Interpreters’ invoices – information required when submitting claims for payment

When assessing solicitors’ claims for interpreters’ outlays we have recently been made aware of changes in practice for the billing and verification of interpreters’ invoices.

We are advised these developed due to interpreters providing services remotely when solicitors were not able to access their offices during the pandemic lockdown. It was therefore not possible to meet with their clients in person.

It is important for solicitors and interpreters to understand that we are only able to consider properly prepared and vouched invoices submitted by solicitors that they have received from interpreters for services instructed and provided.

Changes from pre-pandemic norm

Pre-pandemic it was the norm for most interpreters to complete and sign the template invoice at the solicitor’s office. The solicitor then checked that the information claimed for was accurate before signing the invoice verifying this.

However, during the period of the pandemic and post pandemic where solicitors and interpreters have been working remotely we have been receiving invoices that we have been unable to consider because the invoice either has not been properly prepared and vouched by the interpreter, verified by the solicitor, or both.

Current and unchanged position

The following summarises the current and unchanged position:

• the interpreter must issue their own invoice with the requisite information included
• the solicitor must verify that the information on the invoice is accurate before submitting the claim to us for payment.

Our guidance ‘How to bill and verify interpreters’ invoices’ sets out in full what is required from interpreters and solicitors to ensure we can consider invoices submitted.

More information

If you have any questions on this update please contact:

Eileen Grant, Manager, Accounts Assessment E: grantei@slab.org.uk