In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the translation landscape鈥攁nd at a dramatic pace, no less鈥攇eneralist translators are facing increasing pressure. Machine translation (MT) tools and AI-powered solutions are rapidly improving, making it harder for generalists to compete on price and efficiency.
However, one clear path to staying competitive in the translation profession is specialization鈥攃hoosing a particular field of translation, for example, medical, scientific, or academic, and niching down to develop expertise in the subject. Legal translation offers a particularly strong opportunity for translators looking to future-proof their career.
To explore the benefits of transitioning from general translation to legal translation, the author spoke with two students of the Graduate Diploma in Legal Translation (GDLT) offered by 黑料社鈥檚 School of Continuing Studies. Genevi猫ve Marshall is a French-to-English translator located in Montreal, Quebec, who completed the program as recently as mid-March 2025, and Jamie McLennan is a French-to-English translator based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, who is currently enrolled. They shared their thoughts on the advantages of developing a specialization in legal translation.
What motivated you to transition from general translation to legal translation, and how did the Graduate Diploma in Legal Translation (GDLT) support that shift?
骋别苍别惫颈猫惫别: As a freelancer, I know how important it is to demonstrate your value to clients. The GDLT has allowed me to branch out into legal translation with confidence
Jamie: Before enrolling in the program, I had been translating quasi-legal documents now and then for a couple of years. I found the work enjoyable; it was challenging, varied, and never boring. There鈥檚 also a shortage of legal translators in Canada, which made the move attractive both in terms of job satisfaction and career longevity. The GDLT is the only diploma of its kind in Canada, and it offers a schedule tailored to professionals. It felt like a natural next step.
How has specializing in legal translation impacted your career opportunities, income potential, or client base?
骋别苍别惫颈猫惫别: I am now able to offer my services to a whole new client base. Freelancing can be daunting and knowing I have the tools necessary to cater to clients in the legal sector has helped my business reach new levels of success.
Jamie: I鈥檝e always operated as a solo freelancer, but now I鈥檓 collaborating with other translators to grow my business and gradually expand into the legal field. Whether that includes bidding on government contracts, offering services to local law firms, or simply deepening my service offering for existing clients, it鈥檚 opened up possibilities on many fronts.
What were the most valuable skills or knowledge you gained from the GDLT that you wouldn鈥檛 have acquired otherwise?
骋别苍别惫颈猫惫别: As a French-to-English translator in Quebec, I am now in an optimal position to translate legal documents while ensuring the target text remains true to English-language civil law terminology.
Jamie: I鈥檝e learned a lot about our legal system and its impact on our daily lives. From the complexities of our administrative tribunals to the challenges of co-drafting federal bills in both official languages, I鈥檝e deepened my understanding of how we operate as a country while learning practical translation skills. Canada鈥檚 history is closely tied to the growth and development of legal translation as a profession. Even though my intention was to niche down, I feel as though this diploma is expanding my horizons in ways I didn鈥檛 expect.
How has specializing helped you differentiate yourself in a competitive market, especially in today鈥檚 translation landscape, where AI is an increasing presence?
骋别苍别惫颈猫惫别: Freelance translators need to remain open to change if they want to have sustainable careers. The more areas of expertise you have, the better your odds of success. Because I now offer legal translation, my client base has expanded significantly.
Jamie: With the rise of AI, translators need to specialize to provide added value beyond our roles as communicators and wordsmiths. I鈥檓 not the first to say this, but simply offering 鈥渜uality translation鈥� is no longer enough. I believe translators would do well to focus on sectors that place a high value on risk mitigation. AI is a great tool, but it can鈥檛 be relied upon for 100% accuracy. As a translator, you need to ask yourself: What kind of clients can鈥檛 afford to take risks, and how can I use my skills and expertise to protect them?
What advice would you give to translators considering a specialization in legal translation?
骋别苍别惫颈猫惫别: I鈥檇 ask them what they鈥檙e waiting for!
Jamie: I think it鈥檚 a great move for translators who consider themselves generalists, because no matter your experience, there鈥檚 likely a field of legal translation that will suit your personality and interests. Don鈥檛 be intimidated by it: The profession needs you!
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As AI continues to reshape the translation world, generalist translators are at greater risk of being edged out by machine solutions. Specializing, whether in legal translation or another field, offers a path to greater job security, higher earning potential, and a more resilient career.
The experiences of these GDLT students highlight how investing in specialized translation training can open doors to rewarding opportunities while providing a competitive edge in today鈥檚 rapidly changing market. For generalist translators looking for a way to future-proof their translation career, legal translation might just be the answer.
About the author
Ann Marie Boulanger is a lecturer in the Graduate Diploma in Legal Translation at the School of Continuing Studies. She is a certified translator (OTTIAQ) and owner of Traduction Proteus Inc. She is also the co-founder of LION Translation Academy, which offers business, technology and language training workshops for translators.