ISO 20771:2020 is an international standard that specifies requirements for legal translation services. It provides a comprehensive framework to ensure the quality, accuracy, and professionalism of legal translation services, which are crucial for legal proceedings and documentation.

Key Aspects of ISO 20771:2020

1. Objective:
   • To establish requirements and best practices for legal translation services, ensuring their reliability and quality.
2. Scope:
   • Applicable to all entities providing legal translation services, including freelance translators, translation agencies, and in-house legal translation departments.
3. Benefits:
   • Ensures consistent and high-quality legal translation services.
   • Enhances client and stakeholder confidence and satisfaction.
   • Demonstrates adherence to internationally recognized standards.
   • Promotes continuous improvement and professional development.

Requirements and Implementation

1. Competence and Qualifications:

• Translator Competence: Legal translators must possess advanced linguistic skills, comprehensive knowledge of legal terminology, and expertise in both the source and target legal systems.
• Qualifications and Certification: Translators should have relevant qualifications and certifications in legal translation. Continuous professional development and training are essential.

2. Professional Practice:

• Code of Ethics: Translators should adhere to a professional code of ethics, which includes principles such as confidentiality, impartiality, accuracy, and integrity.
• Professional Conduct: Translators must maintain professional behavior and respect all parties involved in the legal process.

3. Service Provision:

• Preparation: Translators should prepare thoroughly for assignments by reviewing legal documents, understanding the context, and familiarizing themselves with relevant legal terminology.
• Accuracy and Completeness: Translators must provide accurate and complete translations, ensuring that the meaning and legal effect of the original text are preserved.
• Confidentiality: Translators must maintain the confidentiality of all information and legal documents obtained during the translation assignment.

4. Client Relationship:

• Client Requirements: Clearly define and document client requirements and expectations for each legal translation assignment.
• Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with clients and other stakeholders to ensure all requirements are understood and met.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Establish mechanisms for receiving and addressing client feedback to improve future translation services.

5. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement:

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitor and evaluate the quality of translation services through feedback from clients and stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement: Use feedback and evaluation results to make ongoing improvements to translation services.
• Professional Development: Encourage ongoing professional development and training to ensure translators remain current with relevant skills and knowledge.

6. Technical Resources:

• Tools and Technology: Ensure translators have access to appropriate tools and technology, such as translation memory systems, terminology databases, and other resources necessary for effective legal translation.
• Data Security: Implement robust data security measures to protect sensitive legal information and documents related to translation assignments.

Certification Process

1. Preparation:
   • Understand the requirements of ISO 20771:2020 and assess the current processes and practices of your organization or individual practice.
2. Gap Analysis:
   • Conduct a gap analysis to identify areas that need improvement to meet the standard’s requirements.
3. Implementation:
   • Develop and implement procedures and practices that align with ISO 20771:2020. Ensure all translators and staff involved are trained and aware of these procedures.
4. Internal Audit:
   • Conduct internal audits to verify the effectiveness of the implemented processes and identify any areas needing improvement.
5. Management Review:
   • Perform regular management reviews to assess the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of the legal translation services.
6. Certification Audit:
   • Engage an accredited certification body to perform an external audit. The audit will be conducted in two stages:
     • Stage 1: Review of documentation to ensure compliance with ISO 20771:2020.
     • Stage 2: On-site audit to verify the implementation of processes and procedures.
7. Certification Decision:
   • Based on the audit findings, the certification body will decide whether to grant ISO 20771:2020 certification.
8. Surveillance Audits:
   • Periodic surveillance audits are conducted to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 20771:2020.
9. Recertification:
   • The certification is typically valid for three years, after which a recertification audit is required.