Utilizing Volunteer Translators and Interpreters to Support Pro Bono Cases

This presentation was part of day 1 of the ABA CILA & COI Pro Bono Symposium.

Translators and interpreters are crucial to the work of pro bono attorneys. We will discuss the language access program at the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN), including recruitment, onboarding, assignment, engagement, and appreciation of volunteer translators and interpreters. We will also share about our experiences with various paid agencies and how to determine if a volunteer or paid translator or interpreter is the most appropriate for a particular assignment. The goal of this presentation is to provide a basic roadmap for those who want to start a language access program or those looking to build up their program.