Court and deposition interpretation
Legal interpretation in the US context has specific requirements that general conference interpreters do not always meet. Federal courts and EOIR immigration courts have standards for interpreter certification and conduct. USCIS interviews follow specific protocols. Depositions involve legal concepts in both languages and require interpreters who understand what they are interpreting, not just the words.
Our legal interpreters are familiar with US federal and state court procedures, EOIR immigration court protocols, USCIS interview procedures, and arbitration proceedings under AAA, JAMS, and other major institutions. Many have worked regularly with immigration attorneys, federal public defenders, and commercial litigation teams.
For deposition interpretation, we provide interpreters who are experienced in the specific dynamic of the deposition: rendering questions and answers accurately and completely, requesting clarification when appropriate without coaching the witness, and managing the simultaneous translation of complex technical testimony.
Simultaneous and consecutive: when each is appropriate
Simultaneous interpretation is used for large multilingual events, conferences, and any situation where participants cannot afford to hear the same content twice. The interpreter works in real time, typically in a soundproofed booth with wireless receiver equipment for the audience. Our simultaneous interpreters work in pairs, rotating every 20-30 minutes to maintain quality.
Consecutive interpretation is used for smaller meetings, one-on-one consultations, depositions, and settings where a booth setup is not practical. The speaker makes a statement, pauses, and the interpreter renders it in the target language. Consecutive interpretation is slower but allows greater depth and precision, making it preferable for legal proceedings, medical consultations, and sensitive negotiations.
We help clients choose the right mode for their situation. If you are unsure, describe your event and we will advise.
Interpretation event types we cover
Our interpreters have experience across the following:
- Federal and state court proceedings: hearings, arraignments, trials
- EOIR immigration court hearings: removal proceedings, asylum hearings, appeals
- Depositions: civil and criminal, domestic and cross-border
- USCIS interviews: green card, citizenship, asylum, and benefit interviews
- Arbitration: commercial, securities, employment (AAA, JAMS, ICC, UNCITRAL)
- Mediation and settlement conferences
- Medical consultations, clinical research site visits, FDA facility inspections
- Corporate board meetings and shareholder assemblies
- Executive negotiations and M&A discussions
- International conferences: legal, financial, pharmaceutical, technology
- HR proceedings: disciplinary hearings, workplace investigations, terminations
Remote interpretation (RSI)
We provide remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI) for online and hybrid events via Zoom (with the interpretation feature enabled), Microsoft Teams, Webex, Kudo, and Interprefy. Remote interpretation has become standard for many types of proceedings and events, including depositions, USCIS interviews, and corporate meetings.
For Zoom depositions and legal proceedings, we coordinate directly with the court reporter and legal teams to ensure the interpretation is captured correctly on the record.
Remote interpreters require a stable high-bandwidth connection and a professional-grade microphone setup. We confirm technical requirements with all clients before the event date.
Booking and availability
Interpretation is booked by session: minimum half-day (up to 4 hours) or full day (up to 8 hours). We recommend booking at least 5 business days in advance for standard sessions, and 10+ days for complex or multilingual events.
For urgent bookings (under 5 days), call us directly at (985) 851-9583. We will tell you honestly what is available. If we cannot accommodate the timeline, we will refer you to a trusted colleague rather than promise something we cannot deliver.