Language Access Coordinator Contact
Jessica Vazquez-Leavitt, Language Access Program Manager
Administrative Office of the Courts
450 South State Street
PO Box 140241
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
Phone: (801) 578-3828
Email: jessical@utcourts.gov
Website
Code of Ethics or Rules of Professional Conduct
Interpreter Statutes and Rules: Spoken Language Interpreters- UCJA Rules 3-306.01-.05; Sign Language Interpreters- Utah Code ยง78B-1-201 et seq.
Coordination/Supervision of Interpreters: Utah is a unified court system comprised of eight judicial districts. Each district has at least one designated Interpreter Coordinator who schedules and approves invoices.
Cost of Interpreter Services (including fees to freelance and salaries of staff interpreters): We do not have a set annual budget for the program. There is an overall fund that pays for interpreters, jurors, and witnesses. Any associated program costs are paid for through that fund.
Budget for Language Access Program (not including direct interpreter services): We do not have a set annual budget. We have a fund that pays for interpreters, jurors, and witnesses, and the Legislature covers any budget overages each year.
Funding for Language Access Program: The Utah State Legislature
Compensation Range for Salaried Interpreters (spoken language): Staff interpreters are paid an hourly rate of $25.15-$27.67, which is an annual salary of $52,312-$57,553.60.
Compensation Range for Salaried Interpreters (sign language): N/A
Compensation Range for Freelance Interpreters (certified spoken language): Freelance interpreters are paid an hourly rate of: Certified: $52.00; Approved: $41; Registered 1: $41; Conditionally Approved: $23.
Compensation Range for Freelance Interpreters (certified sign language): We arrange sign language interpreters through agencies holding a state contract. Compensation ranges between $45-$55/hour with a two hour minimum.
Difference in Pay between Spanish and LOTS Interpreters: Interpreters of all languages are paid equally based on their credentialing.
Minimum Certification Requirements: Application to Become a Court Interpreter; Criminal Background Check; English Written Exam; 2-Day Orientation; Ethics Exam; 10 hours of in-court observation of a certified interpreter; Oral Proficiency Interview; 3-Day Skill Building Workshop; 2-Day Oral Proficiency Exam Prep Workshop; and Oral Proficiency Exam.
2023 Dates and Locations of Testing and Training (https://legacy.utcourts.gov/resources/interp/faq.html):
- English Written Exam (To be held in-person in Salt Lake City) April 20, 2023 and August 24, 2023)
- 2-Day Orientation: April 12-13, 2023 (Remote); August 16-17, 2023
- 3-Day Skill Building Workshop (in person): May 17, 18, 1, 2023
- 2-Day Exam Prep Workshop (in person): June 22-23, 2023
- Oral Exam: June 28, 2023