Problem: One of our clients in Melbourne faces this situation regularly. It is important in these cases not to assume that the person being written to speaks English, even though that might be the case. In addition, all inheritance matters involve a death. This makes the issue delicate as you have to take common sensitivities into account, as well as different cultural traditions. While doing all of this, the law firm has legal responsibilities to the client whose estate they are working to settle.

Outcome: We provide regular assistance to this client, which includes translating letters and other documents into multiple languages, depending on requirements. We also provide interpreter services for telephone calls, audio conference calls, video conference calls, and face-to-face meetings that sometimes take place. We have always been able to provide this client with a suitably qualified translator in the language they need who also has legal experience. We are continuing to work with them, and look forward to doing so long into the future.