Legal Nurse Consultants

Legal nurse consultants are members of a litigation team that deals with medical malpractice, personal injury, and product liability lawsuits as well as other medically related legal cases. They may be employed independently on a contract or retainer basis; or they may be employed by a law firm, insurance company, corporation, government agency, or as part of a risk management department in a hospital. Legal nurse consultants are trained nurses who have a thorough understanding of medical issues and trends. They utilize their clinical experience, knowledge of health care standards, and medical resources to assist litigation teams and act as liaisons between the legal and health care communities. Their primary role is to evaluate, analyze, and render informed opinions regarding health care. They practice in both plaintiff and defense capacities in collaboration with attorneys and others involved in legal processes.

Quick Facts
Duties	Advise lawyers regarding medical facts, treatments, and other medical issues that are relevant to a case
Alternate Title(s)	None
Salary Range	$25,000 to $100,000+
Employment Prospects	Good
Advancement Prospects	Fair
Work Environment	Primarily Indoors
Best Geographical Location(s)	Opportunities exist in all regions
Education and Training	High School Diploma Some Postsecondary Training
Related School Subjects	Biology Chemistry Health
Experience	Several years' clinical nursing experience required
Skills	Interpersonal Scientific Writing
Personality Traits	Helpful Outgoing Scientific
Licensure/Certification	Required
Special Requirements	None
Career Ladder	Self-Employed or Nurse Attorney Legal Nurse Consultant Registered Nurse