"Don't Get Lost in Translation: Teaching Law Students to Work with Language Interpreters"

by Angela McCaffrey - 030188

Abstract Number: 030188

November 2003

Angela McCaffrey, Clinical Director at Hamline University School of Law, wrote "Don't Get Lost in Translation: Teaching Law Students to Work with Language Interpreters" to explore ways law schools can better equip their students to work with interpreters and limited English proficient clients. Drawing upon professional and personal experiences, McCaffrey illustrates several common difficulties and problems experienced by attorneys working with interpreters and provides suggestions and advice on ways students and professionals can ensure high quality translations. In addition to exploring approaches to working with interpreters, McCaffrey provides pragmatic steps that students can take to prepare for interviewing clients with interpreters. McCaffrey also encourages law schools to provide students with training in working with interpreters as she points out that law students are rarely provided with training in this set of skills which, if unprepared, can potentially have tremendously negative implications for the outcome of a client's case. To read the article, access the full text below as a PDF document.

Contact Information:

Angela McCaffrey
Director of Clinics
Hamline University School of Law
1536 Hewitt Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55104-1284
Phone: (651) 523-2889
Email

Additional Information:

• Angela McCaffrey, "Don't Get Lost in Translation: Teaching Law Students to Work with Language Interpreters," Clinical Law Review 6, No. 2 (Spring 2000).*

*Reprinted with permission from the Clinical Law Review, Lexus Nexus, and the author.

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