Professional court and legal interpreting services

Court interpreting is essential whenever any party lacks full proficiency in English. Typical scenarios include pleas and sentencing at magistrates’ courts, trials at Crown Court, family court hearings, immigration and asylum tribunals, small claims, and employment tribunals. Interpreters support defendants in the dock, witnesses giving evidence, and consultations between clients and their solicitors and counsel.

Outside the courtroom, interpreting may be required for police station interviews under PACE, pre‑trial conferences, probation or parole meetings, mediation, and hearings conducted by local authorities or professional regulators. In each setting, our role is to deliver accurate, impartial interpreting without adding or omitting meaning—maintaining the integrity of the record and ensuring due process.

Remote options are often appropriate and widely accepted by UK courts via CVP (Cloud Video Platform), as well as by legal teams using Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Remote interpreting is ideal when time is critical, participants are spread across jurisdictions, or security and convenience favour video. Our team manages clear turn‑taking, sound checks, and interpreter briefing to ensure a smooth session.

Key benefits include improved accuracy, fewer misunderstandings, and reduced risk of adjournments. Working with Kings of Translation means consistent communication protocols, court‑appropriate terminology, and cultural sensitivity—so your hearing remains focused on the facts. With 120+ languages available and same‑day coverage where possible, we are ready for urgent listings and late changes.

Our legal interpreters hold recognised credentials such as NRPSI registration and the DPSI (Law) qualification, and many work within the Ministry of Justice framework. They understand courtroom protocol, oath procedures, and how to interpret complex legal terminology accurately—whether in consecutive, whispered simultaneous (chuchotage), or a hybrid approach approved by the judge.

Confidentiality is integral. We follow strict GDPR practices, use secure scheduling and file‑transfer tools, and provide NDAs upon request. Interpreters are impartial and professionally bound to a code of conduct. For sensitive matters, we can assign interpreters with enhanced DBS clearance and relevant specialist experience.

Legal expertise spans criminal law, family and care proceedings, immigration and asylum, civil litigation, employment, and regulatory hearings. Our interpreters are trained to manage pace, interrupt correctly for clarification when allowed, and preserve the speaker’s tone and meaning. Cultural competence helps avoid idiomatic pitfalls and clarifies culturally loaded terms that could otherwise mislead the court.

Quality at Kings of Translation is reinforced by rigorous vetting, case preparation, and ongoing professional development. We request case materials in advance to prepare glossaries and ensure consistent terminology. With our client‑centred approach and 98% return rate, legal teams trust our reliability. As a global agency with BBB A+ credentials and ATA membership, we support proceedings in the UK and internationally with the same high standards.

We accommodate on‑site attendance across the UK and remote delivery via court‑approved platforms, including CVP, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. Our coordinators manage multi‑party calls, secure links, and contingency audio channels. For long matters, we can rotate interpreters to maintain accuracy and stamina, and we provide clear guidance on microphone etiquette and turn‑taking.

Booking is straightforward: share the hearing type, venue or platform, language pair, date and time, case duration, and any materials for preparation. We'll confirm interpreter qualifications, availability, and the most suitable mode of interpreting. Same‑day coverage is often possible for common languages, and we maintain a fast‑track roster for urgent listings, including early‑morning and evening sessions.

Our interpreters maintain strict confidentiality, impartiality, and adherence to professional codes of conduct, ensuring accurate communication that upholds the integrity of legal proceedings. For broader interpreting options across medical, business, and conference settings, see our parent interpreting services page.