What is a legal investigator?
A legal investigator helps lawyers get ready for court cases. They collect important facts and details to make sure everyone gets a fair chance in court. These investigators are experts in law and find the key evidence needed to support or challenge a case. They might work for law firms, private companies, or the government. Their main job is to look into incidents deeply, figure out what really happened, and find proof that helps in court.
Duties and responsibilities
Legal investigators have many jobs, mainly focusing on finding and keeping evidence for trials. They talk to witnesses, take down what they say, and keep this info for future use. They also check the evidence that’s already there to make sure it lines up with legal rules and find any gaps or mistakes. They might look at court records and other public documents to better understand the cases they work on.
Depending on their focus—like corporate law or criminal defense—they work closely with lawyers to give them the evidence they need. Sometimes, they might go to the place where an incident happened to figure out more clues.
Work environment
The job setting for a legal investigator can change a lot. They might work in an office, in courtrooms, or travel to different places depending on what their cases need. They could also end up in less typical, more challenging locations when gathering facts.
Typical work hours
Legal investigators usually work during normal business hours, but sometimes they need to work extra—nights or weekends—depending on the case’s needs. Their schedule can be unpredictable, especially if something unexpected comes up that needs quick attention. They often work more than the usual nine-to-five hours.
How to become a legal investigator
Becoming a legal investigator is a path that requires education, experience, and training. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Finish high school
Start by getting a high school diploma or a GED. Focus on classes like English, math, and social studies, as they build the skills you’ll need like good writing, thinking critically, and understanding society.
Step 2: Earn a college degree
You might not need it, but having a bachelor’s degree helps a lot. Degrees in criminal justice, law enforcement, or something related are best. These programs teach you about the law, ethics, and how to handle crime scenes.
Step 3: Gain relevant work experience
Working in law enforcement or a similar area can prepare you for being a legal investigator. Jobs like being a police officer or a private detective give you a chance to practice your investigative skills.
Step 4: Complete special training
Take special courses to learn skills specific to legal investigating, like how to watch people without being seen, gather evidence, and understand court rules. You can find these courses at community colleges or training academies.
Step 5: Get certified
Getting a certification, like the National Legal Investigator Certification, shows you know your stuff. These require passing an exam and having lots of experience.
Step 6: Keep learning
Stay up-to-date with new methods and technology in legal investigating by continuing your education. This helps keep your skills sharp and can also keep your certifications valid.
Step 7: Apply for jobs
Once you’ve got the right education and experience, start applying for jobs. Make sure your resume and cover letter show off your skills and past work.
Step 8: Prepare for interviews
Get ready for your job interviews. Know how to answer common questions and be prepared to talk about how you’d handle different situations in an investigation.
How much do legal investigators make?
Legal investigator salaries vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. The complexity of the cases handled, the reputation of their employer, and specializations in specific areas of investigation can also impact compensation.
Highest paying industries
- Legal Services: $83,620
- Local Government: $78,150
- Insurance Carriers: $74,560
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: $72,820
- Employment Services: $69,930
Highest paying states
- California: $101,780
- New Jersey: $99,630
- Washington: $97,120
- New York: $95,290
- Massachusetts: $92,060
The average national salary for a Legal Investigator is:
$71,580
Types of legal investigators
Legal investigators can specialize in different areas depending on their interests and skills. Here’s a look at some common types:
Criminal defense investigator
These investigators work with defense attorneys to find evidence that supports their client’s case. They need to understand the law well, be great at researching, and know how to analyze different types of information.
Civil litigation investigator
They play a key role in civil cases, where they gather important information for disputes that go to civil court. This could involve looking into claims in lawsuits, disagreements about property, or issues with products that don’t work as they should.
Personal injury investigator
In cases where someone is hurt, these investigators collect all the needed details. They might take pictures of where the accident happened, talk to people who saw it, and look at medical records to understand the injury better.
Corporate investigator
These investigators work for companies to check on things like spying by competitors, employees breaking rules, or misuse of the company’s trademarks. They help keep the company safe by finding out what’s really going on.
Insurance investigator
Insurance companies hire these investigators to look into claims that might be fake. They check if there’s any suspicious activity, make sure all statements add up, and go through paperwork carefully to ensure that only valid claims are paid.
Special investigations unit (SIU) investigator
These investigators work on very tricky or important cases like organized crime, corruption, or big thefts. They need to be very skilled and follow high ethical standards because of the sensitivity of their work.
Top skills for legal investigators
To succeed as a legal investigator, you’ll need a mix of sharp skills and solid qualities. Here are the most important ones:
Research skills
Being able to do deep research is crucial. They often need to pull together facts from different places—like public records, social media, or interviews—to see the full story. Good research helps find the pieces that solve the puzzle.
Analytical thinking
You have to think sharply and critically. Investigators look at the evidence, check how true it is, and think of what really might have happened. It’s all about connecting the dots logically from the clues you gather.
Communication skills
Talking and writing well matters a lot. You might need to chat with witnesses, explain your findings to lawyers, or write up reports that others will read. Being clear and effective in your communication is key.
Ethics and integrity
Being honest and sticking to moral rules is non-negotiable. You have to work within the law, keep things confidential, and make choices that are right and fair. This builds trust and keeps your reputation solid.
Tech-savvy
Technology is changing how investigations work. You should be ready to use new tools, whether it’s for digging up online info, analyzing data, or handling digital evidence. Keeping up with tech helps you stay effective and relevant in your job.
Looking for a new job?
Browse our national database of legal investigator job openings and apply today
Legal investigator career path options
If you start as a legal investigator, you’ve got many ways to move up or branch out. Here’s how you can grow in this field:
Senior investigator
After you’ve handled tough cases for a few years, you might step up to become a senior legal investigator. This job means leading other investigators, planning how to tackle cases, and working on the trickier problems. Being good at leading others and thinking strategically will help you shine in this role.
Director of investigations
If you’re great at leading and have plenty of experience, you could become a director of investigations. This big role involves managing all the investigation work in your organization, leading several teams, and working with other parts of the company or outside groups. Your skills in managing people and making plans will be key here.
Alternative pathways
There are other roads you can take too. You might go into legal services as a paralegal or legal assistant, where your knack for research and handling evidence is really valuable. Or, you could shift to law enforcement or private detective work, using your deep legal knowledge and investigation skills in new ways.
Similar job titles
Position trends and outlook for legal investigators
The job of a legal investigator is evolving, especially with new tech and laws. Here’s what’s changing and what you can expect in the future:
- Technology and digital tools: Legal firms are increasingly valuing investigators who are skilled with digital tools. These tools are crucial for gathering data, checking facts, and analyzing cases, so being tech-savvy is more important than ever in this role.
- Virtual networking: Networking has always been key, but now it’s moving online. Legal investigators need to be comfortable using virtual platforms to connect with others in the field to stay in touch with trends and opportunities without always meeting in person.
- Continuous learning: The legal field is changing fast, so ongoing learning is essential. Investigators are encouraged to keep learning through training, webinars, and online courses.
Employment projections
Jobs for legal investigators are expected to grow by 6% through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is driven by an increasing need for legal services. So, if you’re entering this field, the future looks promising.
Legal investigator career tips
Understand the legal landscape
Know both civil and criminal law systems inside out. Regularly update yourself on laws and legal precedents, and if possible, watch court proceedings. This deep legal knowledge will aid you immensely in researching cases, interviewing people, and presenting evidence. It also makes you a trusted resource for legal teams.
Specialize in a specific area
With the variety of cases you could handle, specializing in a particular area like fraud, personal injury, or intellectual property can be a smart move. This specialization allows you to deepen your expertise and become a go-to expert, which is highly valuable to employers.
Hone your report-writing skills
Your reports are crucial—they must be clear, factual, and unbiased, as they often serve as key evidence. Improving your report-writing skills is essential for effectively communicating your findings and influencing legal strategies.
Stay current with technology
As legal investigations increasingly use technology, staying updated on the latest tools is crucial. Being proficient in data analysis software and digital forensics can make your investigations more efficient and open up new possibilities for evidence gathering.
Develop strong research skills
Effective research is central to your role, whether it’s digging through archives, scouring public databases, or conducting surveillance. Enhancing these skills ensures you always find relevant and impactful information.
Build your network
A strong network can dramatically improve your career prospects. Connect with other investigators, lawyers, and legal experts through industry organizations. These connections can offer support, insights, and opportunities.
- National Association of Legal Investigators
- American Bar Association
- International Association of Investigative Professionals
- World Association of Detectives
Never stop learning
The legal field evolves rapidly, so lifelong learning is key. Attend seminars, workshops, and online courses. Consider earning certifications to showcase your commitment and boost your expertise.
- Certified Legal Investigator Certification
- Professional Certified Investigator (PCI)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council (CDITC) Certification
Where the legal investigator jobs are
Top employers
- Kroll
- Frosch
- McKinsey & Company
- Deloitte
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
Top states
- New York
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- Pennsylvania
Top job sites
- zengig
- Indeed
- Monster
- SimplyHired
FAQs
What is the role of a legal investigator?
They typically work for law firms and are responsible for gathering and verifying information to support legal proceedings. Their tasks include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and conducting background research on individuals and corporations. They may also be tasked with reviewing legal documents for accuracy and conclusions.
What education is required to become a legal investigator?
Many have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a similar field. Law-related coursework can be beneficial but isn’t typically required. Relevant work experience, such as in law enforcement or a related field, can be just as valuable as formal education.
What skills does a legal investigator need?
Strong research and analytical skills are essential, as they spend much of their time gathering and interpreting data. Communication skills are also important, as they often interview witnesses or other parties involved in a case. Attention to detail and organizational skills are equally important in this role due to the intense scrutiny placed on gathered evidence.
What does a typical day look like for a legal investigator?
A typical day can vary wildly, depending on the cases they are working on. It could involve conducting interviews, reviewing public records, inspecting crime scenes, or testifying in court. They also spend time in the office, reporting findings to lawyers and paralegals, and often work irregular hours to gather information or investigate unpopular leads.
What are the licenses or certifications required for a legal investigator?
Many states require private investigators, including those specializing in legal investigations, to be licensed. The specifics vary from state to state, with some requiring investigators to complete a training course or pass an examination. Several professional organizations also offer certifications for these pros, which can enhance credibility and job prospects.
What types of cases do legal investigators typically handle?
They can handle a broad spectrum of cases, depending on their specialized training or the needs of their employer. They may work on personal injury cases, insurance fraud, family law disputes, or corporate litigation. In criminal law, they might collect evidence for defense attorneys or conduct background checks to vet potential jurors.
How physically demanding is a legal investigator job?
The job demands can vary widely depending on the investigation type. Some may need to conduct surveillance or inspect accident scenes, which can be physically demanding and require great endurance. However, many legal investigations involve office work, interviews, and in-depth research. In these cases, the job is more demanding mentally than physically.
Do legal investigators have to travel a lot?
Depending on the specifics of their cases, the role can involve local, national, or even international travel. They may need to verify the details of a case in various locations, track a person’s movements, or physically examine locations relating to a case. However, travel needs can fluctuant greatly from case to case.
Are there any risks involved in legal investigation?
They sometimes face risks associated with certain cases, such as working in difficult or potentially dangerous environments or dealing with intricate criminal matters. They may also encounter confrontations during interviews or while gathering evidence. The profession requires sound judgment to assess and mitigate potential risks.