Prior to practicing law, Edward J. Southcott worked for the San Diego Sheriff's Department for 21 years.  During his career the Sheriff's Department,  Edward gained a broad range of experience in the criminal justice system.  

As a detective, Edward investigated all types of crimes ranging from minor infractions to murder.  He was specially trained as a hate crime detective and as a vice crimes investigator.  As a detective on the San Diego County Human Trafficking Taskforce, Edward gained extensive knowledge and experience in the investigation and prosecution of prostitution, pimping, pandering, commercial sexual exploitation of children, and human trafficking.  Working undercover, he gained an insider's understanding of how the cases are built and prepared for prosecution.

Edward worked for several years as a school resource deputy sheriff at Mount Miguel High School in the Grossmont Union High School District.  He gained extensive knowledge of school attendance and discipline systems and the potential consequences they can have for students.

Edward draws on his education and experience when representing clients struggling with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or psychiatric conditions.  These clients often require additional attention and understanding, as neither the criminal justice system nor the education system is properly equipped to address their special needs.  Edward is sensitive to these special needs and experienced in addressing them. 

Edward was certified in the administration of computer voice stress analysis (lie detector) as well as speed enforcement using both radar and LIDAR (laser speed determination).  He was also trained in drunk driving detection and the proper administration of field sobriety tests.