We hear this often, usually from receptionist, office manager, or intake coordinator. And while it’s understandable, it’s also misleading.
The truth Is:
Even fluent bilingual staff legally cannot serve as interpreters in Depositions, Arbitrations, Sworn testimony or recorded statements
Why? Because interpreting is not just about speaking two languages.
It’s a specialized profession that requires much more than fluency.
A professional interpreter brings:
Formal Training: Skilled in handling high-stakes, technical, or sensitive conversations
Impartiality: No personal connection to the case or its outcome
Confidentiality & Ethics: Bound by strict codes of conduct
Cultural Competence: Able to navigate nuance, tone, and unspoken meaning
Real-Time Accuracy: Not just Interpretation, but clear and immediate understanding
Credibility: A trusted third party with no internal bias
Having bilingual staff is an asset to your team, but it’s not a substitute for a Professional Interpreter. When a comes to certain legal, medical or official communications.
When accuracy, ethics and compliance matter, working with a qualified Interpreter isn’t just the right choice, Its often the required one.