Subject-matter matching matters
An interpreter who is comfortable with ordinary legal conversation may not be the right person for cardiology, structural engineering, forensic accounting or another technical specialty. Identify the expert field before staffing the assignment.
Reports and testimony should align
Experts often testify from written reports, charts, calculations or exhibits. If those materials are in another language, written translation can help preserve consistency between the report terminology and the live evidence.
Preparation can be especially valuable
Where permitted, providing the expert report, glossary or key non-privileged documents in advance can help the interpreter prepare recurring technical terms and proper names.
Trials and arbitrations can run for days
Expert evidence may occupy a substantial block of a longer hearing. Scheduling should account for the full testimony window, possible delays and whether continuity is needed across examination and cross-examination.
What to send when requesting availability or a quote
Provide the proceeding type, expert discipline, language pair, hearing dates, expected testimony duration, remote or in-person format and whether reports or exhibits require written translation.
Questions about expert witness interpreting
Can you handle medical expert testimony?
Medical expert work should identify the specialty so an appropriately experienced interpreter can be sought.
Can technical or engineering experts be interpreted?
Yes, with the technical field disclosed before the assignment.
Can the expert report be translated before testimony?
Yes. This can help align written and spoken terminology.
Can the same interpreter cover direct and cross-examination?
When scheduling and proceeding rules allow, continuity can be requested.