Jane Kochanski, legal translator and court expert
A legal translator certified by the Paris Court of Appeal, with over 20 years of experience with legal professionals.
« Rigorous, reliable, with an eye for detail —you have chosen the right translator. Your translations are in good hands » – Legally Yours
Often our careers are not set in stone. Legal translation was an obvious choice for me, being at the crossroads between law and languages, which I ardently enjoy.
Trained as a lawyer with degrees in French and Anglo-Saxon law, I quickly understood that words have an impact, and the power of words. The capacity to enlighten, interpret and translate is something quite extraordinary.
For more than twenty years, I have worked in demanding legal environments: international law firms, institutions, and companies. I have translated contracts, summons, court decisions, by-laws, company minutes… always with the same eye for detail and respect for the source text and the target legal system. Translating law is not about translating one word for another, it is about translating reasoning, logic, and structure and having an understanding of the entire document.
About the team
“Today, I work as a free-lancer for law firms, agencies, and legal professionals who are looking for a loyal partner. My approach is direct, human, with a strong focus on quality.
Translating means an in-depth understanding, providing an accurate translation without deviating from the meaning of the text. Precision is key.”
The firm’s interns
Maëlys Even Parodi
I’m Maëlys Even Parodi, 23 years old and currently enrolled in a Master’s degree in Specialised Translation and SEO Web Writing. Prior to that, I studied Life Sciences for two years at Paris Cité University before switching to a Bachelor’s degree in English, which I successfully completed. As part of my studies, I also spent a year in Norway during my second year of university — an experience that was both academically and personally enriching.
Curious and open-minded, I enjoy travelling, discovering new cultures, and engaging in artistic activities such as dancing, horse riding, music, and singing. I played the piano for 10 years, danced for 15 years, and practiced horse riding for 3 to 4 years. My passion for languages, foreign cultures, reading, and writing gradually led me to develop a strong interest in translation.
I am altruistic and attentive, and I am motivated by the idea of using my skills to support others. Also, my fight for the following causes — including the combat against animal abuse, violence against women, climate change, and mental health advocacy — have naturally directed me towards legal translation, a field in which I intend to specialize.
Services
Translating a legal document is not simply a matter of linguistic flair. It involves a deep understanding of legal issues, identifying risks of ambiguity, respecting the logical structure of legal systems, with a sound command of the terminology used. My work is based on more than twenty years of experience in the legal circuit, liaising directly with lawyers, company directors, notaries, and institutions.
Whether you need a certified translation that meets administrative requirements, an unofficial translation for professional use, expert proofreading to ensure your communications are secure, or customized training in legal English, the same attention is paid to each assignment. My aim is to produce documents that are 100% accurate, in compliance with applicable law and the client’s expectations. Clients are our priority.
All services are provided in-house, without intermediaries, as part of a quality approach focused on confidentiality, accuracy, and efficiency. It’s not just about translating: it’s about ensuring the reliability of your documents in an international context and understanding the client’s needs.
Professional documents, websites, HR or communication materials—I help you convey your content clearly and accurately, in legal English customized according to your client’s needs.
As a certified translator with the Paris Court of Appeal, I provide official certified translations of contracts, judgments, summons, extracts, and accounts recognized by the competent authorities.
Have you drafted or translated a legal document in English? I offer expert proofreading services, with corrections focused on content, form, terminology, and legal consistency.
Legal professionals, prepare your presentations in English with customized courses: terminology, moots, contract drafting. Individual or group training.
Clients
For over twenty years, I have had the privilege of working with renowned law firms, specialized translation agencies, and companies seeking linguistic and accuracy. Each of these partnerships is based on a common requirement: to produce clear, reliable, and legally accurate translations.
Whether dealing with litigation, contracts, institutional documents, or in-house materials, I adapt to the specific expectations of each organization, while respecting deadlines, confidentiality, and the level of quality expected in the legal circuit.
Certified expertise for the courts
Qualified in French and Anglo-Saxon law, with an MBA in international business (ENPC – École des Ponts, class of 2007), I combine legal skills with linguistic accuracy. My academic background includes a Master’s degree in European Community law (Lyon II University), a year of preparation for the CRFPA bar school competitive entry examination (IEJ Assas), and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Aberdeen.
In 2017, I was appointed expert translator at the Paris Court of Appeal. This title formalizes my skills and authorizes me to produce certified translations recognized by French and European courts. I am also a member of the CETIECAP (company of translators certified at the Paris court of appeal) and have completed training in mediation at the École Professionnelle de la Médiation et de la Négociation.
Follow me on social media
As a freelance translator specializing in law, I regularly share my thoughts on legal translation, language advice, and industry news. Join me on LinkedIn to follow my latest news and discuss the profession.