The forensic expert must communicate with the attorney who requested his or her services and with the opposing counsel, judges, and administrative hearing officers. Forensic assignments are typically divided into distinct phases:  

• Engagement.
• Investigation/analysis.
• Preliminary report.
• Final report.
• Discovery.
• Trial.
• File closing.

All phases (except the last) require communication with attorneys.  One of the fundamental difficulties for analysts when communicating with attorneys is that attorneys sometimes use legal terminology that is unfamiliar.

As in any profession, particular terms have specific meanings that will require definition or translation. A glossary of frequently used legal terms is included with the Law 101 online training to help clarify conversations, correspondence and pleadings.

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