We provide Mandarin deposition interpretation services to law firms. Our court certified Mandarin interpreters have rich experience in deposition interpretation, not only for civil and criminal matters, but also for complex commercial cases, international trade disputes, IP infringement litigation, as well as Section 337 and FCPA investigations.
Our credentials: Mandarin deposition interpretation services
Our Mandarin interpreters are court certified and have years of experience in deposition interpretation and court interpretation.
Deposition interpretation is almost entirely consecutive. Interpreters need to have strong short term memory, excellent note-taking skills, and a calm demeanor in all situations. This comes from an innate aptitude combined with years of intensive training.
For the differences between simultaneous interpretation and consecutive interpretation, read our blog Interpretation: Consecutive or Simultaneous? and Skill Comparison: Consecutive vs. Simultaneous Interpretation.
For the distinction of translation and interpretation (or translators and interpreters), read our blog Skill Comparison: Translators vs. Interpreters.
How to achieve the best outcome for deposition interpretation
1. Hire interpreters early
The earlier you schedule, the more likely you can retain court certified interpreters of your choice since interpreters’ availability varies day to day. It is particularly important if you need two or three interpreters.
2. Consider budgeting for two or three interpreters
For high-stake cases such as complex commercial disputes and patent litigation, hire two or three interpreters. This significantly improves the accuracy of interpretation. Some clients hire three interpreters for their depositions — two alternate as the active interpreter, taking turns to rest, and a third as a check interpreter throughout. The check interpreter verifies the interpretation accuracy in the proceedings.
If clients cannot retain three interpreters, we strongly recommend they hire two. Have the two interpreters alternate as the active interpreter and the check interpreter.
If client elects to hire only one interpreter, we request a 10-minute break for each 45-50 minute interpretation to relieve interpreter fatigue. This requirement for breaks also applies to the following arrangement: two interpreters are used, but one acts as the main interpreter and the other as the check interpreter throughout (with no alternation).
For a better understanding of interpretation accuracy, see our posts:
What You Don’t Know about Interpretation: How Good Are Court Certified Interpreters?
3. Perform a conflict-of-interest check on interpreters
When inquiring for Mandarin deposition interpretation services, check with the prospective interpreters for any conflict of interest. Ask them whether they know any parties, witnesses, or attorneys of the case. If an interpreter is related to or well-acquainted with any of the persons above, the interpreter is likely not suitable to interpret for the case.
If an interpreter has worked on the case in ex parte settings (for example, attorney-client meetings), the interpreter may need to recuse themselves from deposition interpreting.
That being said, jurisdictions may apply different rules regarding the exclusion of interpreters. For example, in some jurisdictions, if interpreters have previously interpreted at a grand jury hearing, they cannot interpret at the trial of the same case. This is to avoid any “bleed-through” effect (interpreters may subconsciously draw on knowledge retained from the previous encounter).
However, for rare languages, particularly in jurisdictions with significant shortage of court certified interpreters, it may be deferred to the court to decide whether to preempt an interpreter.
If you are having difficulty securing court certified interpreters, check with the court and the opposing party to see whether they are comfortable with using your proposed interpreters who have had contact with the case before.
4. Verify interpreters’ qualifications for Mandarin deposition interpretation services
If each party at the litigation hires their interpreter independently, make sure that both interpreters’ credentials are verified. Both interpreters should be qualified for Mandarin deposition interpretation services. A big gap between the two interpreters’ levels of competency can be counter-effective, impair the quality of interpretation, and even result in conflictual situations.
There are several credentials available for Chinese-English interpretation. Make sure you understand the differences between the credentials and select the one that suits your need. Have a telephonic interview with the interpreters if necessary.
5. Provide materials to interpreters prior to deposition
Materials should be made available to interpreters early. At minimum, a copy of the complaint should be provided in advance. If you have motions, counterclaims or other documents already filed with court, provide them to the interpreters, too.
Interpreters are not magicians. Even the best interpreters with industry experience can be stumped by jargon in highly technical matters such as patent litigation. Providing materials early allows interpreters to prepare well.
Sometimes clients are reluctant to share any information due to confidentiality concerns. Under such circumstances, the client may consider signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with interpreters before sharing materials. Confidentiality is one of the pillars in the Code of Ethics for translators and interpreters, and professional interpreters take it very seriously.
6. Brief non-English-speaking witnesses in advance
Do a pre-session before the deposition starts. Make witnesses understand that interpreters are impartial and obliged to interpret everything, good or bad. Advise them not to engage interpreters in side conversation during deposition. This helps avoid interpreters’ perceived bias; it also helps prevent possible awkward situations and undue drama.
For a case appealed on the ground of interpreters’ alleged partiality, see Kim Long KO, Appellant, v. UNITED STATES, Appellee.
For attorney’s perspectives on deposition interpretation, read “Lost in Translation”: Dealing with Interpretation Issues in International Litigation by Peter J. Stern and Lucia E. Ballard.