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Paralegal Studies?

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(@the_grinch)
Posts: 136
Estimable Member
Topic starter
 

As I look further into pursuing a career in computer forensics, I wondered if getting Paralegal training would help in the pursuit? I have a good foundation in technology and thought perhaps the Paralegal studies would give me a foundation in the law side of things. Thanks in advance!

 
Posted : 06/10/2011 8:01 am
(@bitstorm)
Posts: 53
Trusted Member
 

I think it's a study to be between IT and law guys. That's not a practical forensicer. But the knowledge can help you in complexe cases what you're allowed to do.
In my understanding it's more important to know PC internals, what is a boot sector, to undertand Hex values or the conversion to ANSI/ ASCII and so on. The questions regarding law stuff is normally handled by a legal guy in the company which does consulting to the forensicer. In mist cases the job to do is very clear if you get a letter from court what they need. So derrogating of privacy is than no point of discussion.
A better education should be SANS or maybe a CAS/ DAS/ MAS in IT forensik. But it depends what you like to do. Maybe you give some more information.

 
Posted : 07/10/2011 10:56 am
(@pragmatopian)
Posts: 154
Estimable Member
 

If you're new to DF then I'd also recommend undertaking more DF-specific training first.

I do have a Graduate Diploma in Law, but I obtained it after I'd already been working in DF for a while. It's something that interested me, but I consider it 'nice to have' rather than essential to my work.

 
Posted : 07/10/2011 11:07 am
(@dietro)
Posts: 51
Trusted Member
 

I was a paralegal for 10 years before moving into DF. In some respects there is some helpful overlap, but in reality, most paralegal programs are designed to teach the more, forgive the term, technical aspects of working as a paralegal, as opposed to theory of law.

With that said, there are some classes which could be very helpful. I wouldn't necessarily recommend going for a full Certificate or degree, but if you can find, them then I would recommend classes on Intro to Law, Constitutional Law, Civil Procedure and maybe Criminal Procedure. The last two are likely to focus more on the technical side, but could still be helpful.

I would also HIGHLY recommend any legal writing classes, as they will help you learn to write in a manner consistent with how lawyers write.

 
Posted : 07/10/2011 9:05 pm
(@the_grinch)
Posts: 136
Estimable Member
Topic starter
 

Cool thanks for the info guys! There is a paralegal program at a local community college so I think I could probably take a couple of the courses without doing the whole program. The recent development is I have an interview for a position as a Digital Evidence Tech! I believe this will just be the initial HR screening, but it's a step in the right direction. Thanks for all the info!

 
Posted : 12/10/2011 6:44 am
lucpel
(@lucpel)
Posts: 55
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In our days, I 'd suggest to start with Constitutional law, and then the rest(civil , criminal, international). when you understand how fundamental rights theory work, you get a solid knowledge about the reasons behind forensic standards and procedures.

 
Posted : 12/10/2011 8:19 am
(@armresl)
Posts: 1011
Noble Member
 

If you are going to do things on the Criminal or Civil side, then it can't hurt.
I've been around attorneys and the legal side all my life, so I would benefit more from a CF course.

However, it is always nice to walk into a clients office and understand certain legal issues before they talk about them with you.

I know this post is 6 years old, which means you are still in the game, good for you. -)

As I look further into pursuing a career in computer forensics, I wondered if getting Paralegal training would help in the pursuit? I have a good foundation in technology and thought perhaps the Paralegal studies would give me a foundation in the law side of things. Thanks in advance!

 
Posted : 14/04/2017 7:07 am
(@the_grinch)
Posts: 136
Estimable Member
Topic starter
 

It's actually funny because with the completion of two courses and one in the Fall I will have my Masters in Legal Studies. I'm a Mobile Forensic Investigator now and I can say my legal training has definitely helped. I can agree though, DF training should definitely come first since the legal stuff will be covered within your agency as you progress.

 
Posted : 14/04/2017 7:12 am
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