10 Feb Writing for The NAJIT Observer

Writing for The NAJIT Observer

By: The NAJIT Observer

Writing for The NAJIT Observer is not only an opportunity to share insights and experiences, but also a powerful way to refine our own skills, uplift newcomers, and honor those who have paved the way for us. Whether you are an experienced interpreter, a legal translator, or someone just beginning your journey in the profession, your voice matters.

Judiciary interpreters and translators help tell the stories that shape justice—what’s yours?

Why Write for The NAJIT Observer?

1. 1. 1. Strengthen Your Writing Skills
         As language professionals, we are constantly honing our ability to communicate effectively. Writing about judiciary translation and interpretation challenges us to think critically about our work and articulate our ideas with clarity. Writing helps you organize arguments, clarify concepts, and convey your thoughts in a compelling way, no matter what you’re sharing an anecdote about, a look at legal jargon, or a thought on moral dilemmas.
      2. Contribute to the Advancement of Our Field
         Our profession is evolving. Laws change, technological advances, and best practices continue to develop. By writing about the challenges, innovations, and experiences in judiciary translation and interpretation, you contribute to a growing body of knowledge that benefits our entire community. Your blog post might inspire discussions on policy, offer solutions to recurring issues, or shed light on lesser-known aspects of the field. We all have something to contribute to our field.
      3. Support Those Entering the Profession
         Many of us remember the uncertainty of starting in this field—navigating certification exams, learning courtroom protocols, or handling difficult encounters with limited-English-proficient clients. Writing for The NAJIT Observer allows you to mentor others by sharing lessons learned, practical tips, and/or career advice. New interpreters and translators rely on the experiences of seasoned professionals to gain confidence and navigate their careers more effectively.
      4. Honor Our Senior Professionals
         Judiciary interpretation and translation stand on the shoulders of those who have dedicated decades to perfecting their craft. Writing allows us to pay homage to their contributions, preserving their insights for future generations. Whether by sharing the wisdom imparted to us, reflecting on the evolution of our profession, or highlighting the work of pioneers in the field, we ensure that their legacy continues to guide us.

What to Write About?

Preserving the integrity of legal language—writing remains a cornerstone of judiciary translation and interpretation.

If you’re wondering what topics to explore, here are a few ideas to inspire your next piece:

• • Ethics & Professionalism — Ethical dilemmas in judiciary interpreting and translation, navigating challenging interactions with peers or legal professionals, and maintaining neutrality and professionalism in high-stakes cases
  • Technology & Innovation — The role of AI and technology in judiciary translation and interpretation, benefits and limitations of AI-assisted legal translation, and how digital tools are changing the landscape of judiciary language work
  • Legal Systems & Best Practices — Strategies for handling complex or high-profile court cases, differences between simultaneous and consecutive interpretation in legal settings, and understanding legal precedents and their impact on translation and interpretation
  • Career Development & Certification — Insights into the certification process and tips for new interpreters and translators, preparing for legal interpretation exams and credentials, and essential skills for thriving in judiciary language services
  • Personal & Professional Reflections — A pivotal moment in your career and what it taught you, the evolving role of translators and interpreters in the judiciary system, and personal stories that highlight the real impact of our work
  • Cultural & Linguistic Perspectives — The influence of cultural nuances in legal interpretation, creative problem-solving in judiciary translation and interpretation, and the intersection of storytelling and legal language work
  • Open Topics – Any subject you’re passionate about and want to share with the community, lessons learned from working in different legal environments, or advocacy and the role of interpreters and translators in language access and justice

How to Get Started

In legal translation and interpretation, every word matters—write boldly, edit meticulously.

Writing for The NAJIT Observer is a rewarding experience, and we welcome voices from all backgrounds. Whether you’re drafting your first article or you’re a seasoned writer, here are some steps to get started:

1. 1. 1. Choose a topic that resonates with you — What challenges or insights have stood out in your experience?
      2. Keep it clear and engaging — Aim for a conversational yet professional tone that is accessible to all readers
      3. Share your perspective — Your unique experiences and viewpoints add value to the conversation
      4. Follow Submission Guidelines — Ensure your piece aligns with The NAJIT Observer’s format and length requirements
      5. Submit and share — Once published, share your work with colleagues and networks to spark further discussion

Writing is more than an intellectual exercise; it is a way to connect, teach, and inspire. By contributing to The NAJIT Observer, you help shape the future of our profession, guiding those who come after us while honoring those who came before, and taking your rightful space in our community.

We invite you to add your voice to this collective effort.

What will you write about next?

Keep the Conversation Going

If this topic resonated with you, be sure to check out our previous blog posts for more insights on the realities of our profession, and the evolving world of judiciary translation and interpreting:

• • Listen to Your Body: Rest Now or Pay Later — A reminder of the importance of self-care and recognizing when to rest
  • A Year of Growth, Gratitude, and Community – Welcome to 2025 — A reflection on the past year and a look ahead at the values shaping our community in 2025
  • The Couch: Starting Fresh – Advice for New Graduates in Judiciary Translation and Interpreting — Practical advice and insights for new professionals stepping into the field
  • Judiciary Translation vs. Judiciary Interpretation – Which Path Resonates with You? — A breakdown of key differences between these career paths to help you find the right fit

You can find these and more in our blog archives!

The images used in this post are sourced from Unsplash. They are used for illustrative purposes only.