We all know there are times when an interpreter is essential to making a clear, concise and accurate record, which, ultimately, is our main job.  If Counsel on your assignment were astute enough to order an interpreter, they must have realized the necessity for those services based on their knowledge of the deponent.

What if, however, as everyone is getting settled into the deposition room, the deponent, in fairly broken English, announces that he’d like to “try” to proceed without using the interpreter?  And probably, rather than speaking up, both attorneys will turn to you for your response to that request.  Knowing that it is YOUR job to provide that clear, concise, and accurate record, you would be wise to let them know the advantages of relying on the interpreter, such as:

My guess is the attorneys will agree wholeheartedly with your explanation and will then continue with the use of the interpreter. To further ensure a clear record, I would also admonish the interpreter, especially if you don’t know them and their experience, to please speak throughout the proceedings in first person. Let him/her know that you will also interrupt them if the record is beginning to be confusing because they’re saying, He said … or She said… at the beginning of the answers.  If they are qualified, certified interpreters, this reminder won’t even be necessary, but it never hurts.  It also shows the attorneys how very record-conscious you are.  They will appreciate your attention to detail.  It’s also a small reminder to them to ask their questions in first person and not begin with, as an example, “Ask him his date of birth.”

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