A good communicator

Qualifications related to translation, languages and writing

• Diploma in Translation - Chartered Institute of Linguists.
• PgCert in Forensic Linguistics at Aston University.

  Reading linguistics in the context of legal language, analysis of spoken and written discourse, linguistic investigation and evidence and written language in the legal system.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Translation – First Class Honours at London Metropolitan University. Full degree with modules covering: typical translation problems, introduction to language, the translator and the text, and intercultural studies.
• Diploma in Public Service Interpreting in English Law, with distinction in interpreting and translation into Polish. NQF level 6 qualification in consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, sight translation, and written translation issued by the Chartered Institute of Linguists.
• Polish Language and Culture - certificate level at University of Warsaw. The stylistics and characteristics of Polish specialised texts, including online and internet texts.
• Interpreting in Courts training from the Chartered Institute of Linguists. Comprehensive training on interpreting in Magistrate’s, Crown, and County courts in the United Kingdom, covering also the theoretical background of the legal system.
• Feature Writing for Journalism course by London School of Journalism. Diploma with distinction in writing features, journalists and the law, television and radio, and readers and markets.
• Creative Writing course by London Metropolitan University. Supervised in-person creative writing course, covering creating the plot, devising sceneries, and completing character profiles.
• DipTrans preparation course at City University. Supervised preparatory course with practical assignments in translation from English into Polish.
• International Legal English Certificate at Cambridge English. A certificate confirming proficiency in the legal English language passed with distinction.

Qualifications related to business and marketing

• MSc in Management, Information Systems and Innovation degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Working towards finishing the degree in academic year 2013/2014.
• E-commerce in the Digital Age module at the London School of Economics and Political Science. 3-week intensive course on the economy of e-commerce and e-business, including network effect, barriers to entry, switching costs, and the dynamics of new markets.
• Introduction to microeconomics at University of Oxford. 10-week course covering the basics of microeconomics and the theories behind markets, demand and supply.

What does it mean for you?

• Higher quality of translated texts.
• Peace of mind because your translator is an expert in the field.
• Better results because texts sound more convincing.

• National Register of Public Service Interpreters, a member since 2011.
• Chartered Institute of Linguists, a member since September 2010.
• Polish Language Lovers Association, a full member since August 2011.
• Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs, a member since March 2012.
• Law, Insurance, Financial Translation (Institute of Translation and Interpreting)
• International Association of Forensic Linguists a member.
• Chartered Institute of Marketing an affiliate.

What does it mean for you?

• Peace of mind because I have to abide by many codes of conduct.
• Confidentiality and security of your information.
• Better results because my reputation is at stake.

E-books and articles

• At your fingertips: Social media marketing: The Linguist – article
• How to write a Translator’s CV: e-book
• People in Magistrates’ Courts: my e-book on the workings of magistrates’ courts
• Practical guide to social media: e-book
• You need a CV that works: e-book on CVs in the translation industry

Online articles

• Business School for Translators: my blog for colleagues.
• The 5 best practices of top translation agencies…and 5 worst: my guest post with Lingo24’s blog.
• Response to “We Want a Discount”: my satire published by Translation Directory.
• Weird Opinions on Translators and How to Educate the Public: my article ‘reprinted’ in APTI.
• ¿Por qué los traductores freelance deberían cobrar más?: one of my articles translated into Spanish by Jimena Licitra. Thanks!

What does it mean for you?

• Better results because my reputation matters to me.
• Good connections for other languages because I know many colleagues in the industry.
• Good image because you work with somebody who’s giving back to society.

I work in both PC and Mac environments. I use SDL Trados 2007 and 2009, Déjà vu, OmegaT, Idiom WorldServer, and Google Translator Toolkit. I am a proficient user of Microsoft Office, Open Office, and DTP suites, including Adobe InDesign. I have a working knowledge of Content Management Systems and a good grasp of IT in general.

• CAT tools
• Translation memory
• Adobe InDesign
• Localisation software

What does it mean for you?

• Jobs done quicker because I can work directly in the tools that you use.
• Improved consistency of texts means that they work better.
• Fewer things can go wrong because I have a good understanding of IT.

I pride myself on the integrity and confidentiality I offer my clients. I’m not able to share a full list of companies I work with, but some of my clients have agreed to give me testimonials.

• Freelance Translator (June 2006 -present)

  Over 1,500,000 words translated Areas of expertise: - Marketing: brochures, slogans, campaigns, press releases, white papers, case studies, customer testimonials, corporate profiles, internal communication, presentations, annual reports. Recent project: 2,000 words of a corporate profile. - Business: data sheets, internal and external policies, audits, human resources, employee handbooks, corporate governance, training materials, presentations. Recent project: 3,000 words of an anti-bribery policy. - Criminal Law: witness statements, summons, cautions, warrants, indictments, sentences, judgments. Recent project: 4,700 words of a witness statement. - Contract Law: sale contracts, lease contracts, rental agreements, construction work contracts, sale of shares contracts, supply contracts, confidentiality agreements, maintenance contracts. Recent project: 14,000 words of a sale of shares contract. - Family Law: birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, equity and trusts, last wills. Recent project: 3,000 words of a last will. - Employment Law: employment agreements, insurance policies, patents, annual meetings, certificates and qualifications. Recent project: 1,500 words of an employment agreement.

• Freelance Interpreter (June 2008 -present)

  Over 600 hours of interpreting Interpreting within legal and official contexts for various public and private clients, as well as during business meetings and conferences. - Official: governmental visits to London for major sporting events, conferences with barristers. - Business: negotiations, meetings, presentations. - Public Service: Magistrates’ and Crown Courts, police, county courts.