I have been providing French-to-English translation services to translation companies, law firms, businesses and NGOs, mainly in France, Switzerland and the UK, since 2002. My aim is to produce consistently accurate, carefully researched, well-written translations and to build and maintain positive relationships with both clients and colleagues. I make appropriate use of translation technologies and stay abreast of developments in my areas of expertise through a regular programme of continuing professional development. 

I have previously taught translation at postgraduate level and offer online tutoring in the general, business and law papers of the CIOL DipTrans (French to English) via Skype or Zoom.

For more information about my background, services and approach, please visit my website KES_Translate.

Specialisms 

• Law (contract, company, commercial, family and property law)
• Business (sales and marketing, corporate communications, policy documents, human resources, legal documents, training / e-learning, sustainability / corporate social responsibility)
• International cooperation and development (public health and disease control; water, sanitation and hygiene; women's rights; children's rights; humanitarian and human rights law; governance, transparency and accountability)
• Tertiary education

Qualifications

• MA Legal Translation, City University London
• Diploma in Translation (French to English), Institute of Linguists
  
• ELIC Diploma in French, Institute of Linguists
  
• BA (Hons) Modern Languages, University of Oxford, class I
  

Chartership / Memberships

• Chartered Linguist
• Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (FCIL)
• Member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (MITI)

Professional contribution

• Member of Council, CIOL, 2012-2019 (Chair 2016-2018)
• Former Chair of the Chartered Linguist Registration Board, CIOL
• Former Chair of the Editorial Board of The Linguist 

Previous professional experience

• Former commodities buyer and new product development manager in the UK food industry
• Former lecturer and business language trainer in French, across a wide variety of industry sectors

Professional ethics

As a Chartered Linguist and Fellow of CIOL, I am bound by its Code of Professional Conduct and that of ITI.

Client feedback

"I want to thank you again for your flexibility and great professional approach throughout this big and long project." (French translation agency project manager)

"In my professional opinion, the translation is of excellent quality. It achieves the 'gold standard': it is completely faithful to the source text, including in tone, yet it reads as if originally written in English". (Swiss translation agency proofreader)

"Vous êtes « wonderful » merci beaucoup. D’ailleurs le client est très content de vos traductions. Encore mille mercis." (French translation agency)

"I’m asking you because the client is very happy with your previous work on this project, and would like to keep the same team." (French translation agency)

"La qualité du texte est très bonne." (End client)

"C’est toujours un plaisir de travailler avec vous, et une telle sécurité, on sait que la qualité est toujours au RV !" (French translation agency)

"I am getting in touch with you just to let you know that the client was really happy with the adaptation project you worked on several weeks ago. Congratulations!" (UK translation agency)

"Thanks again. You did a remarkable job [...], especially for someone who is new to the world of [client]!" (French translation agency)

"Thank you so much. It is so lovely to deal with someone who is such a professional." (Private client)

"This is marvellous, thank you. It reads really well and sounds authoritative and accurate." (UK translation agency)

"Many thanks for your help. The result is excellent, as always." (End client)

"Thank you for your help on this matter, you will certainly be top of my list next time I need a French translator." (UK law firm)

"Un mot pour vous remercier pour votre traduction que le client qualifie de « parfaite ». C’est un plaisir de travailler avec une grande professionnelle." (French translation agency)

"I just finished proofing your translation of the [...] report. I thought you did a fantastic job!" (French translation agency proofreader)

"Thanks Karen. It was perfect, I didn’t touch it." (French translation agency proofreader)

"It’s been a pleasure working with you. I was always so relieved when I knew I would be proofreading your work – it was always so well researched!" (former French translation agency proofreader)