What is a Legal Nurse Consultant?

A Legal Nurse Consultant is a Registered Nurse with at least two years of clinical experience who uses their healthcare expertise to consult on legal cases, such as medical malpractice, personal injury, workers’ compensation, product liability lawsuits, and criminal cases involving medical issues such as assault or abuse. 

Legal nurses help attorneys understand medical records, assess injuries related to legal complaints, and provide expertise on healthcare standards of care practice. This is a unique role that combines nursing knowledge with the legal field. This job can be performed in an office, in a law firm, or from the comfort of your home, and most offer flexibility in hours. 

I started researching legal nursing in 2015 after I became engaged to my husband. Finally, at 22 weeks pregnant in 2016, I attended a class to learn what a Legal Nurse Consultant is. I received a certificate of completion in order to begin working on my own Legal Nurse Consulting business. 

I learned a beneficial amount of information in the class; however, I did not feel ready to tackle starting a business with the dated tactics I learned. As I began breaking into the role, I learned that a basic class would have been enough to begin my business, as there were really no straightforward requirements to become a Legal Nurse Consultant. 

A Legal Nurse will have the education of a Registered Nurse (ADN, BSN, or MSN) with an active license. At least two years of clinical experience is normally required; however, some will argue you need around five years of clinical practice. There is no actual board-certified requirement in order to practice as a Legal Nurse Consultant. All attorneys have different requirements for employment. I always say Attorneys are very similar to Surgeons as they all have different preferences for practically the same role of the LNC. 

To note, there is only one certification for legal nursing from the AALNC. There are two examination dates a year for the certification. Eligibility criteria for the certification exam include five years of experience as an RN, a current unrestricted license, and 2000 hours of LNC work in order to sit for the board exam. Once certified, LNCCs will need to recertify every five years from their initial certification date. The requirements for recertification include a current unrestricted license, 2000 hours of LNC work in the last five years, 60 contact hours that meet the published criteria, and passing the certification exam. Though it is an accomplishment to be certified, most Attorneys do not require LNCC certification, nor is it required to practice as a Legal Nurse Consultant. 

Education in the form of a class is strongly suggested to connect the medical and legal aspects. A nurse does not need the most expensive course to practice as a legal nurse consultant. There are several options for classes in an affordable range under $1000! 

I personally always suggest that a new legal nurse consultant begin with subcontracting to gain their footing in this new career. Subcontracting in the context of Legal Nurse Consulting involves working under another Legal Nurse or firm, usually handling specific tasks or projects assigned by them. 

It’s like being a freelancer within the legal nursing field. I began subcontracting and found my way into the LNC role in 2016. I envisioned a life of working at home. Time freedom with flexibility I found intriguing to say the least. I was completely unaware of the benefits of working at home as a bedside nurse. I knew the future of my family would need a change from hospital shift life, which is why I was interested in legal nurse consulting. 

Legal Nurse Consultants can work at a Law Firm or be self-employed under an LLC (limited liability company). Self-employed LNCs may work for other nurses as subcontractors or under their own contract with an attorney. Legal nurses are also often employed by insurance companies, government agencies, healthcare facilities, consulting firms, and forensic organizations. Legal nursing jobs are on a significant rise in 2024.

I worked hard to build a business while subcontracting for another nurse. From this position, I learned a wealth of knowledge about chronologies, reviewing medical records, time management, merit reviews, and reading legal documents. 

I was increasing my legal nursing hours while decreasing my hours at the hospital. Life was changing and moving in the direction of my vision. Then, in 2020, I was furloughed from both bedside nursing jobs 2 weeks before my husband was furloughed. It was a difficult situation to be a Registered Nurse willing to work, and there was no way to find another job during the pandemic. 

My husband and I both applied for unemployment, and we began to see our lives change. We suddenly began to realize the benefits of no commute, eating dinner earlier and together, no rushing out the door to chase the time clock, and just time freedom. It was a life neither of us had ever experienced. We knew time was limited, but we also wondered how we could make this substantial for the future. 

Where Do Legal Nurse Consultants Work? Where do I find jobs?

When LNCs work at a Law Firm, they are called “in-house” legal nurses. Some firms require nurses to work in an office, while others allow them to work remotely from home or hybrid. There are part-time, full-time, contract, or regular employment options that may come with benefits. Every firm is different regarding the employment requirements of the legal nurse.

Legal nurses who work for insurance companies assess medical claims, review medical records, provide expert opinions, and assist with legal proceedings related to insurance claims or litigation. The LNC will evaluate the medical expertise to evaluate the medical aspect of the case, ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, and help insurance companies make informed decisions regarding claims. 

To find legal nurse consulting jobs, you can search for all types on Indeed and LinkedIn, network with other LNC’s, and contact law firms that hire legal nurses.  If you are specifically looking for remote or hybrid LNC jobs, this free job board makes it easy to filter for those specific location types of jobs.

Different Legal Nurse Consultant Roles

I know I am talking a lot about Legal Nurse Consultant work, but did you know there is another aspect to being a Legal Nurse Expert Witness? Legal Nurse Consultants and Expert Witnesses play distinct roles within the legal and healthcare fields.

Legal Nurse Consultants: 

The question I constantly get asked about Legal Nurse Consultants is, “Do I have to testify in court?”

No Testimony – Typically, they do NOT testify in court but provide behind-the-scenes support and expertise.

• Consultative Role- They offer guidance and expertise to attorneys regarding medical-related cases, including reviewing medical records, identifying standards of care, and interpreting healthcare policies and procedures.
• Preparation of Legal Strategies—They assist attorneys in understanding medical issues relevant to their cases and developing legal strategies.
• Educational Role – They may educate attorneys and other legal professionals on medical terminology, procedures, and healthcare regulations.

Legal Nurse Expert Witnesses

Legal nurse expert witnesses have a different role and typically make at least double the hourly pay of a Legal Nurse Consultant.

Their duties include:

• Testimonial Role – They provide sworn testimony in legal proceedings based on their expertise and firsthand knowledge of medical practices and standards of care.
• Objective Opinions – They offer impartial and expert opinions regarding medical issues, often aiding the court in understanding complex medical matters.
• Subject to Cross-Examination – They are subject to cross-examination by opposing counsel to challenge their opinions and credibility.
• Credentials and Qualifications—To qualify as expert witnesses, nurses must meet specific qualifications, such as continuing to work a minimal number of hours in their clinical expertise and possessing extensive experience and expertise in their field.

Though legal nurse consultants provide consultative support and guidance to attorneys, legal nurse expert witnesses play a more active role in legal proceedings by providing expert testimony based on their specialized knowledge and experience. I hope this helps with any confusion between the two roles!