Legal Interpretation & Translation

Lend Your Voice

The legal interpreter/translator works primarily within the California Court system as a court interpreter or as a full-time or freelance interpreter/translator whose services are utilized by legal and government agencies such as the Social Security Administration, the Homeland Security Department-Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Agriculture Labor Relations Board, and private legal offices, as well as clinics and hospitals.

Program Awards

Our Legal Interpretation and Translation programs are included in the Business field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion	Program Map
Certificate of Achievement - Legal Interpretation and Translation--Basic (English/Spanish)	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Certificate of Achievement - Legal Interpretation and Translation--Intermediate (English/Spanish)	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Common Careers

Below is a sample of the career options available for the interpretation and translation major. Some require a certificate of achievement and most require an associate in science degree: court interpreter, freelance interpreter/translator, assistant in legal intake and services in juvenile mediation, immigration, and family counseling. Employment opportunities exist in local courts, legal clinics, related public and private agencies, and international business entities.

The average annual salary in this field is $61,750 for occupations like Intrepreter or Translator.

Typical Duties

• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Getting Information
  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Documenting/Recording Information
  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Thinking Creatively
  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others
  Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Analyzing Data or Information
  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Developing and Building Teams
  Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Working with Computers
  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Assisting and Caring for Others
  Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.