ContractsCounsel Logo

Translating Contracts for Spanish Speakers in the US

Updated: March 28, 2023
Clients Rate Lawyers on our Platform 4.9/5 Stars
based on 10,653 reviews
No Upfront Payment Required, Pay Only If You Hire.
Home Blog Translating Contracts for Spanish Speakers in the US

Spanish Contract Translation: Is it becoming more important?

The United States has roughly 41 million native Spanish speakers with another 11 million that consider themselves bilingual. That means there are more Spanish speakers in the US than countries like Spain and Colombia. By the year 2050, the US Census Bureau estimates the number will grow to 138 million Spanish speakers.

Companies doing business in the US have taken notice to this growing customer segment and labor force, and have invested in translating content into Spanish. Beyond their websites and marketing collateral, this translation effort also includes a company’s legal contracts and agreements which they have with their customers, suppliers, and employees. This is particularly common in states like Florida, Texas, and California, which make up 55% of the total Hispanic population in the US.

Translating contracts to Spanish for use in the US does not require the same adaption as translating a contract to be used in another country that speaks a different language (E.g., adaption of legal system, legal writing style, etc). However, it does take some skill and thoughtfulness to make sure the business is best protected. Below are a few tips when translating your business contracts to Spanish for use in the US jurisdiction.

Add a Prevailing Clause to Your Contract

In case of any future dispute, it is best practices to add a ‘Prevailing Language’ clause that tells the signatories that, should there be any discrepancies between the translation and the source document, the English version will prevail in court. Given the contracts will be used in the US and governed by its laws (and likely drafted in English), it is best practices to have the English version prevail. Below are a few sample clauses:

Prevailing Language. The English language version of this Agreement shall be controlling in all respects and shall prevail in case of any inconsistencies with translated versions, if any.

Prevailing Language. The Agreement has been prepared in both English and Spanish versions. In case of conflict, the English version shall prevail.

This Agreement is made in English and Spanish. In the event of a dispute as to the terms of this Agreement the English version shall prevail.

Leave US-Specific Laws and Regulations in English

There are many instances where words or concepts do not have exact equivalents in other languages. This is particularly true when it comes to local laws and regulations that may be specific to one country. For the purpose of clarity and specificity, it may be good practice to leave US-specific Laws and Regulations in English, even though it is a translation to Spanish, given they likely do not have an equivalent in Spanish. Transliterating is employed by some translators, but if you transliterate, always also provide the law or regulation in English so it is crystal clear what the transliteration refers to. Using a sample parenthesis can be an effective solution. Please see examples below:

IRS statement 1099 (“Constancia de Impuestos 1099”)

401(k) plans (los “Planes 401(k)”)

While these two tips may seem minor, they can be powerful tools to make sure your Spanish contracts do not create any new risk for your business.

How ContractsCounsel Works
Hiring a lawyer on ContractsCounsel is easy, transparent and affordable.
1. Post a Free Project
Complete our 4-step process to provide info on what you need done.
2. Get Bids to Review
Receive flat-fee bids from lawyers in our marketplace to compare.
3. Start Your Project
Securely pay to start working with the lawyer you select.

Meet some of our Lawyers

Jeremiah C. on ContractsCounsel
View Jeremiah
5.0 (42)
Member Since:
March 5, 2021

Jeremiah C.

Partner/Attorney at Law
Free Consultation
Houston
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NV, TX
Thomas Jefferson

Creative, results driven business & technology executive with 24 years of experience (15+ as a business/corporate lawyer). A problem solver with a passion for business, technology, and law. I bring a thorough understanding of the intersection of the law and business needs to any endeavor, having founded multiple startups myself with successful exits. I provide professional business and legal consulting. Throughout my career I've represented a number large corporations (including some of the top Fortune 500 companies) but the vast majority of my clients these days are startups and small businesses. Having represented hundreds of successful crowdfunded startups, I'm one of the most well known attorneys for startups seeking CF funds. I hold a Juris Doctor degree with a focus on Business/Corporate Law, a Master of Business Administration degree in Entrepreneurship, A Master of Education degree and dual Bachelor of Science degrees. I look forward to working with any parties that have a need for my skill sets.

Benjamin W. on ContractsCounsel
View Benjamin
5.0 (32)
Member Since:
March 11, 2021

Benjamin W.

Founder
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, CA
9 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
UCLA School of Law

I am a California-barred attorney specializing in business contracting needs. My areas of expertise include contract law, corporate formation, employment law, including independent contractor compliance, regulatory compliance and licensing, and general corporate law. I truly enjoy getting to know my clients, whether they are big businesses, small start-ups looking to launch, or individuals needing legal guidance. Some of my recent projects include: -drafting business purchase and sale agreements -drafting independent contractor agreements -creating influencer agreements -creating compliance policies and procedures for businesses in highly regulated industries -drafting service contracts -advising on CA legality of hiring gig workers including effects of Prop 22 and AB5 -forming LLCs -drafting terms of service and privacy policies -reviewing employment contracts I received my JD from UCLA School of Law and have been practicing for over five years in this area. I’m an avid reader and writer and believe those skills have served me well in my practice. I also complete continuing education courses regularly to ensure I am up-to-date on best practices for my clients. I pride myself on providing useful and accurate legal advice without complex and confusing jargon. I look forward to learning about your specific needs and helping you to accomplish your goals. Please reach out to learn more about my process and see if we are a good fit!

Rebecca S. on ContractsCounsel
View Rebecca
5.0 (2)
Member Since:
April 6, 2021

Rebecca S.

Attorney/Owner
Free Consultation
San Diego, CA
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, DC, VA
New England School of Law

I absolutely love helping my clients buy their first home, sell their starters, upgrade to their next big adventure, or transition to their next phase of life. The confidence my clients have going into a transaction and through the whole process is one of the most rewarding aspects of practicing this type of law. My very first class in law school was property law, and let me tell you, this was like nothing I’d ever experienced. I remember vividly cracking open that big red book and staring at the pages not having the faintest idea what I was actually reading. Despite those initial scary moments, I grew to love property law. My obsession with real estate law was solidified when I was working in Virginia at a law firm outside DC. I ran the settlement (escrow) department and learned the ins and outs of transactions and the unique needs of the parties. My husband and I bought our first home in Virginia in 2012 and despite being an attorney, there was so much we didn’t know, especially when it came to our HOA and our mortgage. Our real estate agent was a wonderful resource for finding our home and negotiating some of the key terms, but there was something missing in the process. I’ve spent the last 10 years helping those who were in the same situation we were in better understand the process.

Don G. on ContractsCounsel
View Don
4.9 (21)
Member Since:
March 1, 2021

Don G.

Attorney at law
Free Consultation
Oklahoma City, OK
23 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TX
Texas Tech School of Law

Texas licensed attorney specializing for 22 years in Business and Contract law with a focus on construction law and business operations. My services include General Business Law Advisement; Contract Review and Drafting; Legal Research and Writing; Business Formation; Articles or Instructive Writing; and more. I am able to draft and review contracts, and have experience with, contract law and business formation in any state. For more insight into my skills and experience, please feel free to visit my LinkedIn profile or contact me with any questions.

Richard G. on ContractsCounsel
View Richard
4.7 (1)
Member Since:
April 21, 2021

Richard G.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Massachusetts
3 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MA
Massachusetts School of Law

Attorney Gaudet has worked in the healthcare and property management business sectors for many years. As an attorney, contract drafting, review, and negotiation has always been an area of great focus and interest. Attorney Gaudet currently works in Massachusetts real estate law, business and corporate law, and bankruptcy law.

Adam B. on ContractsCounsel
View Adam
Member Since:
March 5, 2021

Adam B.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
San Mateo, California
26 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
McGeorge School of Law

With over 25 years of experience in the technology sector, I am a strategic business counsel, outsourced general counsel, and a leader of high-performing legal teams aimed to help maximize the efficiency of all stakeholders. I recently joined the renewable energy space with the addition of a new client on its way to becoming the first Chinese battery company to build a battery manufacturing presence in the US beginning with a 1+ GWh cell and pack plant, and a domestic anode and cathode plant. In my most recent full-time role, I served as the Sr. Director and Assistant General Counsel at SMART Global Holdings, where I served as the general counsel for the HPC and AI division of this publicly traded holding company, comprised of four companies, before becoming the global head of the commercial legal function across all portfolio companies, including two multinational industry leaders. During much of my career, I provided outside legal services on a recurring basis for several years advising several high growth start-ups and venture firms as well as house hold names, and also led one of the country's fastest growing infrastructure resellers and managed services providers. My core competencies include contract review, commercial negotiation, legal operations, information security, privacy, supply chain and procurement, alliances and channel sales, HR, and general corporate. I am passionate about leveraging my legal skills to achieve business solutions, supporting innovation and growth in the technology sector, and helping maximize the commercial flow and efficiency at growing companies. I hold an undergraduate business degree, a JD, a MSBA Taxation, and certifications from the California Bar Association, Six Sigma, and ISM.

Ema T. on ContractsCounsel
View Ema
Member Since:
March 12, 2021

Ema T.

Contract and IP Attorney
Free Consultation
New York, NY
6 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Chicago Kent

I am a NY licensed attorney experienced in business contracts, agreements, waivers and more, corporate law, and trademark registration. My office is a sole member Law firm therefore, I Take pride in giving every client my direct attention and focus. I focus on getting the job done fast while maintaining high standards.

Samantha B. on ContractsCounsel
View Samantha
Member Since:
April 15, 2021

Samantha B.

Principal and Founder
Free Consultation
Chicago
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL, IL
Ave Maria School of Law

Samantha has focused her career on developing and implementing customized compliance programs for SEC, CFTC, and FINRA regulated organizations. She has worked with over 100 investment advisers, alternative asset managers (private equity funds, hedge funds, real estate funds, venture capital funds, etc.), and broker-dealers, with assets under management ranging from several hundred million to several billion dollars. Samantha has held roles such as Chief Compliance Officer and Interim Chief Compliance Officer for SEC-registered investment advisory firms, “Of Counsel” for law firms, and has worked for various securities compliance consulting firms. Samantha founded Coast to Coast Compliance to make a meaningful impact on clients’ businesses overall, by enhancing or otherwise creating an exceptional and customized compliance program and cultivating a strong culture of compliance. Coast to Coast Compliance provides proactive, comprehensive, and independent compliance solutions, focusing primarily on project-based deliverables and various ongoing compliance pain points for investment advisers, broker-dealers, and other financial services firms.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Need help with a legal contract?

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

CONTRACT LAWYERS BY TOP CITIES
See All Business Lawyers
Learn About Contracts
other helpful articles

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Contracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.

View Trustpilot Review

I never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.

View Trustpilot Review

I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.

View Trustpilot Review

How It Works

Post Your Project

Get Free Bids to Compare

Hire Your Lawyer

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city