How to Be a Legal Videographer

If you want to be a videographer and don't want to pursue a career recording weddings, consider becoming a legal videographer. Legal videographers produce videos for courtroom evidence, forensics and even insurance fraud. The demand for legal videographers is growing as lawyers, police officers and judges rely more and more on technology and its impact on legal proceedings. Get in on the ground floor: be a legal videographer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take courses in videography and editing. Though there are no formal educational requirements to be a legal videographer, knowledge of videography equipment is essential. It might also be helpful to take courses in criminology and forensics.

2. Purchase videography equipment. You will need a camera, editing equipment and software, a monitor, a tripod and any other necessary accessories. Make sure you have up-to-date and state-of-the-art equipment to be competitive in this field.

3. Complete training offered by the American Guild of Court Videographers. Upon completion, you will become a Certified Court Video Specialist, enabling you to gain respect in the field, since most lawyers and judges will look for a professional videographer for their required services.

4. Choose a specialization in the field of legal videography. Beyond offering forensics and evidence videos, legal videographers can film deposition videos, video wills, preconstruction surveys, evidence for insurance frauds and other legal videos. Decide which aspect of legal videography best suits your interests.

5. Seek employment with companies offering legal videography services, or become an independent legal videographer. In either case, you will be required to have your own equipment.

6. Join the National Legal Video Association. Though not a requirement, membership in this association is beneficial and includes regular updates regarding the field of legal videography, an annual directory and quarterly newsletter as well as life insurance and discounts on hotels and car rentals.

Resources

• Find out about joining and the benefits of the National Legal Video Association.
• Learn about training courses and certification from the American Guild of Court Videographers.

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[hilary2k]

on 8/24/2009 Very informative and helpful, thanks! - Hil