Legal Interpreting: Depositions and Attorney Meetings

When interpreting between a Deaf client and their attorney, the interpreter becomes part of the attorney-client privilege. Everything communicated during the meeting is legally protected—the interpreter cannot be compelled to disclose the content in court. However, this privilege extends only to legitimate legal consultation. If the client confesses to a future crime (not a past crime), the interpreter faces an ethical dilemma that must be navigated carefully with legal counsel. The interpreter should clarify their role at the beginning of each attorney meeting: they interpret everything said by both parties, they do not provide legal advice, and the attorney-client privilege covers their presence.