Developing Scripts for Legal Interpreting: What Are You Going to Say?

Legal interpreters face critical moments in court where the wrong words, or no words at all, can compromise due process. This workshop addresses that gap head on. Participants will learn why preparation matters more than improvisation, and how to build flexible, professionally defensible scripts that speak the court's language rather than interpreter jargon. The session introduces the A-B-C Script Structure™, a three part framework: identify who to approach (the judge, counsel, or the agency), state the limit and the reason using legal principles like due process and scope of practice, and offer a clear path forward. Participants explore how to tailor their language depending on whether they are addressing a judge, an attorney, or a client or agency, anchoring their arguments in concepts like integrity of the record, effective assistance of counsel, meaningful participation, and the 6th Amendment. The workshop covers three real world scenarios in depth. First, scripting for staffing when a trial involves multiple Deaf parties and requires four interpreters. Second, explaining when a client is not linguistically present and communicating scope of practice limits to the court. Third, making a formal request for a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) and articulating why one is needed. Through guided writing exercises and peer practice, participants leave with three complete scripts built using the A-B-C frame, each written in their own voice and ready to use on their next legal assignment. The workshop redefines what a "script" means: not rigid memorization or performance, but a prepared language structure and a thinking tool so interpreters don't have to invent words under pressure.