November 29, 2017

The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts would like to recognize the 18th Circuit Court for being the first circuit to have all certified full-time staff interpreters. Counties with full-time staff interpreters have significant interpreting needs, and staff work continuously to interpret for countless limited English proficient parties and witnesses.

Given the number of courtroom communications that staff interpreters handle, it is critical for staff interpreters to demonstrate a high skill level and become certified to ensure due process for people with limited English proficiency. Interpreting is a highly demanding and professional skill that requires much more than simply being bilingual. Interpreter certification ensures that bilingual individuals have native-like proficiency in both English and the second language, knowledge of legal terms and court procedure, and top notch memory and interpreting skills.

The 18th Circuit Court has three Spanish staff interpreters and all three have demonstrated a commitment to the highest professional standards in the interpreting field through continued education and skill building. Congratulations on your certification and thank you for your service to the Illinois judiciary!