Hey all, im currently a 2nd student on Forensic Computing, and just wonder how advantageous it is to be law trainned as well as technially trainned, or is it kept seperate in most cases. I am not sure weather to graduate then try and hit the forensics field and get some experience, or to take a postgraduate Law Diploma, to allow the oppotunites of Solicitor work.
Any help or advice much appreciated.
Most of what we do is all about the law. A post grad degree would certainly be a bonus, however probably overkill.
I agree with BitHead but it sure would open up some interesting opportunities.
If doing a CF type job (as opposed to a lawyer specialising in CF), i'd agree with the others, it might help a little, but most people practicing probably dont have a law degree and doesn't really hinder them in any way.
Certainly for me, day in day out there isn't really anything that requires me to deal with the law in a level of detail that a law degree would help with. (This is primarily Law Enforcement work - certain commercial scenarios might be different - but i know less about that)
Rich
Let's look at another approach. I'm assuming your young enough to consider your career long term. Younger then around 35 or so. I'm also assuming you're pretty tech savy. If both of those are true, then a possible niche is to become an attorney and specialize in one of the many technical areas. Certainly a practice that calls on forensics or e-Discovery skills would pay well enough. Intellectual Property protection is another. Depending on your ability to relocate there's a number of firms that would be interested.
A lot depends on your interests, you ability to be out of the job market while you go to school, and your ability to complete any given program. Those are your calls of course.
Hi
It may be worth considering doing an MSc, I did a one year MSc (Information Security and Computer Crime) in Glamorgan, South Wales back in 2004. One of the modules covered in the Masters is Computer Law specifically for the UK but does take in International law to a certain degree. I would definitely recommend the course, I got a job in CF after it and it helped especially when dealing with jobs for the police / solicitors. Employers are looking for candidates who have a little bit extra to give so even having security clearance or some training in helix, encase, ftk etc is definitely an advantage. Hope it helps.
Thanks for all your useful comments. -). MSc something i would definatly look into.
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It is absolutely relevant and it is a good idea for you to have some understanding of the legal system and the rules of evidence for your country. If you are hired by an attorney (either prosecution or defense) the product of your labors will be subjected to the rulings and opinions of the court being attended and the legal system of the state it is in, at least here in the US. In this country many if not most of our lawyers and judges know very little about computers, forensics or technology. It is in your interest to meet them halfway. I am actually thinking about going to law school. The thought of being an attorney who is also a certified examiner is very interesting to me and I think I could make a good career from it.
Thanks for all your useful comments. -). MSc something i would definatly look into.
-)
WARNING!
Shameless alumni plug…
Check out Royal Holloway University of London for their MSc in Information Security. They have a module on Digital Forensics.
An inexperienced lawyer specializing in e-Discovery and Legal Hold with technical expertise could get a job making six figures in no time in the east coast of the US.