At present, the U.S. is home to 77 million non-native English speakers. The Constitution guarantees all of these people to a fair trial. However, wrongful incarcerations arising due to language barriers are increasingly common.
At Languagers, we help prevent wrongful convictions, by providing on-demand certified court and deposition interpreter services. The only question is, what basic rules should attorneys follow when working with interpreters?
Deposition Interpreter Rules and General Guidance
If you are an attorney working with a deposition interpreter for the first time, you might feel a little out of your depth. Thankfully, our court interpreters at Languagers have come up with a few basic guidelines for attorneys, attorney clients, and opposing counsel, for when working with interpreters.
Avoid Cheap Deposition Interpreter Services
As a basic rule, attorneys should never hire cheap deposition interpreter whose credentials can’t be independently verified.
Attorneys usually have to cover the cost of hiring deposition interpreters themselves. This can make it tempting to hire the cheapest interpreters available. However, this can also put you at risk of hiring an under-qualified interpreter.
Always Forward Notices of Deposition to Interpreters
At Languagers, we take pride in being able to provide deposition interpreters to attorneys all across the U.S., even on short notice. However, as soon as we pair you with a suitable interpreter, you must send them a copy of your notice of deposition.
An interpreter will need this to familiarize themselves with the basic details of depositions, as well as case-specific legal terminology.
Make Sure to Brief Clients on the Role of an Interpreter
Before starting work with a deposition interpreter, attorneys must make it clear to their clients that interpreters must remain impartial.
It is normal for people who are unable to communicate in English, to attempt small talk with interpreters. However, during depositions, several basic deposition interpreter rules must be followed.
- Under no circumstances should attorney clients attempt to have personal conversations with interpreters.
- Attorney clients should be advised to avoid using humor or colloquialisms when answering deposition questions.
- Ideally, attorney clients should be asked to speak in short bursts and not talk over interpreters or opposing counsel.
- Attorney clients should be advised to give short, honest, factual answers to questions, not embellish answers with unnecessary details.
- In every case, it must be made clear to clients that interpreters cannot accept gifts, money, or invitations to meet after depositions are over.
Most importantly of all, attorney clients should be advised to always answer questions in a way that directly addresses opposing counsel, not deposition interpreters.
Deposition Interpreter Rules for Opposing Counsel
After briefing clients on how to interact with interpreters, attorneys should also discuss upcoming depositions with opposing counsel.
Like attorney clients, opposing counsel should be asked not to use humor or colloquialisms, or talk over clients when asking questions. Examining attorneys should also be made aware of any cultural habits clients might have which might imply evasiveness by accident.
In some cultures, it is considered rude not to pause before answering a question. Likewise, there are some words and phrases which have no equivalent in English. Examing attorneys, should, therefore, be asked to be mindful of potential cultural and linguistic differences during depositions.
Looking for Deposition Interpreter Services in NY or Statewide?
At Languagers, we provide highly experienced legal interpreters to attorneys and courtrooms all across the United States. In most cases, we can also do so in under 24-hours.
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