirm whether a suitable service is available.

Human translation with context

Legal translation is not simply a word-for-word substitution exercise. Defined terms, context, tone, formatting and differences between legal systems can all affect how a document should be translated.

Our service uses human translators selected according to the language combination and project requirements. Where available, please provide:

• defined terms and related agreements;
• earlier translations that must remain consistent;
• client or organisation terminology;
• relevant background to the matter;
• the jurisdiction and intended audience;
• formatting or court requirements; and
• the receiving body’s instructions.

Translation of recorded legal material

Where evidence or information is contained in an audio or video recording, we can discuss a combined transcription and translation service. Available outputs may include:

• a transcript in the original language;
• an English translation;
• both the original-language transcript and an English translation;
• an English-only translated transcript;
• named, numbered or role-based speaker labels;
• timestamps;
• strict or intelligent verbatim treatment; and
• client-specific formatting.

The required output must be agreed before work begins because the stages, timescale and price can differ substantially. Send a representative recording where possible so that the language, sound quality and number of speakers can be assessed.

Confidentiality and information security

Legal documents may contain personal data, commercially sensitive information, evidence or material that the instructing organisation considers privileged or confidential.

TP Translations operates within the TP Transcription Limited group. Published group security arrangements include UKAS-accredited ISO 27001:2022 information-security management together with Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. Secure file-transfer facilities are available.

We can also discuss:

• confidentiality requirements;
• Data Processing Agreements;
• retention and deletion periods;
• access restrictions;
• password-protected delivery;
• supplier-security questionnaires; and
• project-specific transfer or delivery arrangements.

The instructing organisation remains responsible for deciding what it is permitted to disclose, whether privilege or another restriction applies, and what contractual or technical safeguards are required. Contact us before uploading files if the project is subject to a particular regulatory, contractual or geographic restriction.

Read the TP Translations privacy policy

How the legal translation process works

1. Send the requirements
   Provide the material, source and target languages, intended use, deadline and any formal acceptance requirements.
2. Receive a quotation
   We review the information and confirm the proposed service, price, timescale and any questions.
3. Translation
   The work is allocated to a human translator suitable for the language combination and project requirements.
4. Delivery
   The completed translation is returned in the agreed format using the agreed delivery method.

Information required for a quotation

Please provide as much of the following information as possible:

• the source language;
• the required target language;
• the complete document or a representative sample;
• the approximate word count or recording length;
• the subject matter and document type;
• the intended use and receiving organisation;
• the relevant jurisdiction, where this affects the terminology;
• the required return date;
• the preferred file format;
• relevant terminology, definitions or reference documents;
• whether additional proofreading or review is required; and
• any certification, declaration, notarisation or formal acceptance requirement.

Translations are quoted individually because language combinations, document complexity, formatting and formal requirements vary. The quotation will explain what is included before the work begins.

Why instruct TP Translations?

See the languages page for an indication of coverage. Availability must be confirmed for the specific language pair, subject matter and deadline.

Frequently asked questions