Certified deposition interpreters, in-person or remote.
Depositions are AMS\'s largest single category of work. We supply certified court interpreters for civil and administrative depositions in 100+ languages, in person at venues throughout California and Nevada, and remotely on Zoom, Teams, Webex, and most other major platforms. Single-interpreter and two-interpreter team coverage available. Same-day scheduling for common languages.
What we handle
In-person depositions
On-site at law firms, court reporting offices, and conference venues throughout the LA basin, Bay Area, Las Vegas Valley, and nationwide. Our scheduling team coordinates the interpreter's arrival and pre-deposition briefing.
Remote depositions (Zoom, Teams, Webex)
AMS interprets remote depositions on every major platform. We provide a remote-deposition best-practices checklist for the deposing attorney to optimize audio quality and interpretation flow.
Hybrid depositions
Some participants in person, others remote. The interpreter is positioned wherever optimizes accuracy, with the agency coordinating logistics.
Single interpreter for short depositions
For depositions expected to run under an hour, a single certified interpreter is the standard configuration.
Two-interpreter team for long depositions
NAJIT recommends a two-interpreter team for any proceeding over an hour. We assign two certified interpreters who rotate in 20 to 30 minute segments and check each other's work on the record.
Indigenous-language depositions
For witnesses whose first language is Mixtec, Triqui, Quiché, Mam, or another indigenous Mesoamerican language, AMS coordinates qualified in-language interpreters, typically by remote.
AOE/COE and workers' comp depositions
Workers' compensation depositions follow a particular cadence and use carrier-specific platforms. Our workers'-comp deposition interpreters are familiar with both.
Federal depositions and federal court witness depositions
FCICE-certified Spanish interpreters and federally-registered interpreters for other languages.
How it works
- 01
Send the deposition details
Date, time, language, expected duration, location (or remote platform), and a brief case summary. Pre-share any case documents the interpreter should review.
- 02
We assign a certified interpreter
Selection by certification, language pair, prior subject-matter experience, and deposition-experience profile. For long depositions, a teamed pair.
- 03
Confirmation and follow-through
Written confirmation with the interpreter's name and credentials. Our scheduling team is reachable before, during, and after.
Why litigators choose AMS for depositions
25+ years of deposition experience
AMS has interpreted depositions across virtually every practice area since 1999. Auto, premises, products, mass tort, intellectual property, employment, and class actions.
Clean deposition record
Court-certified interpreters trained to handle objection-and-response sequences, sidebars, off-the-record clarifications, and the unique pace of cross-examination.
Same-day for common languages
Spanish deposition coverage is routinely available on short notice. Call our office and we will confirm what is available for your date.
Deposition interpreter questions, answered
When does a deposition need a two-interpreter team?
NAJIT guidance recommends a two-interpreter team for any proceeding expected to run over an hour. Cognitive fatigue significantly degrades interpretation accuracy past that point. A team rotates every 20 to 30 minutes and checks each other's work on the record. For depositions expected to run under an hour, a single interpreter is standard.
Can the deponent's family member sit in to "help" with interpretation?
No. The certified interpreter is the only person authorized to interpret on the record. Family members may attend as observers (if permitted by the parties and the rules), but they must not interject, clarify, or "help" the deponent answer. Any attempt to do so should be addressed by counsel on the record.
How long does a deposition with interpretation actually take?
Interpreted depositions typically take 1.5 to 2 times as long as the same deposition would in English. Every question is rendered into the deponent's language; every answer is rendered into English. For planning purposes, double the expected English duration when scheduling.
Does AMS provide deposition interpretation in indigenous Mesoamerican languages (Mixtec, Triqui, Quiché)?
Yes. AMS regularly schedules indigenous-language deposition interpreters for cases involving applicants from Mexico's southern states or from Guatemala. Indigenous-language interpretation typically happens via remote video because in-person indigenous-language interpreters are rare. Advance notice is important.
Can AMS interpret a remote deposition on Zoom or Teams?
Yes. Remote depositions on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, GoToMeeting, and most other platforms are handled routinely. We provide a remote-deposition checklist covering audio setup, interpreter window positioning, and best practices for the deposing attorney.
What happens if the assigned interpreter falls ill the morning of the deposition?
AMS maintains backup capacity for routine languages and same-day replacement is the standard practice. For rare languages, our scheduling team coordinates with the deposing attorney to either find a replacement (often remote) or reschedule. Call our office at (800) 919-2029 and we will confirm what is available for your date.
What does a deposition interpreter cost?
Rates vary by language, location, proceeding type, time of day, and on-site versus VRI. For a written quote, call our office at (800) 919-2029 or use the Quote form. See our court-interpreter cost article for a detailed breakdown.
Further reading
Preparing a non-English-speaking witness for deposition
A short, practical guide for litigators preparing for a deposition with an interpreter.
Read the articleInterpreter teams for long proceedings
Why proceedings over an hour require two interpreters, and how NAJIT defines the standard.
Read the articleCourt interpreter ethics: the four canons
What ethical standards govern interpreter conduct in depositions.
Read the articleIndigenous Mesoamerican languages in U.S. courts
When a deponent's first language is an indigenous language, the path differs.
Read the articleSpanish dialects in U.S. legal and medical interpreting
When dialect matching matters in deposition settings.
Read the articleSchedule with AMS
Request a quote or reach our scheduling team. AMS will assign the right linguist for your matter.