As in other areas of translation practice and translator education, technological advances are having a considerable impact on working processes and training in legal and institutional translation. This trend has contributed to research on translator competence gaining new significance and urgency with a view to adapting curricula and training approaches to the latest professional developments in the field. This introduction to a special issue of The Interpreter and Translator Trainer on competence in legal and institutional translation reviews selected contributions that examine the integral components of legal and institutional translator competence, propose strategies to help trainees develop this competence, or analyse the impact of machine translation use and specialised training on translator competence and performance in today’s increasingly automated environments. The link between professional practice, research and the classroom is reflected in the questions posed and the enlightening responses provided in the form of valuable empirical data, examples and ideas for trainers and trainees. These insights also illustrate the relevance of a diversity of perspectives and research methods, and support a renewed sense of awareness of the critical value of specialised training itself in legal and institutional translation.