Overview
Legal translation differs from general translation in that it requires understanding the precise legal meaning of a term, not just finding a linguistic equivalent that might not carry the same legal effect in the other language.
We review translation to confirm consistency with the original version clause by clause, particularly in contracts where both the Arabic and English versions are adopted together as one binding document.
Regulatory Basis
Some translated documents need certification from a certified translator to be accepted before certain official bodies, and we follow through on this requirement based on the body the document will be used before.
How We Translate Legal Documents
Specialized lawyers review the translation, not just a general translator, to confirm accuracy of legal terminology and its match to the intended meaning in the original text.
Who Needs This Service
A foreign company that needs its contracts translated into Arabic for use in Saudi Arabia.
A Saudi company dealing with a foreign party that needs a precise translation of its contracts into English.
We notice from reviewing translations prepared externally that the most common error isn't a linguistic mistake in the usual sense, but a literal translation of a legal term that doesn't carry the same regulatory effect in the other language, like translating 'guarantee' generically without specifying whether it refers to a personal or property security, a meaningful difference in legal effect deserving more precision than general language translation alone.
Additional Considerations
For bilingual commercial contracts specifically, this connects with our contract drafting and review service.
When the translated document needs formal certification, this connects with our notary and attestation service.
Common Questions
Does every legal translation need formal certification?
This depends on the body the document will be used before, and we clarify this requirement based on the specific purpose of the translation.
Do you review translations prepared by another party?
Yes, we review any legal translation to confirm its accuracy and consistency with the original text before adopting it.