At Kaplan Interpreting, we recently attended a Zoom call hosted by the National Center for State Courts, featuring three seasoned court interpreters who delved into the intricacies and rewards of the profession. The panel was moderated by Danielle Royer, a court management consultant with the National Center for State Courts. The discussion was rich with personal anecdotes, professional insights, and practical advice for aspiring court interpreters. Here are the highlights from this enlightening session.
Meet the Panelists
Our panelists brought a wealth of experience and diverse backgrounds to the table:
- Jennifer Delacruz: A Spanish-English certified court interpreter since 2006, Jennifer currently oversees language access and interpreter services in a Superior Court. Her journey began through an aunt who introduced her to the profession.
- Tyler Nguyen: A Vietnamese-English interpreter who transitioned from a taxing job to interpreting after learning about it from a client at his cousin’s tax business. Tyler now works with the Superior Court and has done assignments for the State Department.
- Angie Burchfield: A Spanish-English interpreter who stumbled into the profession after a career in ski racing. Angie now works as an independent contractor, primarily for Ventura County courts.
The Appeal of Court Interpreting
The panelists shared what drew them to the profession:
- Jennifer: Was attracted by the challenge and the intellectual stimulation. She emphasized that every day is a learning experience, requiring constant self-improvement and vocabulary expansion.
- Tyler: Found the profession fascinating as he prepared for the certification exams. The variety of cases and the ability to make a difference in people’s lives were key motivators.
- Angie: Initially saw interpreting as a challenge akin to her competitive ski racing days. The profession’s daily learning opportunities and the impact on non-English speakers’ lives were compelling reasons for her choice.
Preparing for the Profession
Becoming a certified court interpreter requires passing rigorous exams. The panelists shared their preparation strategies:
- Tyler: Enrolled in a private tutoring course and formed a study group with peers, which provided mutual support and motivation.
- Jennifer: Used a variety of resources, including GRE prep materials and hospital interpreter experience, to build her legal vocabulary and consecutive interpreting skills.
- Angie: Relied on SAT and GRE prep books to enhance her reading comprehension and vocabulary. She also immersed herself in Spanish-language media to get used to different accents and terminologies.
Rewards and Challenges
The panelists discussed both the rewarding aspects and the challenges of court interpreting:
Rewards:
- Jennifer: Loves the intellectual challenge of jury trials and the personal interactions in family law cases. She appreciates the opportunity to help attorneys and clients connect effectively.
- Tyler: Finds joy in witnessing the legal system at work and helping clients understand the proceedings. His proudest moments include interpreting for high-profile figures like President Biden.
- Angie: Values the camaraderie among courthouse colleagues and the daily variety that keeps the job exciting.
Challenges:
- Tyler: Highlighted the emotional toll of the job, such as interpreting for elderly witnesses in distressing situations. He also noted the logistical challenges of coordinating with contractors.
- Jennifer: Emphasized the need to maintain professional composure under pressure, especially during high-stakes trials. She pointed out the importance of controlling emotions and staying focused on the task.
- Angie: Found dependency court work particularly challenging due to the sensitive nature of the cases involving young victims. She shared how seeking advice from her husband, a first responder, helped her cope with the emotional aspects of the job.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Interpreters
The panelists offered valuable advice for those considering a career in court interpreting:
- Self-Care: Jennifer stressed the importance of self-care, including staying hydrated and well-rested, to perform well.
- Continuous Learning: Tyler recommended watching court proceedings online to get familiar with legal terminology and courtroom dynamics.
- Recording Practice: Both Jennifer and Tyler advocated for recording practice sessions to self-critique and improve.
To gain a deeper understanding of the interpreter hiring process, check out our blog post on Navigating the Process of Hiring an Interpreter: What’s it like?.
Conclusion
The Zoom call provided an in-depth look into the profession of court interpreting, highlighting the dedication and skill required to succeed. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a career change, the insights from Jennifer, Tyler, and Angie offer a roadmap to navigating the challenges and embracing the rewards of this vital role in the justice system. At Kaplan Interpreting, we are proud to support and celebrate the work of interpreters who bridge language barriers and facilitate access to justice for all.
To learn more about becoming a court interpreter, visit https://languageaccess.courts.ca.gov and check out the full Zoom call video on YouTube.
