Pictured above: Geoff Brooke-Taylor, senior solicitor at Alsters Kelley, with Sophie Howe, director Comtec Translations

A legal firm has found the answer to overcoming potential international barriers right on its doorstep.

Solicitors Alsters Kelley and translation specialists Comtec Translations have offices based less than half a mile from each other, yet a partnership between the two has resulted in success of an international nature.

The Hamilton Terrace legal firm, which also has offices in Coventry and Nuneaton, enlisted the help of Brandon Parade-based Comtec to help overcome some of the challenges presented by the ever-increasing level of cross-border legal activity it handles on behalf of its clients in company commercial and family law. 

Comtec has carried out activities ranging from translation of legal documents and contracts to providing interpreters for court appearances.

The links between the two companies have also been strengthened thanks to both firms' heavy involvement with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and regular attendance at Chamber events.

Geoff Brooke-Taylor, senior solicitor at Alsters Kelley which employs over 100 people, said: "There are definite benefits to working with other local firms - especially on projects such as the translation work Comtec has carried out on our behalf. 

"The fact they are based just a short distance from us means they can have physical copies of translated documents with us in next to no time.

"It also helps to know the people you are dealing with and being able to meet them in person can make it a lot easier to deal with them in the future. 

"With the recent addition of our business immigration specialist, Liz Carney, I am sure there will be more scope for Alsters Kelley to use Comtec."

Comtec carries out translation work for legal firms across Coventry and Warwickshire and is on course to establish itself as the leading provider of translation services to law practices in the region.

Sophie Howe, director Comtec Translations, said: "Carrying out translation work on behalf of legal firms is something we are finding ourselves doing more and more as the international community becomes increasingly tightly knit thanks to new methods of communication and the ease of international trade.

"We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to meet our legal clients' needs and understand the importance apparently minor details, such as providing the same interpreter for legal hearings to give a familiar and re-assuring presence, can make.

"Tight turnaround times can also be of vital importance within the legal sector and we aim to act as efficiently as possible to ensure we always meet our deadlines."