Legal investigators help people achieve justice and remuneration.
Some private investigators specialize in legal investigations, which basically refers to supporting attorneys' efforts as they prepare for trial, hearings or settlement conferences. Tasks include serving legal papers, researching court records, locating and interviewing witnesses, writing reports, reconstructing crime scenes and preparing evidence for trial. Legal investigators need to be persistent, resourceful and persuasive. They must also have a thorough knowledge of the law and court procedures. Investigators sometimes work under difficult circumstances, such as challenging weather conditions and strict court deadlines.
Instructions
1. Earn certification as a legal investigator. The National Association of Legal Investigators, or NALI, offers a comprehensive certification program that covers such topics as criminal investigations, forensics, accident investigations and investigative techniques. After passing a written and oral exam, the investigator earns the Certified Legal Investigator, or CLI, designation.
2. Take college or continuing education courses. Beneficial courses for a career in legal investigations include criminal justice, political science, ethics, civil and criminal procedures and legal research. Although it's not necessary to earn a degree, it's important to complete the courses and understand the concepts, principles and applications.
3. Learn on the job. By working for an attorney or a legal investigator, you can learn through practical experience and expert guidance. Although attorneys don't typically hire legal investigator apprentices, there may be other job openings to get your foot in the door such as office support or court record retrieval. Private investigators sometimes accept apprentices to help with basic tasks. By researching the state professional private investigator association, a person can learn which investigators specialize in legal investigations (see Resources).
4. Apply for an internship. Public defender and district attorney offices often advertise for interns to assist them with legal investigations. These openings are often advertised on their websites.
Tags: legal investigations, investigators specialize, investigators specialize legal, legal investigator, specialize legal, specialize legal investigations