Interpreters in courts and tribunals Generally, interpreters are provided to defendants in criminal matters as a matter of right when attending a court. However, in civil matters, the provision of interpreters varies between different courts and tribunals. If your client requires an interpreter in upcoming court or tribunal proceedings, it is important that you contact the court or tribunal registry to find out: whether an interpreter will be provided free of charge; if not, what the cost of obtaining an interpreter is; and how far in advance an interpreter must be booked. principles of working with interpreters There are many resources about best practice when working with interpreters. They range from detailed manuals to educational videos involving scenarios featuring interpreters. While working with interpreters can be challenging, you can ensure that your session with an interpreter and client is effective by following a few key principles: allow time prior to the interview to brief the interpreter so they have an understanding of the purpose of the session; organise a private area where the session can take place; arrange seating in a triangular form to for easy communication between the interpreter and the client; ideally position yourself so that the client is directly facing you and the interpreter is sitting to the side; briefly confirm at the start of the session that your client and the interpreter understand each other well; always speak in the first person and speak directly to the client; allow the interpreter to clarify information if necessary; use language and short sentences; using jargon, slang, idioms or proverbs; include a pause after each sentence so that participants do not talk over each other or cut each other off; if the meeting goes for a long time, the interpreter may require a few minutes on the half hour; and clearly indicate the end of the meeting to everyone involved. Remember that an interpreter is not there to stand in for your client or to speak on their behalf. Their role is to ensure that your client can communicate with you. Working with interpreters becomes easier with practice.
Interpreters in courts and tribunals Generally, interpreters are provided to defendants in criminal matters as a matter of right when attending a court. However, in civil matters, the provision of interpreters varies between different courts and tribunals. If your client requires an interpreter in upcoming court or tribunal proceedings, it is important that you contact the court or tribunal registry to find out: whether an interpreter will be provided free of charge; if not, what the cost of obtaining an interpreter is; and how far in advance an interpreter must be booked. principles of working with interpreters There are many resources about best practice when working with interpreters. They range from detailed manuals to educational videos involving scenarios featuring interpreters. While working with interpreters can be challenging, you can ensure that your session with an interpreter and client is effective by following a few key principles: allow time prior to the interview to brief the interpreter so they have an understanding of the purpose of the session; organise a private area where the session can take place; arrange seating in a triangular form to for easy communication between the interpreter and the client; ideally position yourself so that the client is directly facing you and the interpreter is sitting to the side; briefly confirm at the start of the session that your client and the interpreter understand each other well; always speak in the first person and speak directly to the client; allow the interpreter to clarify information if necessary; use language and short sentences; using jargon, slang, idioms or proverbs; include a pause after each sentence so that participants do not talk over each other or cut each other off; if the meeting goes for a long time, the interpreter may require a few minutes on the half hour; and clearly indicate the end of the meeting to everyone involved. Remember that an interpreter is not there to stand in for your client or to speak on their behalf. Their role is to ensure that your client can communicate with you. Working with interpreters becomes easier with practice.
Client-Management-and-Self-care-Guide-February-2018.docx