Welcome to our Court Interpreter Continuing Education Courses Spring Edition, your gateway to professional development and advancement in the field of legal interpretation. Our comprehensive continuing education courses are designed to provide you with the tools, insights, and expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of legal interpretation effectively. Whether you’re seeking to sharpen your language proficiency, deepen your understanding of legal terminology, or enhance your cultural competence, our courses offer tailored solutions to meet your professional needs and aspirations. Join us on a journey of continual learning and growth as we empower you to excel in your role as a trusted bridge between languages and cultures in the courtroom.
Approved for California (30 CIMCE when purchasing full compliance package; bundle and save!)
Approved for OR
Pending CE units for Arizona, Washington, Idaho, and Nevada.
Join us for our online Spring Edition Full Compliance weekend on April 20 & 21, 2024.
Please use registration section after course descriptions.
INSTRUCTOR LED COURSES:
1. INDIGENISMO Y LATINIDAD (ES) (4 CE / CIMCE)
When working with indigenous communities, interpreters face unique challenges due to the particular skills required to identify indigenous language speakers, locate the language spoken by the LEP, and linguistic and cultural differences; making specialized training essential.
2. LIMITS TO THE ROLE OF INTERPRETERS IN THE JUDICIAL ARENA (ETHICS; NEUTRAL) (4 CE / CIMCE)
Throughout this course, participants will explore various scenarios and case studies to identify and analyze the limits of interpretation within the judicial arena, both in person and through virtual platforms. Topics covered will include the interpreter’s duty to accurately convey messages without adding, omitting, or altering content, the boundaries of cultural mediation, and the importance of maintaining neutrality and confidentiality while retaining their role as an impartial court officer.
3. REFRANERO MEXICANO (ES) (3.5 CE / CIMCE)
Throughout this course, participants will delve into the rich tapestry of Mexican idiomatic expressions, exploring their origins, meanings, and usage in different contexts. Through interactive discussions, practical exercises, and real-world examples, participants will develop the linguistic proficiency and cultural competence needed to interpret Mexican idioms with precision and accuracy.
4. LOCUCIONES MEXICANAS (ES) (3.5 CE / CIMCE)
In this course, participants will delve into the nuances, meanings, and usage of Mexican colloquial expressions, with a focus on how to interpret them effectively in both formal and informal settings. Through interactive exercises, real-world examples, and simulated interpretation scenarios, participants will develop the skills and strategies needed to navigate colloquial language with confidence and accuracy.
NON INSTRUCTOR LED COURSES:
1. CIVIL TERMINOLOGY (NEUTRAL) (3 CE / CIMCE)
Throughout this course, participants will explore the fundamental principles, terminology, and procedures associated with civil law. Special emphasis will be placed on terminology specific to civil litigation, contracts, property law, and other areas commonly encountered in civil proceedings.
2. FOSTER CARE MATTERS (NEUTRAL) (3 CE / CIMCE)
This specialized course is designed to provide interpreters with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively interpret in foster care settings. Interpreters play a critical role in facilitating communication between children, families, social workers, legal professionals, and other stakeholders involved in the foster care system. Understanding the unique dynamics and terminology of foster care matters is essential for interpreters to ensure accurate and culturally sensitive communication in this sensitive and complex context.
3. DEALING WITH VICARIOUS TRAUMA (NEUTRAL) (3 CE / CIMCE)
Interpreters working in emotionally charged and high-stress environments, such as courtrooms, hospitals, and social service agencies, are often exposed to traumatic content through their work. Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary trauma, can have profound effects on interpreters’ mental and emotional well-being if not properly addressed. This course is designed to provide interpreters with the knowledge, skills, and resources to recognize, cope with, and mitigate the impacts of vicarious trauma in their professional lives.
4. SPECIAL IMMIGRATION JUVENILE STATUS PROCEEDINGS (NEUTRAL) (3 CE / CIMCE)
Throughout this course, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the SIJS process, including eligibility criteria, legal procedures, and documentation requirements. They will explore the unique challenges and ethical considerations involved in interpreting for SIJS cases, as well as strategies for ensuring accurate and culturally sensitive communication. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in practical exercises and case studies to apply their knowledge and skills in realistic scenarios.
5. ALL ABOUT DIVORCE (NEUTRAL) (3 CE / CIMCE)
Participants will be equipped with the linguistic, legal, and ethical competencies necessary to provide accurate and impartial interpretation services in divorce proceedings. They will be prepared to navigate the complexities of divorce terminology and effectively facilitate communication between parties, attorneys, and the court.
INSTRUCTORS
Frida Blum and Lorena Pike
Frida Blum is a court interpreter (state and federal) and legal translator. She holds a Law Degree, a Master’s Degree in Civil Law and a Juris Doctorate from Durango’s Universidad Juarez. She worked as law clerk and research attorney at the Supreme Court’s civil and criminal divisions in the state of Durango, Mexico. She is a former faculty member of her alma mater, and currently works as a staff interpreter for Ventura Superior Court in California.
Lorena Pike is a court interpreter (NV & CA) and a legal translator, regular speaker at national conferences such as NAJIT and ATA. She holds and accounting degree and a MA in Translation and Latin American Culture. Lorena has worked in California Courts since 2015 as coordinator, manager, and staff interpreter in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Alameda counties, respectively. She is an adjunct faculty member for UCLA Extension and UCSD Extended Studies T&I Program.