I am a detail-oriented expert Translator with 12 years of progressively responsible experience in translating legal and technical documents from Japanese to English. I possess advanced skills in native cultural dynamics, to include cultural implication and idiomatic expression of both Japanese and English. This is complemented by my in-depth knowledge of varied industry-specific technical patent documentation, along with excellent knowledge of patent terms and procedures within a legal environment.
Coming from a legal background, I follow all client instructions diligently while maintaining an awareness of potential conflicts with accepted USPTO and WIPO procedure.
I can provide you with native language and cultural translation expertise while processing voice and/or technical language materials, and can explain cultural concepts to avoid miscommunication.
Please reference my Publications page for publicly-available examples of my work.
PROFESSIONAL Experience:
Freelance Translator 08/2007 – Present
Major technical fields include medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, food industry, motorized tools and parts, wiring, and semiconductors.
- Confidential Security Clearance held by Schreiber Translation, Inc.
- Translate Japanese to English of patents in varied technical fields, medical records, Japanese government-issued documents for contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration.
- Specialization in turnaround time of one week or less.
- Patents and written evidence to include depositions, e-mails, receipts and the like, for use at civil trails.
- Translation of over 25 full-length novels of 200+ pages, manga and novels with specialized vocabulary (Book Girl, Welcome to the Ballroom), book series up to nine volumes.
Translator, Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C. – 11/2010 – 09/2016
- Translation of patent specifications, client communications, and supporting evidentiary documents, as well as proofreading translations for submission to the U.S. Patent Office and testifying as to their accuracy.
- Advising translation department on native English nuance for legal, technical, and client communication purposes.
- Supervise introduction of translation memory software Trados Studio.
- Develop workflow guides to integrate software and streamline translation processes, and develop organization guidelines for translation database.
- Upgrade pre-assisted translations to create robust translation memory archive.
Translator, Westerman, Hattori, Daniels & Adrian, LLP – 07/2008 – 11/2010
- Translate client communications, internal opinion briefs, and varied evidence.
- Executed and verified translations of patents and documents related to patent prosecution for submission to the U.S. Patent Office.
- Testified, as needed, to documents’ accuracy.
Translator, Center for Interpretation and Translation Studies – 10/2006 – 05/2007
- Based at the University of Hawaii, in Honolulu, responsible for one section of a multi-member project translating genealogical research from Japanese to English.
- Translated poetry, and 16th through 19th century classical literature, formal letters, and prose.
Translator, KIKU-TV – 10/2004 – 01/2006
Based in Honolulu, HI, translated varied television programs to include Hagure Keiji 17, Making It Through 7, Mystery Theater, and Team Astro.
EDUCATION and SKILLS:
- B.A., Asian Studies, Mount Holyoke College, May 2004
- Thesis title: “Onmyôji” (full translation of Yumemakura Baku’s 1988 novel 陰陽師, with original introduction to relevant Heian history, religion, and culture), Advisor: Jonathan Lipman
- M.A., Japanese Literature, University of Hawaii at Manoa, May 2007
- Thesis title: “Konsento: Currents to Come,” Advisor: Lucy Lower
- Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS), Kyoto, Japan, August 2002 – April 2003
Acquired skills to include:
- Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 1 Certification, December 2009
- SDL Trados
- OmegaT
- Image manipulation software including Photoshop 5
- Microsoft Office suite
- Legal office docketing software
- Ability to accept projects compatible with SDL Trados and OmegaT Computer Assisted Translation Software.
- Expert skills with exceptional time management at translating legal and technical documents.