Legal translation agency

Law is about communication. It often involves the communication of very complex legal situations where obscure terminology is unavoidable. But this complexity has to be expressed in a way that is clear and comprehensible, leaving no room for ambiguity. Anything less than this is not communication; it is miscommunication.

It is not for nothing that so many legal documents, from wills and divorce papers, sale contracts and rental agreements, to partnership deeds and deeds of incorporation, require signatures. A signature indicates three things. It acknowledges that the document has been read, understood, and approved. Perhaps the key word here is ‘understood’, because no one should sign – or be asked to sign – a document they have not understood.

A globalised world requires translated legal documents

We live in a globalised world. Not just in terms of international trade, but the ease with which private citizens can relocate from one country to another, particularly within Europe. And this means that there is an ever-greater demand for legal documents to be translated from the language used locally to the language a client understands.

Thus, globalisation adds extra complications to the need for clear communication. And this is precisely what requires a legal translator of real skill and expertise. Dare we say it, it requires a human translator. Someone with legal knowledge (of two or more legal jurisdictions); someone with language skills; and someone with writing skills, with an eye for detail and nuance. And not only that: the translator then has to produce a translation that is as concise, clear and understandable as the source text, so that anyone reading the translated text could - in theory - sign it as 'read, understood, and approved'.

No artificial intelligence can achieve this. Indeed, few 'human' translators have this high level of skill and training. But at Mettaal, we do have these skills at hand, and we do provide the highest personal, 'human' service.

Which legal documents need translation?

At Mettaal, we translate a wide range of legal documents to ensure clarity and compliance across borders, including:

• Contracts: sale agreements, rental contracts, partnership agreements, and commercial agreements
• Corporate documents: statutes, deeds of incorporation, shareholder agreements
• Court documents: pleadings, summonses, judgments, and other procedural papers
• Wills and personal legal documents: inheritance documents, powers of attorney
• Intellectual property documents: patents, trademarks, licensing agreements
• Employment and HR documents: employment contracts, company policies, employee handbooks
• Compliance documentation: codes of conduct, regulatory policies, internal guidelines

By translating these documents accurately, organizations ensure that all parties — domestic and international — can understand their rights, obligations, and responsibilities. This reduces risks, prevents misunderstandings, and maintains legal certainty across borders.

Emerging legal requirements increase the need for translation

There are an increasing number of legal fields where clear, concise and understandable translations are going to be essential in the near future. For example, did you know that from 1 July 2026 it will be mandatory for medium-sized and large companies in the Netherlands to have a code of conduct? These companies will need to gauge whether their new code of conduct should be translated into one or more other languages, for the benefit of international staff.

This is where Mettaal comes in. For each language combination, Mettaal has a specialist translator to help you.

Translation as an additional quality check

Mettaal naturally delivers excellent translations. But we do more. A translation also serves as an additional check on the original text. During the translation process our translators focus closely on the source text. This focus means that any errors or illogical sentences in the source text are then much more easily noticed. Examples include:

• Incorrect references: for example, a section in a contract may include the words ‘see section 5’ when it should say ‘see section 6’.
• Inconsistency of terminology: for example, the text may arbitrarily switch between describing one party sometimes as ‘the defendant’ and at other times as ‘the buyer’. Or even use ‘plaintiff’ when the defendant is meant.
• Unintended contradictions: for example, one section of a contract may stipulate something that contradicts something stipulated in another section.
• Missing elements: naturally, you know best what should be included in the text. But our translators see many similar texts throughout each year. Sometimes it becomes apparent that something that appears in virtually every text seems to be missing in yours. For example, some standard wording in the introductory parts of a summons to be served in a foreign legal jurisdiction may be missing.

If Mettaal notices an error in the source text, we will translate the text error free, and report back to you on the error, so that this can be rectified by you. In this way, we deliver a great translation and enable you turn a good source text into a perfect one.

Consequences of poor legal translation

When a legal text is misunderstood — or when a translation introduces even the smallest ambiguity — the consequences can be significant. A mistranslated term can alter the meaning of an entire clause; an incorrect reference can invalidate a section of a contract; and an unclear formulation can create misunderstandings that lead to disputes, delays or even litigation.

• Incorrect terminology: a mistranslated legal term can shift the interpretation of a contractual obligation or legal right.
• Ambiguous wording: unclear phrasing may give each party a different understanding of the same clause, increasing the likelihood of a dispute.
• Contradictions introduced during translation: inconsistent rendering of key terms or definitions can create internal conflicts within the document.
• Errors that affect enforceability: if critical legal formulations are mistranslated, a contract or statement may no longer meet the formal requirements of the relevant jurisdiction.
• Non-compliance with regulations: Incorrect translations can lead to violations of laws and regulations, resulting in fines or penalties.

In short: a flawed legal translation does not merely cause inconvenience — it can have financial, practical and legal repercussions that could easily have been avoided.

Additional specialised services

Mettaal offers several other specialised services, including:

• Sworn translations
• Legal language advice: we have qualified and experienced lawyers who have taken up translation out of a love of language. We use them for your legal translation work. They are also happy to go through a text with you to get these things exactly right – especially if you are drafting a legal document in a language that is not your native one;
• Real-time consultation with a legal translator: this is possible for a one-time fee. A subscription model is also available;
• Improving the accessibility of your legal text: do you have legal regulations that you think are too complex for the people who have to comply with them? We are happy to translate your legal text into simpler language. From clear plain language texts to step-by-step manuals, Mettaal is happy to work with you, side-by-side.

Mettaal works with language. We work with ‘human’ legal and language experts. We might make use of the newest technologies to make our processes more efficient and effective. However, we do not lose sight of the reliability of the genuine human translation. Contact us to discover more about what we can do for you.