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Legal Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Frisco, TX

Criminalist

Frisco, TX · On-site

$59K - $86K/yr

POLICE INVESTIGATIONS Opening Date: 07/13/2026 Closing Date: 8/12/2026 11:59 PM Central Summary Under general supervision of the CSI & Property Evidence Manager, the Criminalist will respond to crime ...

Arizona Department of Administration

$17.68 - $24.70/hr

Legal/Investigations/Adjustment/Compliance ARIZONA BOARD OF NURSING The mission of the Arizona State Board of Nursing is to protect and promote the welfare of public by ensuring that each person ...

The State of Arizona

Senior Investigator

Phoenix, AZ

$19.47 - $27.14/hr

Legal and Regulatory Address: 4740 E. University Drive Phoenix, AZ 85034 Posting Details: Salary: $19.4691 - $27.1409 Mid Grade: 20 Closing Date: Open Until Filled Job Summary: The investigations ...

The State of Arizona

Senior Investigator

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$55K - $61K/yr

Legal/Investigations/Adjustment/Compliance, Misc/Other/Not Applicable LOTTERY COMMISSION The Arizona Lottery is a sales-oriented, government enterprise established through citizen initiative and ...

The State of Arizona

Senior Investigator

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$55K - $61K/yr

Legal/Investigations/Adjustment/Compliance, Misc/Other/Not Applicable LOTTERY COMMISSION The Arizona Lottery is a sales-oriented, government enterprise established through citizen initiative and ...

Legal Industry

Be Seen First

Legal Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

... or legal investigations · Manage and calendar court deadlines · Professionally communicate with clients, experts, courts, and defense counsel · Prioritize and complete tasks in a timely and ...

Cboe Global Markets

Investigator

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

At least two years of experience in the securities industry, regulatory environment, compliance, or a related legal/investigative field. * Prior experience related to investigations, compliance, or ...

Cboe Global Markets

Investigator

Kansas City, MO

$72K - $93K/yr

At least two years of experience in the securities industry, regulatory environment, compliance, or a related legal/investigative field. * Prior experience related to investigations, compliance, or ...

Travis County

ME Investigator Chief

Austin, TX

$98K - $120K/yr

Medico-legal investigation of death techniques. Investigative techniques. Operation of a digital camera and X-ray equipment. Policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned function.

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Legal Investigator information

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$41K

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How much do legal investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for legal investigator in the United States is $62,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a legal investigator do?

A Legal Investigator assists attorneys and law firms by gathering facts, evidence, and information relevant to legal cases. Their duties include interviewing witnesses, locating and reviewing documents, conducting background checks, and preparing reports to support litigation or defense. Legal Investigators play a crucial role in helping lawyers build strong cases by uncovering details that might not be readily available. They often work closely with attorneys to ensure all evidence is legally obtained and admissible in court.

What is the difference between Legal Investigator vs Paralegal?

AspectLegal InvestigatorParalegal
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer certifications in investigationsAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, often in the field or office, focusing on fact-findingOffice-based, supporting attorneys with legal research and document preparation
Employer & Industry UsageLaw firms, insurance companies, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonLegal Investigator vs Paralegal

Legal Investigators and Paralegals both support legal processes but differ in focus. Legal Investigators primarily gather facts through investigations, while Paralegals assist with legal research and document preparation. Both roles are essential in legal settings but serve distinct functions based on skills and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a legal investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Legal Investigator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice, law, or a related field, often supported by relevant certifications. Familiarity with case management software, online research databases, and evidence collection tools is commonly required. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and discretion are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for gathering accurate information, protecting sensitive data, and supporting legal teams effectively.

What is a legal investigator?

A legal investigator researches and uncovers information relevant to a court case. Depending on the type of case they are working on, their job duties vary, but typically include interviewing witnesses, preparing legal documents, examining evidence, and reconstructing crime scenes. Sometimes they must present evidence on the witness stand during a trial. Legal investigators may work for law firms, government agencies, or they may choose to be independent contractors and work for several different organizations.

What are some typical challenges faced by legal investigators when gathering evidence for cases?

Legal Investigators often encounter challenges such as locating reluctant witnesses, navigating complex legal and privacy regulations, and ensuring that the evidence collected is admissible in court. They must balance thoroughness with efficiency, as deadlines for court cases can be tight. Additionally, collaborating with attorneys and law enforcement requires clear communication to ensure that investigative findings are accurately integrated into legal strategies.
More about Legal Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Legal Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Legal Investigator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Legal Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Legal Investigator jobs are:
What states have the most Legal Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Legal Investigator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Legal Investigator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Legal Investigator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Legal Investigator jobs? For Legal Investigator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Legal Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,882 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Criminalist

City of Frisco, TX

Frisco, TX • On-site

$59K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Salary : $59,678.84 - $86,534.50 Annually
Location : Frisco, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 202600153
Department: Police Department
Division: POLICE INVESTIGATIONS
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: 8/12/2026 11:59 PM Central
Summary
Under general supervision of the CSI & Property Evidence Manager, the Criminalist will respond to crime scenes and perform technical investigations that involve the identification, collection, preservation, packaging and analysis of evidence.
The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this position. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description and incumbent(s) may be required to perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.
Essential Job Functions & Other Important Duties
  • Processes crime scenes by personally visiting the crime scene, making and recording observations, collecting evidence, packaging and preserving and analyzing evidence to aid the prosecution of perpetrators.
  • Processes crime scenes by taking photographs, dusting for fingerprints, collecting, preserving and logging physical evidence, packaging and inventorying evidence; preparing detailed forensic laboratory reports, and delivering evidence to the Department of Public Safety laboratory for analysis.
  • Responds to fatality and serious injury accident scenes for photographic, evidentiary and evidence collection purposes.
  • Composes detailed crime-scene investigation sketches and reports.
  • Maintains a comprehensive latent fingerprint collection by lifting latent fingerprints at crime scenes; analyze and interpret latent fingerprints, making positive identification, a negative comparison or determining a print is of no value for comparison purposes; making comparisons of known prints against latent fingerprints.
  • Mixes and uses chemicals to process evidence; use alternate light sources to locate latent prints, serological, biological fluids and trace evidence.
  • Operates the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to develop candidate lists for conducting comparisons to identify individuals and latent prints.
  • Reviews all Crime Scene Reports and Lab Reports.
  • Reconstructs major crime scenes using advanced forensic techniques such as blood spatter interpretation, gunshot trajectory etc.
  • Testifies in court as expert witness regarding crime scene and police identification matters and evidence seized and evaluated from crime scenes.
  • Provides training classes for police officers on crime scenes, teaching classes at police academies and providing public safety education at public schools.

Other Important Duties:
  • Responds to crime scenes and emergency situations during regular work hours, evenings and weekends.
  • Ensures that the lab is kept clean and evidence is processed in a timely manner.
  • Ensures all divisions in the police department have an adequate supply of crime scene processing materials and evidence collection, and packaging supplies.
  • Sets up and operates still and video camera equipment. This includes preparing court photographic enlargements for jury illustrations.
  • Ensures the Crime Scene Unit's vehicles are properly maintained.
  • Researches forensic science field for current materials regarding new techniques in locating, collecting and preserving all types of physical evidence.
  • Maintains forensic field and laboratory supplies for the department.
  • Conducts briefings and training requested or required.
  • Travels to attend meetings, conferences, and training.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
  • Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.

Job Requirements
  • Must be proficient in the use of computers and modern office equipment.
  • Must be able to operate photographic equipment and computer software.
  • Must have Complete basic and intermediate mathematical calculations relevant to documenting and reconstructing crime scenes.
  • Knowledge in the use of hand tools including hammers, metal detectors, saws, pliers, electric drills, scissors, scalpels, tweezers, and forceps in recovery and processing of evidential items.
  • Must have the ability to organize and manage time efficiently.
  • Must be able to work independently in the absence of immediate supervision.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Education, Experience, and Certifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a natural science or closely related field or Associate Degree and three (3) years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Completed courses in crime scene investigation, latent fingerprint examination and comparison preferred.
  • A.F.I.S. Certification from Texas preferred, or ability to obtain within two (2) years of employment.
  • Crime scene certifications preferred.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check, polygraph and psychological examination and physical agility exam.
  • Must possess a valid State of Texas Class C Driver's License.

Environmental Factors & Conditions/Physical Requirements
  • Work is performed in municipal police department office and crime scene environments.
  • May be subject to exposure to extreme weather conditions, hostile environments, hazardous chemicals and fumes, body fluids, infectious diseases, air and water borne pathogens.
  • Work in close proximity to dead bodies in various stages of putrefaction to recover and record evidence, photographing and videotaping the scene.
  • Balancing - maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.
  • Climbing - ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps, requires body agility.
  • Crawling - moving about on hands, knees, or hands, feet.
  • Crouching - bending body forward by bending leg, spine.
  • Feeling - perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.
  • Fingering - picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.
  • Grasping - applying pressure to object with fingers, palm.
  • Handling - picking, holding, or working with whole hand.
  • Hearing 1 - perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.
  • Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees.
  • Lifting - raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back.
  • Mental Acuity - ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.
  • Reaching - extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.
  • Speaking - expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.
  • Standing - for sustained periods of time.
  • Stooping - bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back.
  • Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word.
  • Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading.
  • Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.
  • Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.
  • Visual Acuity 4 - operate motor vehicles/heavy equipment.
  • Visual Acuity 5 -close acuity for inspection of small defects, machines, use measurement devices, or fabricate parts.
  • Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site.

Work Environment:
  • Work performed is primarily medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Equipment and Tools Utilized:
  • Equipment utilized includes personal computer, copier, calculator, fax machine and other standard office equipment, standard issue police equipment, photographic equipment, chemical analysis and fingerprint kits and department vehicles. Standard crime scene investigation equipment to include generators, portable lighting, metal detector, crime scene search equipment and tools, chemicals.

City of Frisco benefits are available to all employees working full-time and scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week. More information is available at
01
Are you currently related to or living with anyone employed with the City of Frisco Police Department?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you at least 18 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Have you ever been convicted of or received deferred adjudication for a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten (10) years?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Have you ever been convicted of or received deferred adjudication for a Class A misdemeanor or felony?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Have you ever been convicted or received deferred adjudication for a family violence offense?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Have you used or possessed marijuana or any product containing THC within the last two (2) years?
  • Yes
  • No

07
With the exception a wedding band tattoo, do you have any tattoos located on your head, face, neck, or hands?
  • Yes
  • No

08
If you were in the military, did you receive a dishonorable discharge?
  • Yes
  • No

09
Are you currently employed by the City of Frisco AND still within your probationary period?
  • Yes
  • No

10
Do you possess a valid State of Texas driver's license or are able to obtain one within thirty (30) days of employment?
  • Yes
  • No

11
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in a natural science or closely related field or Associate Degree and three (3) years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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