Voor een telecommunicatiegigant als KPN, “fast” is the standard operating speed. As the leading provider of landline and mobile telecommunications in the Netherlands, their operations span borders, requiring airtight legal documentation to maintain partnerships and regulatory compliance.

However, in the corporate world, speed often clashes with accuracy. When a critical legal document required immediate translation from Dutch into formal British English, KPN faced a common dilemma: Rapid turnarounds usually sacrifice quality, but in legal matters, a single error can void a contract or create liability.

KPN didn’t just need a translator. They needed a partner who understood the nuances of British legal jurisdiction and could deliver a flawless, legally binding document overnight.

The challenge beyond words

The project wasn’t a standard translation. It involved highly specific legal terminology regarding liability, compliance, and international regulations.

The challenge was threefold:

1. The Deadline: The document was needed within 24 hours to meet an international filing deadline.

2. The Jurisdiction: It required British English, which differs significantly from US English or “International English” in legal contexts. Using the wrong terminology (e.g., using “Attorney” instead of “Solicitor” or “Barrister,” or misinterpreting liability clauses) could render the document professionally embarrassing or legally weak.

3. The Stakes: A mistranslation here wasn’t just a typo; it was a potential operational risk.

The Approach: The “Two-Step Verification” Model

Standard agencies often rely on generalist translators for rush jobs. At Your International, we knew that approach would fail. Legal translation is not an art; it is a science.

We activated our Crisis Response Protocol:

1. Mobilizing the Specialist (Hour 0-2)
Within an hour of receiving the request, we bypassed our general pool and contacted a specialized legal translator—a native British English speaker with a background in contract law. This ensured that the intent of the Dutch source text was perfectly captured in the target legal system.

2. The Translation Phase (Hour 2-14)
The translation process focused on “Terminological Consistency.” We ensured that specific terms defined in KPN’s existing English documentation were respected to maintain continuity.

3. The Legal Review (Hour 14-20)
This is where we differentiate ourselves. We didn’t just proofread for spelling; we proofread for law. A second subject-matter expert reviewed the translated document specifically to check for legal loopholes created by translation. They verified that the tone was authoritative, formal, and aligned with UK legal standards.

The Result

Exactly 23 hours after the initial briefing, Your International delivered the finalized document to KPN’s legal team.

• Zero Errors: The document passed KPN’s internal review without a single revision request.

• Deadline Met: The international filing proceeded as scheduled, preventing any delay in operations.

• Risk Mitigated: By using specialists rather than AI or generalists, we eliminated the risk of ambiguity in the contract.

Why It Matters

This case study exemplifies why Your International is the preferred partner for enterprise clients.

Many agencies can translate a blog post. But when the clock is ticking and legal standing is on the line, you cannot rely on “good enough.” You need a partner who understands that in legal translation, accuracy is the product.

For KPN, we proved that speed does not have to come at the expense of precision. We provided more than just words; we provided the assurance that their international business could proceed without a hitch.

“The swift resolution not only ensured legal compliance but also reinforced KPN’s commitment to maintaining a strong international presence. This successful collaboration exemplifies how effective legal translation enables companies to navigate global markets confidently.”