Legal Translator and Court Interpreter
Training
If you are thinking about becoming a legal translator or court interpreter, a university degree in translation would be helpful. The following universities in Quebec offer this degree:
After you have completed your degree you can apply to become a member of the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec. As a member of this Ordre, you become a “certified translator” or “certified interpreter.” This professional certification tells the public and future employers that your skills are of a high level and it can be helpful in getting jobs. For more information, visit the website of the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec.
Although a legal education (such as a DEC in paralegal technology or a university degree in law) is not always required by employers, it is a huge asset for anyone who wants to become a legal translator or court interpreter.The University of Ottawa offers a specialized master's in legal translation for those who have a law degree and want to become a legal translator. This program takes one year and a half to complete.
To learn more about the training and job prospects (salary, rate of growth of the profession, etc.) of legal translators and court interpreters, take a look at the Job Futures website.
Useful High School Courses
The following courses could help you prepare for a future as a legal translator or court interpreter:
Speak to your guidance counsellor to see if there are other courses offered at your school that could prepare for this career.
- Concordia University
- Université de Montréal
- Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO)
- Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
- Université Laval
- McGill University
- Université de Sherbrooke
After you have completed your degree you can apply to become a member of the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec. As a member of this Ordre, you become a “certified translator” or “certified interpreter.” This professional certification tells the public and future employers that your skills are of a high level and it can be helpful in getting jobs. For more information, visit the website of the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec.
Although a legal education (such as a DEC in paralegal technology or a university degree in law) is not always required by employers, it is a huge asset for anyone who wants to become a legal translator or court interpreter.The University of Ottawa offers a specialized master's in legal translation for those who have a law degree and want to become a legal translator. This program takes one year and a half to complete.
To learn more about the training and job prospects (salary, rate of growth of the profession, etc.) of legal translators and court interpreters, take a look at the Job Futures website.
Useful High School Courses
The following courses could help you prepare for a future as a legal translator or court interpreter:
- English Language Arts,
- French, Spanish, German, etc. as a Second Language
- History and Citizenship Education
Speak to your guidance counsellor to see if there are other courses offered at your school that could prepare for this career.
