To become a legal analyst, one must have post-secondary legal training, relevant work experience, excellent communication skills, and pass the job interview process. Legal analysts analyze cases, produce legal opinions, and advise lawyers on strategies. They work independently in law firms or think tanks and require excellent research and writing skills. The job interview process requires concise and complete answers, and the role is considered a support role with little opportunity to perform in front of large audiences or in court.
There are four steps required to become a legal analyst: post-secondary training, related work experience, communication skills, and completing the job interview process. A legal analyst analyzes cases, trends, decisions and legal precedents. Its main role is to produce a legal opinion and advise lawyers on the different strategies available, in addition to producing reports on legal trends.
A legal analyst must have a combination of excellent research skills, legal training, relevant professional experience and excellent communication skills. The role of the legal analyst is most attractive to people who have a deep interest in the law and its general impact on society. This type of analyst has limited interaction with people and often works independently in a law firm or think tank.
The first requirement to become a legal analyst is to complete a post-secondary education program. All analysts must have formal training in the law. This requires successful completion of a bachelor’s degree and all required courses for a law degree. Many people who have completed their legal training but decide not to become lawyers work as legal analysts.
Related work experience includes research assistant, complex policy analysis and review of legal cases. As part of a law degree, there is a wide range of research papers, projects and assignments that develop research and writing skills. This type of training can be further enhanced with courses in speed reading or advanced research techniques.
Communication skills are critical when you become a legal analyst. The level of written communication is much higher in this field. As such, many people work with editors, writing coaches, and other professionals to hone their writing skills. Just as business writing is a specific skill, so is legal writing.
When applying for a job as a legal analyst, be sure to proofread your resume and cover letter for any grammar or spelling errors. Almost all law firms will require a criminal records check as part of the application process. Keep this in mind when applying to be a legal analyst.
During the job interview process, most employers have a standard list of questions and look for concise and complete answers. Remember that everything you say will be noted and reviewed. Avoid exaggerating your accomplishments and answer the question that is asked.
The role of a legal analyst is typically considered a support role, with little opportunity to perform in front of large audiences or in court. However, the work they create is heavily used by lawyers and other legal resources. Occasionally, legal analysts can be seen on television or in the popular media, providing opinions and context for important legal issues.
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