The translation of Chinese legal documents is a highly specialized field and is best done by a native Chinese speaker who is well versed in the field. LanguageTran works with a team of professionals that are not only highly qualified in the different areas of law, but also works with editors who cross-check all of our Chinese legal translations to assure the correct meaning and fluidity of the final presentation.

Whether your Chinese translation project is personal or commercial, large or small, a contract or a court document, our translation company is ready to serve you.

Working with Qualified Chinese Legal Translators

Careful consideration must always be given before assigning a Chinese legal translator. This is especially true for translations into/from Chinese, given the long legal tradition in China. The following are the most important topics to consider with respect to Chinese legal translations.

Be immersed in the Chinese legal language and culture

Although most competent translators must be native to the target language, this is especially important for the Chinese legal translator due to the complexity of the language even in its currently simplified written form. Furthermore, the complexity of the rapidly evolving Chinese legal system and the cultural sensitivity of many aspects of Chinese international relations requires special care. The Chinese translator must be proficient in writing either traditional or simplified Chinese characters appropriate for the projected target audience.

Be completely familiar with Chinese law in its current form

A brief overview of the Chinese legal system shows that renovation of the judicial system is one of the important aspects of economic modernization in China. This reform establishes that all citizens are equal before the law. A commercial code is in place whereby private ownership of the means of production is protected by law, and partnerships and wholly foreign-owned or joint-venture enterprises are recognized. A court system is in place with local courts handling criminal and civil cases, two intermediate higher level appeals courts, and a third Supreme People's Court, located in Beijing, as the ultimate appellate court. With local participation in legislation greatly encouraged, the laws in each district and sector can change fairly quickly according to the needs of the people. The laws enacted at the local level must remain within the guidelines of the State constitution; however, often legal research is needed in drafting any document or handling any particular case due to the flexibility of the system. Chinese legal translators must be aware of the context of the document being translated in order to be sure of using the appropriate terms and concepts. Selecting the translator with the exact background for the project is key.

Be well-versed in Chinese legal terms and formats

Besides understanding every aspect of the original text, the Chinese translator must recognize boilerplate texts in the original and what the typical boilerplates would be in the target language. Cross-editors are often called upon at this point. For commercial contracts, licensing agreements, etc., where confidence between the parties is paramount, the text must look familiar in the target language as well as being technically correct. The same is true of documents translated into Chinese. In addition to the expertise of the original translator, an additional editor directly familiar with the locality may be needed to address nuances of form and tone.

Educational equivalent of a Chinese lawyer
(if the document is to have legal validity in China)

Whether or not the translated document will have the legal validity to be used in a court case is an important consideration when selecting a Chinese legal translator. To assure legal validity, the translator must find equivalent legal terms for the two texts. He or she must know exactly how the document will be understood in the Chinese courtroom. If the document translated from Chinese is to have legal validity in the target country, often an editor with legal expertise in the target country must also be consulted.

Be scholarly

Legal practitioners in China have a reputation for being scholarly. Since the days of Confucius, the long tradition of legal scholarship continues in China today with arduous programs of study and heated discussion of all things legal. The best professional Chinese legal translator will be totally dedicated to his profession with all the latest information and materials available.

Whatever your Chinese legal translation project, LanguageTran will find the best qualified Chinese legal translator in the field for your particular document or text so that you will be able to participate with confidence in the exciting prospects of modern China!

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LanguageTran is a translation company offering a wide variety of translation services, including legal translations, technical translations and certified translations. If you need onsite service or electronic service anywhere, call us toll free at 1-888-253-9580 and we will assist you. Our home office is located in Austin, Texas, with resources to serve companies throughout the United States and other countries, including New Orleans, Louisiana; Cleveland, Ohio; Kansas City, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Omaha, Nebraska; Oakland, California, Miami Florida, and Tulsa, Oklahoma among many others.