Legal Interpreting in the Digital Age: VRI vs In-Person

Accurate interpreting is essential in legal proceedings, but should you rely on in-person or video remote interpreting (VRI)? We break down the differences to help you choose the best option for each legal setting.

The Importance of Legal Interpreting Services

Language access in legal settings isn’t a luxury - it’s a right. The U.S. Department of Justice mandates that all individuals, regardless of language proficiency, have equal access to legal proceedings. Misinterpretation can lead to wrongful convictions, civil rights violations, or unfair trials.

That’s why qualified legal interpreters - whether remote or onsite - are non-negotiable.

What Is VRI (Video Remote Interpreting)?

VRI connects legal professionals with interpreters through a secure video platform. Unlike over-the-phone interpretation, VRI includes facial expressions, body language, and gestures - crucial for courtroom and deposition accuracy.

It’s especially useful for:

• Hearings with deaf or hard-of-hearing participants (sign language)

• Emergency legal consults

• Remote legal services in rural areas

VRI is also supported by platforms like Ad Astra Connect, which integrates with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and more for seamless scheduling and interpreter access.

When In-Person Interpreting Is Better?

While VRI is powerful, there are scenarios where only in-person interpretation will do:

• Lengthy trials or jury cases: Body language, pacing, and physical presence matter.

• Emotionally sensitive cases: Victims of trauma may require a more human connection.

• Technical or chaotic environments: Poor internet or overlapping voices can impair VRI.

In-person interpreters provide:

• Real-time clarification with direct access

• Better rapport and trust with clients

• Physical presence in complex legal choreography (e.g., sidebars, whispers, cross-talk)

VRI: Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

• Faster access to interpreters

• Reduced cost (no travel or accommodation)

• Ideal for short hearings, remote clients, or off-hour needs

Limitations:

• Requires stable internet and proper tech setup

• Not ideal for chaotic or high-emotion environments

• Limited ability to interpret body language in multi-party settings

Still, courts across the U.S. are embracing VRI for its convenience and scalability—especially when powered by legal-ready platforms like Ad Astra Connect.

Compliance and Confidentiality

Both VRI and in-person interpretation must comply with legal confidentiality and ethics standards. At Ad Astra, all interpreters:

• Are qualified in legal terminology

• Undergo confidentiality training

• Are vetted and cleared for sensitive assignments

Whether remote or onsite, professional standards remain uncompromised.

Real-World Scenario: VRI Saves the Day

A small county court in Pennsylvania was short on qualified Nepali interpreters for a last-minute custody hearing. Using Ad Astra Connect, the court clerk scheduled a VRI interpreter in under 15 minutes. The hearing proceeded without delay, preserving parental rights and avoiding costly rescheduling.

Choosing the Right Fit for Each Case

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Here’s a quick guide:

• Use VRI for short hearings, remote clients, and language coverage gaps.

• Choose in-person for trials, trauma-sensitive cases, and chaotic courtrooms.

A blended model often works best - start with VRI and escalate to onsite when complexity increases.

How Ad Astra Supports Legal Interpretation

We provide:

• On-demand VRI via Ad Astra Connect

• Qualified legal interpreters across 300+ languages

• In-person support for courts, depositions, and legal consults

With Ad Astra, you don’t have to choose between speed and accuracy - you get both.

Ready to streamline legal interpreting at your firm or courthouse?

Request a quote to learn how VRI and in-person services can improve language access.