Translation For Lawyers

Which culture would you rather be born into: individualistic, or collectivist?
Can you predict, how your foreign clients will answer this question?

Did you know that English is the only major language in which the pronoun "I" is capitalized? No wonder our mainstream individualistic culture values the "I" mentality, and puts the emphasis on the individual over the group. It is acceptable and appropriate in our culture to blow one's own horn. We even say, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease".

Continue reading "Distinguish Between Individualistic and Collectivist Cultures when Dealing with Foreign Nationals" »

Old habits die hard. And so do one’s cultural values. People can easily move from one country to another, from one continent to another, but they rarely travel light. They always carry their cultural baggage with them.

How well do you know your law firm's foreign clients?

Is your foreign client influenced by the "I", or by the "we" mentality? Can you guess, what moral choices your non-English-speaking clients would make? Can you predict, for instance, how your foreign client perceives he can get wealthy?

Continue reading "For Russians, Influential Connections, Not Hard Work, Key to Wealth" »

Of course, you want to reach out to your non-English-speaking client in his language. To educate him about the issues, which can be relevant to his case. You're just trying to help, to offer legal advice to best meet your foreign client's needs. So why is he second-guessing you? Why does he seem so distrustful?

Continue reading "Uncover Your Foreign Client's Cultural Baggage" »