Legal Translation for Contracts, Court Documents & Legal Correspondence Involving Russia
Contracts between Russian and foreign parties, court filings, powers of attorney, and legal correspondence all require a translator who understands Russian legal terminology and structure, not just the language. This page covers legal translation generally; if your document needs to be filed with a Russian court, notary, or authority, it needs our notarized translation service.
- Russian legal terminology
- Krasnodar, Russia, since 2001
- Partner terms available for law firms
Get Your Free Estimate
A legal document is only useful if its translation preserves exactly what it says, not roughly what it says. A contract clause that shifts liability, a court’s finding of fact, a power of attorney’s scope of authority — get any of these slightly wrong in translation and the document can end up meaning something different from the original. We translate legal documents connected to Russia for law firms, in-house counsel, notaries, and individuals dealing with Russian contracts, court proceedings, and legal correspondence.
Legal Documents We Translate
- Contracts and agreements between Russian and foreign parties
- Court decisions, judgments, and filings
- Powers of attorney
- Legal correspondence, opinions, and due diligence materials
- Litigation and arbitration documents
Does Your Legal Translation Need to Be Notarized?
Not every legal translation has to be notarized — it depends on where it is going, not on the fact that it is a legal document. A translation submitted to a Russian court, ZAGS office, notary, or government authority needs to be notarized under Article 81 of Russian notary law before it will be accepted. A translation used for a foreign law firm’s own internal review of a Russian contract, correspondence between counsel during a negotiation, or due diligence research that will not be filed anywhere does not need notarization — a professional legal translation is enough, and it is faster and less expensive.
When Notarization Is Required
- Submitting a foreign court judgment to a Russian court for recognition
- Filing a power of attorney with a Russian notary or government authority
- Presenting a contract or corporate document to a Russian registrar or government body
When It Is Not Required
- Your firm's internal review of a Russian contract before advising a client
- Correspondence between counsel in Russia and abroad during a negotiation
- Legal research or due diligence review that will not be filed with any authority
Our Accuracy Guarantee
Every legal translation is checked by a second reviewer against the source document's legal terminology and structure before delivery. If a specific clause or term turns out to be mistranslated, we correct it free of charge.
This guarantee covers translation accuracy. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create notarized or certified status — for that, use our separate notarized translation service.
Regular Flow of Contracts or Filings From Your Firm?
If your firm sends us Russian legal documents on an ongoing basis, we can set up partner pricing and a dedicated contact, the same arrangement we already have with law firms and notaries who work with us regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between legal translation and notarized translation?
A legal translation is done with the same accuracy either way, but carries no certification. A notarized translation is additionally certified by a Russian notary under Article 81 of Russian notary law, and is required when the document is filed with a court, ZAGS office, notary, or government authority.
Do I need a notarized translation for a contract with a Russian company?
It depends on where the contract is going. For internal review and negotiation, a professional legal translation is usually enough; for filing with a Russian government body or registrar, you need a notarized translation.
Can you translate a foreign court judgment for use in a Russian court?
Yes, and in that case the translation needs to be notarized. We have a dedicated page on translating court decisions for use in Russia.
Do you provide legal advice along with the translation?
No. We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice. We translate the document; deciding what it means for your case is a matter for you and your lawyer.
Do you work with law firms on an ongoing basis?
Yes. We offer partner pricing and a dedicated contact for law firms and notaries who send us documents regularly.
You May Also Need
-
Need It Notarized for a Russian Court or Authority?
If your legal translation is being filed with a Russian court, ZAGS office, notary, or government body.
-
Translating a Foreign Court Judgment?
Notarized translation of a foreign court decision for recognition, divorce, or inheritance cases in Russia.
-
Represent Clients on an Ongoing Basis?
Partner pricing and a dedicated contact for law firms and notaries who send us documents regularly.
-
Ready to Order?
Send us your document and we will confirm price and turnaround before you commit to anything.
We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. We translate legal documents; deciding what a document means for your case, and whether it needs to be notarized, filed, or otherwise acted on, is a matter for you and your lawyer.
