I charge by the minimum attendance fee (MAF), and rates depend on the type of meeting, subject matter (technicality), and number of parties involved.

My MAF starts at $150/session, and it covers up to 2 hours of interpretation services. All 120 minutes, or part of the booked session may be used, subject to your needs.

HST is payable on all fees.

Discounts are available for conventional refugees and retired seniors with limited income.

I am usually booked months in advance, so please canvass my availability at your earliest convenience.   

* I provide message relays and reminder calls for paying clients, free-of-charge.

NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only remote interpretation services are being offered until further notice.

No, you will receive an invoice upon completion of my services. Payment terms are net 30 days.

Yes, I provide my services on the phone for those who just need a quick conversation (e.g., providing updates to non-English speaking clients, follow-up calls, COVID-19 screening calls, etc.).

My minimum attendance fee (MAF) covers up to 1 hour of conversation.

Please note that this option is not available for meetings.

You certainly can, but please consider the following and decide what is best for you and your situation.

When our car breaks down, we take it to our mechanic. When we break our arm, we go to our doctor. But can anyone who understands two languages interpret like a professional interpreter? We all can run with our two legs, but that doesn’t automatically mean that we can compete in the Olympics.

Hiring someone who can speak two languages, or an untrained interpreter may seem a lot cheaper, but more often than not, it ends up costing more time and energy, as inaccurate interpretation inevitably causes problems. Hiring the right person is especially important if your matter is a sensitive legal case. Please remember that using an unqualified interpreter can result in some irreversible damage to your case.

When you hire an interpreter, they come in different rates, but what you need to remember is that you want to pay for their expertise. It takes years of studies and experience not only to acquire fluency in both Korean and English languages, but to master the art of translation and interpretation. Interpreting is mentally and physically taxing work, and only trained and experienced interpreters can perform with professionalism and efficiency. That is what you want to pay for. Having said that, the choice is ultimately yours to make.

Technically, my obligation ends when the booked time ends. If the session goes over the booked time, a continuation of service may be possible but is schedule dependent. I may have to leave for another matter or personal commitment.

If I am able to stay, additional time is billed in 1 hour-increments.

Here are some of the examples of my typical engagements and hours spent:  

2 HRS

• Client meetings
• Medical appointments
• Parent-teacher consultations
• Business meetings
• Information sessions
• Roundtables
• Townhalls

3-4 HRS (1/2 DAY)

• ED prep meetings
• Citizenship interviews
• Short examinations for discovery
• Short mediations/arbitrations

6-7 HRS (1 DAY)

• Full EDs
• Full mediations/ arbitrations
• Small claims
• Trials/hearings
• Conferences
• Events

1. ½ day ED (3-4 hours) starts at $250 + HST

Booking slots: 

• 10 am to 1 pm 
• 2 pm to 5 pm

2. 1 DAY ED (6-7 hours) starts at $450 + HST

Booking slot:

• 10 am to 5 pm 

Even for experienced interpreters, context is what’s necessary to provide high-quality interpretation services. A lack of context may inevitably cause problems. Therefore, it is important that I get as much as information as possible, especially if the subject matter is of a highly specialized nature, or your legal case is complex involving a number of parties and/or complex legal issues. The more information I have, the better and easier I can do my job, and it goes without saying that everything will be kept strictly confidential. I can sign an NDA if necessary. 

Please email me any relevant documents and materials prior to the assignment. My fees include preparation and research time.

I take assignments on a first-come-first-served basis, and I am usually booked months in advance. I will try my best to accommodate your schedule when/if possible.

Please request my services by filling out a quick booking form or sending an email at abby@koreaninterpreter.ca. I usually respond within 1 business day.

Please notify me if you wish to cancel or reschedule our existing appointments at your earliest convenience.

If the session is cancelled within 48 hours (not including weekends or statutory holidays) of the start time, a cancellation fee of 70% of the booked session is applicable.

If the session is cancelled within 24 hours (not including weekends or statutory holidays) of the start time, a cancellation fee of 100% of the booked session is applicable.

If the session is cancelled past the start time, a cancellation fee of 100% of the booked session is applicable.

Yes, I do. When you receive an invoice, there is an option to pay by credit card.

Any of the following methods of payment are accepted.

• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
• Interact e-Transfer Service: abby@koreaninterpreter.ca
• Cheque payable to Abigail Choo

* Payment Terms: Net 30 from date of invoice