Two Hour Minimum
In accordance with industry standards, our interpreting services include a two-hour minimum charge for every request:
- One Hour of Interpreting: The first hour covers our interpreting services
- Admin/Travel Fee: The second hour accounts for administrative tasks and travel expenses
Each assignment is billed for at least one hour of interpreting plus the admin/travel fee, and all services beyond the scheduled time are billed in 15-minute increments. Early dismissal of interpreter(s) will be billed at the full scheduled time or the two-hour minimum, whichever is greater.
Admin/Travel Time
Admin/travel time is determined by the location of the assignment from Austin/Travis County:
| Location |
Minimum |
| Austin/Travis County area |
1 hour |
| Kyle, Buda, Cedar Park, Lakeway, Georgetown, Leander, Liberty Hill |
1.5 hours |
| Bastrop, San Marcos, Marble Falls |
2 hours |
The admin/travel rate for locations not listed above will be determined at the time of booking.
Legal & Court Rates
Legal and Court rates are determined by the nature of the assignment, not the location or client preference.
- Court Rates: Apply to on-the-record proceedings where the interpretation becomes part of the official court record and Texas law requires BEI Court Certified interpreters. This includes trials, hearings, mediations, law enforcement interviews, and recorded depositions.
- Legal Rates: Apply to off-the-record settings such as attorney-client meetings and case preparation.
3 Bridges will confirm the appropriate rate based on the details provided with your request.
Scheduling & Canceling Interpreters
Requesting Interpreters
Please submit all requests using the 3 Bridges Interpreter Request Form, which can be found on the 3 Bridges website. Once we receive the request, it will be processed, and a confirmation email will be sent, verifying your request and confirming the details. The confirmation email includes a cancellation link. Please use this link if you need to make any changes to your request.
Cancellations
Cancellations must be made on the 3 Bridges Cancellation page or by clicking the "Cancel Interpreter" button in the email confirmation. An email confirmation will be sent shortly afterwards. Cancellations cannot be made by phone or email.
Any assignment canceled or changed with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged for the entire block of time requested per interpreter or the minimum of 2 hours, whichever is greater in the length of time.
Service Policies
Client No Show
If the client or any person(s) related to the assignment fails to appear, the 2-hour minimum or the full-time scheduled, whichever is greater, will apply and the client will be billed accordingly.
Team Interpreters
Some assignments require "team interpreting," which is two interpreters working in "shifts" between 15 and 30 minutes. Example scenarios could be mediations, jury duty, trials, witness interviews, or prolonged assignments. Due to the physical, logistical and/or mental demands of the work, any assignment greater than 1 hour may require two interpreters. That determination will be made at the time of booking.
Impartiality & Conflicts of Interest
Interpreters provide a faithful and complete interpretation and remain neutral throughout the assignment. They do not give legal advice, opinions, summaries, or commentary, and they do not advocate for any party. If an interpreter has a prior relationship with any party or any other potential conflict of interest, it will be disclosed as soon as it is identified so that a substitute can be arranged when needed.
Confidentiality & Privilege
All interpreters adhere to the RID Code of Professional Conduct and treat every assignment as strictly confidential. Privileged communications, including attorney-client discussions, remain protected, and interpreters will not disclose any case information. Interpreters can sign a confidentiality agreement or protective order when required.
Preparation Materials
To support an accurate interpretation, please provide relevant case materials in advance whenever possible, including the names of parties, charging or filing documents, specialized terminology, and any documents that will be read aloud or referenced. All materials are kept confidential and used solely for interpreter preparation.
Video Remote
3B provides Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) for legal and court assignments, including remote depositions and hearings where permitted. VRI is booked and billed under our separate VRI Rates and Policies, which include a one-hour minimum rather than the two-hour minimum that applies to in-person legal and court work. Please review the VRI agreement for those terms.
Same Day Requests
A $40 same day fee applies to any request made within 24 hours of the scheduled assignment and is billed in addition to the applicable Legal or Court rate. We encourage clients to schedule in advance whenever possible, as we cannot always guarantee services on short notice.
Billing
Invoice
You will receive an emailed invoice shortly after completion of the assignment. Invoices will be sent to the email contact listed on your billing information.
Payment Methods
Our preferred payment method is ACH bank transfers but we also accept mailed checks and credit cards. All credit card payments above $2000 will be assessed a 3% transaction fee.
Late Fees
Payment is due on receipt. Invoices not paid within 30 days will be charged a late fee of $50 or 10% of the total balance (whichever is greater) every 30 days late. We hate late fees, please pay as agreed upon!