What is a CLI?
A CLI is a Certified Legal Investigator, as awarded by the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) and earned by the professional legal investigator. CLIs have an expectation of, and hold themselves to, a higher standard.
Press Release - 06/25/2009 - NALI Certified Legal Investigator (Agency Press Release)
Press Release - 06/25/2009 - NALI Certified Legal Investigator (NALI Press Release)
Earning the designation of a CLI is a long and entailed process, described as the pinnacle of the investigator's career. It exceeds any state's experience and licensing requirements (Colorado has no requirements). The CLI designation is the most prestigious and coveted certification in the investigative profession, worldwide. The NALI was founded in 1967 and the CLI program was formed in 1979. In the past 30 years there have been fewer than 140 investigators earn and awarded the CLI designation. Presently there are 76 active CLIs, with only four active and one retired, in Colorado (Dean is the only CLI in northern Colorado).
What are the requirements and process to become a CLI? Although membership in the NALI is not required, Dean is a member. NALI membership and CLI requirements are:
- Provide multiple attorney references;
- Be in good standing in the legal and investigative communities;
- Pass an in-depth background check;
- Follow a strict code of ethics << NALI Ethics >>
Examination is provided two times per year and consists of three components, each requiring a 70% or better to pass (*) and is proctored by veteran CLIs and the Chairman of the CLI program. Requirements specific to the Certified Legal Investigator program:
- Minimum of five years of documented full-time employment in civil negligence litigation and/or criminal defense (10,000 hours)
- * Prepare and submit a white paper of not less than 1,000 words, on any investigative subject. Dean submitted 'Reviewing and Comprehending Autopsy Reports';
- * Written examination consisting of legal issues, complex civil and criminal investigations and procedures, and ethics;
- * Oral examination / interviews expanding on the written examination subject matter and including investigative and ethical scenarios.
Scott Nelson, CLI, wrote an excellent white paper on this subject 'What is a CLI' and is recommended reading.
Of the CLI process, Dean said, "This experience was the most challenging, thorough, and rigorous process I have undertaken. Five investigators qualified to sit for the written and oral examinations, and each passed. This process is very demonstrative of the expectations I have for myself and represents the caliber of work product and expectations my clients and colleagues, nationwide, know they can rely upon."
Rory McMahon, CLI, CFE "I was assigned to test Dean as part of the National Association of Legal Investigators panel to determine if Dean was qualified to become Certified as Legal Investigator (CLI). Dean was an outstanding applicant, bright and extremely knowledgeable. He passed the requirements and is now a CLI. Since then I have remained in contact and he has become a leader in the Legal Investigative community and I am encouraging him to write a book on that topic."
