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Interpretation Services

Face-to-face interpreting, wherever you meet

Focus Interpreting sends certified, professional, and experienced interpreters to appointments, hearings, meetings, and events throughout California, in over 120 languages.

Hands writing notes on paper between two open laptops at a wooden meeting table

Why Focus

On-Site Interpreting, done right

Certified interpreters in the room, on time, in 120+ languages

  • Punctual, every time

    Our interpreters are required to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start so your appointment begins on time.

  • Certified specialists

    State-certified medical and legal interpreters, HIPAA-trained and certified in accordance with national standards.

  • Both modes, plus equipment

    Consecutive interpreting for appointments and depositions; simultaneous interpreting with booths, transmitters, and receivers for conferences.

  • Culturally fluent

    Interpreters immersed in the cultures of their languages, courteous and attuned to the nuances that keep communication respectful.

  • Rush and emergency service

    Short-notice dispatch when a hearing is moved, a patient arrives unexpectedly, or a meeting cannot wait.

Bright white conference room with a long table, black chairs and a wall-mounted screen
Why on-site
01
The importance of accurate interpretation

Why on-site

The importance of accurate interpretation

Excellent communication is key to any business opportunity, medical decision, or legal outcome. Whether you are acquiring new clients, treating a patient, taking testimony, or speaking at a conference, delivering accurate information is crucial. Language has subtleties that must be mastered to avoid confusion or offense, and mastering the words alone is not enough.

Language and cultural barriers are the enemies of effective communication. An on-site interpreter lets you deliver and receive messages in person, reading the room, the body language, and the tone that a phone line or screen can miss.

Hand taking notes in a small notebook at a wooden table with an espresso cup, phone and leather bag
Section 02
02
What an on-site interpreter does

What an on-site interpreter does

On-site interpreters are trained language professionals who interpret orally during face-to-face appointments. In consecutive mode, the interpreter listens while the speaker talks, takes structured notes, and renders the message once the speaker pauses. It is the standard mode for medical visits, legal proceedings, interviews, and small meetings.

In simultaneous mode, the interpreter speaks at the same time as the presenter, usually from a booth or with a portable transmitter, so the audience hears the message with almost no delay. This is the mode for conferences, training sessions, and large meetings, and Focus Interpreting provides the equipment and technical staff along with the interpreters.

Our interpreters are masters of both modes. They are also immersed in the cultures of their languages, which is what turns an accurate rendering into a seamless conversation.

  • Punctuality: interpreters arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start
  • Mastery of both simultaneous and consecutive interpreting
  • Courteous, impartial, and adaptable to cultural nuance
  • HIPAA-trained, U.S.-based, and certified to national standards
  • Continuous training and continuing education
Restored 1908 courtroom with wooden railings, a judge's bench and a chandelier
Section 03
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Where we send on-site interpreters

Where we send on-site interpreters

Focus Interpreting specializes in medical and legal state-certified interpreters and has extensive experience in the workers' compensation industry, supporting QME and AME evaluations, treating physician visits, depositions, and hearings before the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board. Our interpreters know the terminology and the procedures, so attorneys, adjusters, and physicians can focus on the case.

We also cover medical appointments and hospital stays, court proceedings and attorney consultations, IEP and school district meetings, government agency appointments, corporate meetings and training, and conferences and major events where simultaneous interpreting with booths and receivers is required.

For technical, educational, and legal assignments, our interpreters cover more than 120 languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Russian, Armenian, Arabic, German, French, Dutch, and American Sign Language. Focus Interpreting strictly adheres to the ATA Code of Ethics and Professional Practice so that every assignment is professional and ethical.

Empty auditorium with rows of brown seats and blue aisle lighting
Section 04
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Conference interpreting with equipment and staff

Conference interpreting with equipment and staff

For conferences, shareholder meetings, product launches, and multilingual training, we provide simultaneous interpreters along with soundproof booths, interpreter consoles, wireless transmitters and receivers, and on-site technicians. One coordinator manages languages, equipment, and schedules so your event team has a single point of contact.

Simultaneous interpreting is intense work, and a tired interpreter tends to drop detail to keep pace with the speaker. For that reason we always recommend using our interpreters in shifts, with two interpreters per language who alternate throughout the day so the quality at closing matches the opening session.

Tell us the agenda, the languages, the venue, and the audience size, and we will recommend the right mix of interpreters and equipment.

Small round analog wall clock on a plain pale wall
Section 05
05
Booking tips for a smooth assignment

Booking tips for a smooth assignment

The more we know in advance, the better the match. Share the language and dialect, the date, time, and expected duration, the exact location, the subject matter, and any documents, forms, or slides the interpreter should review. For legal assignments, let us know the case type and whether a certified court interpreter is required.

On-site assignments typically carry a minimum booking time and may include travel, so grouping appointments at the same location is a practical way to control cost; request a quote for current terms. Rush and emergency requests are welcome; we will always tell you honestly what we can staff and when.

How it works

A simple, reliable process

  1. 01

    Request

    Call, email, or submit an online request with the language, date, location, duration, and subject matter.

  2. 02

    Match

    A coordinator assigns a certified interpreter with the right specialty, whether medical, legal, educational, or technical, and briefs them on your materials.

  3. 03

    Confirm

    You receive written confirmation with the interpreter's details and arrival time. Changes are handled by the same coordinator.

  4. 04

    Interpret

    The interpreter arrives 15 minutes early, introduces their role, and interprets everything said, accurately and impartially.

  5. 05

    Follow-up

    We confirm the assignment details, invoice transparently with no hidden fees, and welcome your feedback for future bookings.

Use cases

Who relies on our on-site interpreting services

  • Workers' compensation evaluations, depositions, and hearings
  • Medical appointments, surgeries, and hospital discharge
  • Court proceedings and attorney-client consultations
  • IEP meetings and parent-teacher conferences
  • Business negotiations, site visits, and employee training
  • Conferences and events with simultaneous interpreting equipment

FAQ

Questions, answered

Straight answers on booking, certification, turnaround, and pricing.

Still have a question?

Call (800) 374-5444

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Let's talk

What are you waiting for?

Tell us about your project and a coordinator will reply within one business hour with a free, no-obligation quote.

Request a Free Quote
Call 800-374-5444

Interpreter-owned since 2010 · 120+ languages · 24/7 rush service