Page 9 - The Value of Associations - AFI-LLC Newsletter March 2020

The Value of Associations - AFI-LLC Newsletter March 2020

criminal background is accomplished. Information contained within the six-page member application is verified and
fact checked. Licensing must be submitted if required and the licensing entity of the applicant’s state is contacted.
After the investigation, the Regional Director either approves or denies the applicant or may recommend a different
class of membership. Either way, the National Director then reviews the applicant’s file for final approval or denial.
Sounds intimidating, I know. But the benefit of an attorney hiring a NALI member legal investigator is he or she
knows the legal investigator has had a thorough vetting process and, chances are, the attorney is going to be
confident that the legal investigator is going to deliver a competent, high quality investigation quickly and efficiently.

• Certified Legal Investigators (CLI) Demonstrate superior knowledge
The National Association of Legal Investigators, Inc. offers a Certified Legal Investigator® (CLI) program which
certifies that qualified investigators possess superior knowledge in the field of legal investigations. The CLI
examination is recognized as the most rigorous and comprehensive certification process in the investigative
industry. Due to its high standards and longevity, it is viewed as the most prestigious of industry certifications. Some
of the benefits of becoming a Certified Legal Investigator® include being more marketable when clients are choosing
between several investigators; showing your employers that you are taking the initiative to keep your skills current;
and having the personal satisfaction that you have challenged yourself and proven your knowledge and skills. Our
clients, typically attorneys, can relate. After all, they too are required to attend continuing education programs to
maintain their Bar credentials. Judges (who are also lawyers) appreciate the professionalism and dedication it takes
to maintain it. When we testify in court and are grilled by opposing counsel about our qualifications, the details
about the certification process show that you are a legal investigative expert.

Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) Program Testimonial
(Dean A. Beers, CLI – Associates in Forensic Investigations, Greeley CO)
“I remember being told in 2008 that NALI was the association to join for top-notch peer-to-peer help when I visited with
Chuck Wooden at Spence Law Firm in WY. I also remember long-time friend Ellis Armistead telling me to accept the
challenge of preparing for the CLI and taking it. Chuck has passed; both he and Ellis were right.

NALI is the only association of its kind, and the members are also the only of their kind. The experience, resources, and
knowledge are exactly what a legal investigator - and our clients - expect. There is no other association like NALI. For
many joining it is about referrals, networking, etc. For me - it’s simple - it really is about friendships - whether you see
someone several times a year, or once every several years - it’s like it was yesterday.

The CLI program is a challenge - and it is not easy. It will test your experience, knowledge and skill. The CLI is the topic of
many conversations with other investigators, and mostly Super Lawyer clients. Just taking the challenge says something.

Being a member of NALI is an extension of my state association (PPIAC), and being a CLI is an extension of my dedication
to our profession and our clients. Together, our agency and our clients work together to be the best we can offer.”

Read Discover NALI at - www.bluetoad.com/publication/?m=14458&i=649721
Interested in a hardcopy? Contact our agency for details!