The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County will join other courts and interpreting associations throughout the nation in celebrating National Interpreter Appreciation Day on May 7.
“Court interpreters play a critical role in making the judicial process fair, accurate and accessible,” said Courtroom Services Administrator Paula Collins. “Without them, people who do not speak or understand the court’s language would be at a serious disadvantage. They make sure the legal system works for everyone.”
The Court Interpretation and Translation Services Department (CITS) supports the fourth largest trial court in the United States. They have a team of 15 Spanish interpreters and oversee a contract system responsible for interpreting 112 languages, including American Sign Language. CITS interprets more than 2,000 Spanish matters a month. They also work with contract interpreters to interpret on a monthly basis more than 300 non-Spanish matters.
To meet high demand, CITS is seeking to fill six full-time Spanish staff interpreter positions.
“Our court interpreters perform extraordinarily demanding and challenging work. Interpreters not only assist in precise communication and meaningful participation in very high-stakes settings, their work and professionalism ensure court proceedings remain fair, accurate and accessible to all regardless of the language they speak,” said Certified Spanish Court Interpreter Supervisor Marcela Prieto Avalo.
Both state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Rule 7-301 of the Arizona Code of and Judicial Administration, require court interpreters for anyone with limited English proficiency. These mandates ensure that language barriers never prevent someone from fully participating in their case or accessing justice.
To become a certified court interpreter, candidates must register with the Court Interpreter Certification Program at the Arizona Supreme Court. They must pass a series of written and oral exams that test the interpreter’s command of the English language, and at least one additional spoken language. The testing includes an oral exam in all three modes of interpretation - simultaneous and consecutive interpretation, as well as sight translation. Interpreters of American Sign Language (ASL) must register and test in a separate national certification program. The court interpreter certification process may take from one to several years.
“We are deeply grateful for the dedication and high professional standards that our court interpreters bring to this invaluable work every day. Their commitment to excellence not only bridges language gaps, but also strengthens trust, dignity, and justice for the community we serve,” Prieto Avalo said.
If you would like to learn more about a career as a court interpreter, please visit: Court Interpretation and Translation Services | Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County.