Legal Analyst Job Description
Legal analysts provide a vital service to lawyers and law teams through a variety of services such as legal research, case briefing and providing knowledge about any and all aspects of a particular case. Educational requirements vary from position to position, but there are some main aspects of the legal analyst profession that are constant across the board.
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General Legal Analyst Description
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Legal analysts must have an extensive knowledge of jurisprudence (the science or philosophy of law) and an extensive working relationship of laws, torts and other regulations of state and national governments. Legal analysts spend a good portion of their education learning how to research the law properly and have the ability to access legal documentation and records when necessary in order to fully research anything needed by the legal team in a particular case.
Government Legal Analysts
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Legal analysts that work for government or civic organizations research the legality of various actions taken by the organization to ensure they comply with both state and federal regulations. If you are a government legal analyst, you will analyze case for judges or legislative officials to help them determine the legality or best course of action in a given situation or case. Some government-contracted legal analysts work closely with lawmakers to ensure that civil and constitutional statues are being upheld in the formation of policy.
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Private Organization Analysts
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The work of private organization legal analysts varies according to the needs of the organization. However, many private analysts spend research time discovering loopholes or other ways to enhance functioning of the organization that simultaneously complies with and circumvents restrictive legalities. Many private legal analysts work to improve tax incentives (along with company CPAs) to increase revenue for organizations. Nonprofit legal analysts ensure that civil and constitutional laws are being upheld and that actions taken by the organization comply with various codes and standards as set forth by local, state and federal governments. News and media organizations employ legal analysts to research relevant news stories or legal specifics contained in copy or broadcast information to be generated to the public.
Law Firm Legal Analyst
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Legal analysts that work specifically in a law firm are what most people think about when they consider the title. Law firm legal analysts help legal teams prepare for court trials, briefings, hearings and other legal procedures in order to increase chances of success. Law firm legal analysts also research cases establishing precedence in cases they are actively working on to help lawyers determine strategies and approach.
Communication
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Legal analyst must have superior written and verbal communication skills. Legal analysts must be able to successfully communicate their findings to those requesting the research and may be required to provide written reports to accompany verbal briefings. Analysts that work for the media may even be required to appear on air and report findings, so depending upon the specifics of the organization you work for, communication proficiency requirements may vary from job to job. Other legal analysts are required to give formal briefings to lawmakers, judges, legal teams or boards of directors.
Salary
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Legal support analysts made an average of $45,000 to $80,000 a year depending upon level of experience and education, said Payscale.com. Legal analysts that work for private practices or law firms made $10,000 to $15,000 less than those who work in corporate environments, according to Payscale.com. Salary varies depending upon geographic location: Legal analysts in large coastal cities made considerably more.
Education
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Legal analysts must have a bachelor's degree in order for most employers to consider them for hiring. Many analysts pursue degrees in law and decide not to continue on toward the bar exam. Some legal analysts pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) law degree to gain a greater understanding of the law. Legal analysts can also pursue degrees in sociology or other legal related disciplines.
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