In its broadest definition, law is nothing more than a relationship between people. Legal translation is the linguistic mediation of this complex system, where the translation from the source language to the target language requires not only a literal correspondence, but also the bridging of differences between legal systems. At Idea Fortis Translation and Interpreting Services, we have more than a decade of experience ensuring that the translated text is not only linguistically accurate, but also legally correct, whether it is a translation of a criminal court order, a private contract or an administrative document. Professional authenticity requires that the translation be accepted as equivalent and authentic by experts who are familiar with the subject matter and have a high level of proficiency in both languages.
The challenges of legal translation
The complexity of legal translation is due to the different structures of legal systems and the diversity of conceptual systems. Translating a software licence agreement, for example, requires not only legal but also IT expertise, while knowledge of local inheritance rules is essential for a will. It is not enough for the translator to ensure terminological accuracy—he or she must take into account the legal function of the text, the cultural context and the specific needs of the target audience. That’s why we pay extra attention to finding parallels between the legal systems of the source and target languages and making sure the legal implications of each term are translated correctly.
Our services
We provide high-quality services in almost all branches of law. In addition to court documents (judgements, indictments, hearing minutes, summonses), we also translate private documents (prenuptial agreements, property agreements, wills) and company documents (articles of association, copies of company register, statements of registered seat). We have extensive experience in translating notarial documents (probate minutes, debt acknowledgement declarations), administrative documents (tax certificates, permits) and international contracts (trade agreements, software licensing agreements). Our academic projects include the translation of studies on constitutional law, sections of books and conference communications, which require in-depth knowledge of the relevant theoretical concepts.
Why choose Idea Fortis?
Our expertise is backed by decades of experience. Our translators combine specialist knowledge of the legal field with linguistic precision. We place particular emphasis on building terminological consensus to ensure that the terms used in indictments, contracts or wills are also appropriate in the legal practice of the target language. We work regularly with courts, prosecutors’ offices and law firms, which allows us to apply up-to-date knowledge to the practical application of the law. Our services include translation, professional proofreading and full project management, so our clients can count on our expert support every step of the way.
Our references and experience
Over the years, we have implemented many outstanding projects. We translated millions of characters of judicial documents, including requests for assistance, prosecutor’s motions and police decisions, for the Pest and Veszprém County Chief Prosecutors’ Offices. We translated hearing minutes and judgments for the Budapest-Capital Court of Appeal, while also translating software licence agreements for our international clients, taking into account the IT background. We also did a lot of work on accurately translating notarial documents (like probate orders and wills) and company law documents (like articles of association and lists of members).
How do we work?
Successful legal translation is based on thorough preparation. For each project, we first research the legal terminology related to the field, then consult with the client to determine their specific requirements. We ensure the linguistic and legal accuracy of the translation by proofreading it: where necessary, the text is checked by a linguistic and legal expert. To meet deadlines, we have a flexible project management system that allows us to deliver even on urgent and immediate assignments.
Who do we recommend our services to?
We provide tailored solutions for solicitors, legal representatives, courts, notaries, corporate lawyers and international organisations. Our services are particularly valuable for those who need precise translations in international legal practice (e.g. commercial litigation, cross-border cases). We have delivered legally perfect language materials to law firms, government agencies, public procurement participants, and multinational companies, among others.
Contact us with confidence!
Idea Fortis Translation and Interpreting Services is committed to providing its clients not only with translation services, but also with complex legal mediation services. If you need documents that are linguistically and legally perfect, contact us! Our team does not simply translate words – it builds bridges between legal systems and cultures so that clients can feel secure in all circumstances.
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...it is worth paying attention to
Mistranslation
In the field of legal translation, inaccuracies are not just linguistic errors, but serious legal, financial and reputational risks, with repercussions at all levels of legal practice—from contracts to international litigation.
In international cases, the risks are exacerbated by different legal systems and cultural contexts. For example, an incorrect translation of an Italian court judgment could not only lead to a misinterpretation of the proceedings by the Hungarian party but could also lead to a loss of legal remedies. This is a particularly sensitive issue in criminal law documents (e.g., indictments, requests for assistance) where misinterpretation of the context can worsen the defendant’s position.
Inaccurate translations can also cause significant damage in the business world. A misunderstood contractual term could, for example, result in penalties for delays or other financial losses. For example, in a German-Hungarian contract, the Hungarian party was forced to pay a hefty fee for delay because of a mistranslation of “Kündigungsfrist” (notice period).
In international cases, the risks are exacerbated by different legal systems and cultural contexts. For example, an incorrect translation of an Italian court judgment could not only lead to a misinterpretation of the proceedings by the Hungarian party but could also lead to a loss of legal remedies. This is a particularly sensitive issue in criminal law documents (e.g., indictments, requests for assistance) where misinterpretation of the context can worsen the defendant’s position.
A mistranslation can also delay official procedures. For example, a poorly translated court document may require re-translation, resulting in lost time and additional costs for the parties involved.
Mistranslations can not only cause financial losses, but also seriously damage the reputation of the company or institution concerned. An incorrectly translated marketing material or official document can reduce customer confidence and reflect negatively on the organisation.
Problems often stem from a complex mix of cultural and legal differences. For example, the term “consideration” used in an English-language contract does not only mean “contemplation” in the Hungarian legal system, but also a specific legal obligation, the incorrect translation of which may jeopardise the interpretation of the entire contract. Similar challenges arise with administrative documents (e.g. tax certificates, licences), where the formal requirements vary from country to country.
Mistranslations can cause direct financial losses, for example when wrong decisions are made based on a misinterpreted contract. This is particularly true for high-value business agreements or complex financial transactions.
mistranslation…
…and its possible consequences
Mistranslations of legal texts can have serious consequences: they can lead to misunderstandings, contractual disputes, litigation, or even financial losses. A single inaccurately translated phrase—such as a legal clause or a contractual term—can jeopardise the validity of a document. Differences in legal systems and lack of terminological precision further increase the risk. It is therefore essential that legal translations are carried out by experienced translators, ensuring the legal and linguistic authenticity of the text.
How to minimise risk?
To avoid mistranslations, it is essential to:
• Hire experienced translators: We only use translators who have a legal degree and are actively involved in the practice of law.
• Do proofreading and quality assurance: The translated text is checked by a linguistic and professional expert.
• Use terminological databases: Dictionaries that are tailored to the legal systems of each country and constantly updated ensure consistent use of terms.
• Take into account the legal context: Translation is not only about translating the text into the target language, but also about embedding the content in the legal practice of the target country.
Why choose us?
At Idea Fortis Translation and Interpreting Services, we take great care to ensure that all legal translations accurately reflect the content and intent of the original document. Our experienced translators and proofreaders ensure that our clients always receive reliable and authentic translations, minimising the risks of mistranslations.