What Does a Legal Investigator Do?
A legal investigator works alongside attorneys and legal teams to uncover, verify, and document facts relevant to legal cases. These professionals conduct interviews, locate witnesses, collect evidence, analyze records, and help attorneys build strong, fact-based cases. They play a critical role in civil and criminal litigation, internal investigations, and pre-trial preparation, ensuring that attorneys have accurate, comprehensive information to support their legal strategies.
Legal investigators may work in law firms, government agencies, insurance companies, or corporate legal departments. Their tasks often include locating hard-to-find information, conducting background checks, photographing evidence, serving subpoenas, and coordinating expert witnesses. They must understand legal procedures, maintain a high degree of confidentiality, and communicate findings clearly through written reports and case summaries.
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Legal Investigator Core Responsibilities
- Conduct field investigations and interviews to gather facts for legal cases
- Locate and interview witnesses or involved parties
- Retrieve and analyze police reports, court records, and financial documents
- Document and preserve evidence such as photos, records, and statements
- Provide attorneys with summaries and timelines of case findings
- Coordinate surveillance operations or subcontract private investigators as needed
- Assist in preparing for trial by organizing exhibits and reports
- Testify in court when necessary to support legal findings
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Investigative research and fact verification
- Interviewing techniques and statement recording
- Proficiency with legal databases and public records tools
- Knowledge of evidence handling, surveillance, and legal standards
Soft skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Analytical thinking and deductive reasoning
- Discretion and confidentiality
- Persistence and creative problem-solving
- Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, legal studies, or a related field preferred
Certifications
- Private Investigator (PI) license – required in many states
- Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) – preferred for law firm roles
- Notary Public – may be useful for affidavit work
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–5 years of investigative experience in a legal, criminal justice, or insurance setting
- Familiarity with litigation support or claims investigation
- Experience testifying in depositions or court proceedings
National Average Salary
Legal investigator salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Legal Investigator is:
$59,648
Sample Job Description Templates for Legal Investigators
Criminal Defense Investigator
Position Overview
We are seeking a Criminal Defense Investigator to support defense attorneys by uncovering facts, locating witnesses, and gathering evidence to assist in defending individuals accused of crimes. This role requires deep knowledge of criminal procedures and strong field investigation skills.
Responsibilities
- Interview witnesses, victims, and law enforcement personnel
- Reconstruct crime scenes and photograph evidence
- Collect and analyze police reports, 911 logs, and arrest records
- Coordinate with forensic experts and subpoena records
- Locate and secure testimony from hard-to-reach witnesses
- Support trial prep by assembling exhibits and case chronologies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Field investigation techniques and interviewing
- Criminal records search and evidence collection
- Familiarity with criminal procedure and constitutional rights
Soft skills
- Discretion and confidentiality
- Strong critical thinking and deductive reasoning
- Comfort in high-stakes, fast-paced environments
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field
Certifications
- PI license (required in most states)
- Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) – preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–5 years of criminal investigations or public defense support
Civil Litigation Investigator
Position Overview
We are hiring a Civil Litigation Investigator to assist attorneys with fact development and evidence gathering for civil matters such as personal injury, employment law, and business disputes. The ideal candidate has investigative experience and a strong understanding of civil procedure.
Responsibilities
- Review discovery responses, contracts, and medical records
- Interview clients, experts, and third parties involved in disputes
- Gather and analyze photos, videos, and documentation
- Validate case timelines and claims
- Assist in preparing deposition and trial materials
Requirements
Hard skills
- Case chronology creation and document analysis
- Experience with subpoenas and public records research
- Civil court document familiarity
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
- Clear and concise written reporting
- Time management across multiple active cases
Education
- Associate’s degree or higher in legal studies or investigation
Certifications
- PI license (state-specific)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting civil litigation or insurance defense firms
Corporate Legal Investigator
Position Overview
We are hiring a Corporate Legal Investigator to support internal investigations involving workplace misconduct, fraud, or regulatory non-compliance. This role works closely with HR, compliance, and legal counsel to conduct discreet, fact-based investigations.
Responsibilities
- Investigate reports of harassment, discrimination, or ethics violations
- Conduct interviews with employees, vendors, or witnesses
- Document findings and support corrective actions
- Review contracts, internal emails, and expense records
- Maintain investigative files and support regulatory audit prep
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of corporate investigations and internal audit practices
- Interviewing and documentation best practices
- Familiarity with employment law and company policies
Soft skills
- Discretion and emotional intelligence
- Clear, objective written communication
- Ability to manage sensitive, high-conflict cases
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in legal studies, HR, or related field
Certifications
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or CLI – preferred
- Notary Public – helpful for affidavits
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of corporate or workplace investigation experience
Insurance Claims Investigator
Position Overview
We’re hiring an Insurance Claims Investigator to validate claim legitimacy through research, interviews, and documentation. This position plays a key role in identifying potential fraud and ensuring claim accuracy.
Responsibilities
- Investigate auto, property, or bodily injury claims
- Conduct surveillance or coordinate field observations
- Interview claimants, providers, and witnesses
- Analyze medical reports, repair estimates, and photos
- Draft detailed reports for legal or claims use
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of insurance claims processes
- Field surveillance and documentation experience
- Familiarity with fraud indicators and red flags
Soft skills
- Strong ethics and objectivity
- Self-direction and time efficiency
- Written precision for report drafting
Education
- Associate’s degree in criminal justice or insurance studies
Certifications
- PI license (required in many states)
- Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator (CIFI) – preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years in claims investigation or SIU roles
Government Legal Investigator
Position Overview
We’re seeking a Government Legal Investigator to support public agency attorneys in building regulatory or criminal cases. This role involves records research, interviews, and coordinating with law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
Responsibilities
- Investigate public complaints or violations of law
- Conduct interviews with complainants, witnesses, and agencies
- Collect and analyze legal documents and public records
- Support subpoenas, enforcement actions, or disciplinary hearings
- Document findings for case files or public record
Requirements
Hard skills
- Public record research and case documentation
- Government investigation protocols
- Legal evidence and report writing
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking with investigative rigor
- Neutral and objective fact-finding
- Communication with diverse stakeholders
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, legal studies, or public administration
Certifications
- PI license or government investigator credential (varies by agency)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working for regulatory or public defense agencies
Compliance & Ethics Investigator
Position Overview
We are hiring a Compliance & Ethics Investigator to manage internal investigations related to workplace ethics, code of conduct, and regulatory risk. This role supports legal and HR teams in maintaining a culture of accountability and transparency.
Responsibilities
- Investigate complaints of policy violations, fraud, or misconduct
- Conduct internal interviews and review supporting documentation
- Write detailed findings reports and recommend follow-up action
- Ensure confidentiality and compliance with employment laws
- Collaborate with HR, legal counsel, and compliance officers
Requirements
Hard skills
- Internal investigation procedures and ethics frameworks
- Legal documentation and case file preparation
- Familiarity with whistleblower protections and reporting tools
Soft skills
- Integrity and professionalism
- Strong written and interpersonal communication
- Ability to manage investigations with neutrality
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, compliance, or legal studies
Certifications
- Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) – preferred
- Notary Public – helpful for documentation
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of internal investigations or compliance experience