Overcoming the language barrier improves service to clients

Law firms across the UK can now benefit from improved cross-language communications, at costs that are considerably lower than those offered by traditional interpreting routes, with the launch of LangCommLive’s professional telephone interpreting service. The LangCommLive service enables solicitors anywhere to communicate instantly with a person who does not have nor share a working knowledge of the English language. The service eradicates potential misunderstandings between the solicitor and the client and could, additionally, open up new revenue streams for the practice.

The benefits of the service extend beyond firms specialising in commercial and international law or immigration matters. LangCommLive services can bridge the language gap with private clients across a wide range of legal services such as births, marriages, deaths, probate and other family law issues, immigration disputes, personal injury claims, conveyancing, both home and abroad, and even criminal prosecutions.

Immigration specialists will find particular benefits in using the service as it reduces the need to use local speakers of sometimes obscure languages who may not be qualified as interpreters and, crucially, may not have an understanding of complex legal terminology.

All of LangCommLive’s interpreters possess native-level mastery of English and their working language, have a minimum of three years consecutive interpreting experience, and are thoroughly screened prior to recruitment. The company frequently deals with highly sensitive client information and, as such, all interpreters are bound by a strict code of conduct and sign a binding non-disclosure agreement.

The continued rise in UK immigration is expected to see an increased demand for legal services from non-English speaking migrants. This will either put a strain on legal services in terms of time, cost and customer service or, on the positive side, offer up new business opportunities. Fees for traditional face to face interpreting methods, where costs can start at around £60 for a short single consultation, can be prohibitive. And while it can take several hours, sometimes days, to bring an interpreter to the office in person, it takes only a few seconds to communicate with a LangCommLive interpreter, improving the consultation in terms of speed and accuracy. Law firms which offer this billable service will be able to attract more business from the migrant non-English speaking population around the UK.

Costs for using LangCommLive’s service are affordable and cost effective, starting only after connection to the interpreter and thereafter (being) charged by the second. Larger firms can take advantage of monthly contracts with reduced interpreting costs and bespoke invoicing options with cost centre charging, ensuring that charges are coded and allocated accurately in accordance with client requirements. For smaller practices with a limited requirement for interpreting services, LangCommLive provides a simple “pay-as-you-go” contract option.

More than 150 languages are available on demand via landline, mobile phone, or VOIP, and access is straightforward, cost-effective and flexible using LangCommLive’s unique personal dial card system. The card, complete with contact telephone number, individual user access and language codes, enables the user to connect to a qualified interpreter within seconds, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year - a fraction of the time it would take through conventional interpreting methods, and, most important, at a fraction of the cost.

Peter Brabazon, International Sales Director, explains: “Following an extensive period of research we believe we have introduced a number of unique and exciting ideas to the market place, including the pricing scheme. By charging by the second rather than by the minute, and then only after the user is connected to the interpreter, LangCommLive offers the lowest quoted pricing structure available in the UK.

“We have developed an exceptional product, at the right price and the right route to market. We believe the benefits of our product are second to none, and we see demand growing fast, not least because LangCommLive is a dedicated interpretation service, not just an add-on to a conventional translation service. This makes it probably the UK’s most comprehensive and cost-effective telephone interpreting service available.”

More information on LangCommLive’s telephone interpreting service, which extends to nearly every conceivable market sector, public or private, is available from Andrew Rowley on 0845 055 9756 / 07976 735954, email: ar@langcommlive.co.uk or from the website at www.langcommlive.com.