There is a variety of Language Services Providers (LSPs) out there, large and small, some very specialized and others providing a broad range of services. When looking for an agency that is right for you, you will have to weigh out their pros and cons as compared to your language service needs.
What choices do I have?
There are plenty of choices when it comes to language service providers. Which provider is right for you? Many litigation support companies (or court reporting agencies) provide language support as part of their overall services. However, make sure to compare their capabilities with a dedicated language service provider (LSP) specializing in providing language-related services.
It might be enticing to do “one-stop shopping” for a court reporter, room, and an interpreter but is that really the best solution?
If you use a court reporting agency/litigation support company for interpreting needs, then ask yourself: Do they know what interpreting entails? Can they advise on the type of interpretation, guide you, address your questions? Do they know the difference when booking interpretation and translation?
*LSPs will provide a complete solution for your language services, not a variety basket of half-met needs.
Local vs National?
A small, local agency might seem more trustworthy but, in reality, a local database just means a lack of options. The bigger the database, the easier and faster requests get filled. Last minute request? Rare language need? Getting someone on the phone right away or flying an Azeri linguist from a different state can be done quickly and easily with the right database.
Know it all or know “it” well?
Many LSPs specialize in certain industries or types of interpretation: legal, medical, commercial, marketing, conferences, immigration, etc. Make sure you cooperate with an agency that knows the industry you work in. Keep in mind, that some industries are closely related and, for example, legal and medical (IMEs) usually go hand in hand.
Who do they hire?
The language of interpretation is not the only “filter” that should be applied when selecting your linguist. Linguists, just like agencies, have specific specialties that they work in.
Hiring a medical interpreter for
a deposition screams disaster!!!
A court interpreter hired for a medical conference might not be the best choice either! Does the agency you work with have the knowledge about different skill sets, terminology base, and training needed for each type of setting?
What languages does the LSP provide?
Yes, Spanish is the most popular language requested. Most metropolitan areas do not lack qualified and experienced Spanish interpreters with a variety of specializations. But it is inevitable that a need will arise for an uncommon or even rare language. Will your LSP be able to handle that request?
Here are just a few rare languages we work with:
Whatever your needs, give Legal Interpreters LLC a call and a highly trained scheduler will be happy to discuss your needs and whether we are the right fit for you.
