A Lawyer Without an Investigator Is Like a Gun Without the Bullets

“A Lawyer without an Investigator is like a Gun without the Bullets”

I’ve been quoted as saying, “A Lawyer without an Investigator is like a Gun without the Bullets” for over forty-four years from the time I was a street cop with the Los Angeles Police Department, working hand in hand with Deputy District Attorneys, Assistant United States Attorneys and now with attorneys in the private sector.

As an attorney you may believe you don’t have the need for an experienced private investigator due to the variety of skills and resources that you employ, but have you ever found yourself staring at a legal pad and asking the question: I know the answer is out there, but where do I go from here to get it?

Although law school and career experience provides attorneys with a vast number of useful research techniques and litigation skills, there are still limits. Consulting with a professional private investigator can help attorneys to leverage their position and find creative and efficient ways to be the victor over their adversary. Try and view the investigator as a member of the litigation team. Below is a small sampling of what an investigator can do for you:

• Leverage for Negotiations: An investigator can pull together key resources and intelligence data to better inform your side during litigation, or any other adversarial situation that can make the difference between favorable settlements.

• Locating People: It may be a prior employee who can shed light on corporate misconduct, or maybe you need to locate a witness in possession of the proverbial “smoking gun.” Whether you would like to interview, serve, or investigate someone, an investigator can help you to identify and locate the individual or business entity.

• Connecting the Dots: Investigators can assist you in knowing who’s actually sitting on the other side of the table during litigation or discussions during a potential business transaction. You’re able to gain immeasurable negotiation power by identifying who’s actually behind a faceless corporation or tying together undisclosed connections.

• Preparation for Cross Examination: During preparation for a deposition or courtroom testimony, an investigator’s report detailing your witnesses’ weaknesses, background, and behavioral tendencies may be one of your most valuable tools. This will give you a distinct advantage in litigation strategizing during cross examination, or at the resolution table.

As attorneys in private practice you have a duty to represent your clients in the best possible way which includes finding all of the available facts of a case. Clients are more than likely pulling at you from all directions. Why not portion out some of the research to a qualified professional investigator, leaving you free to focus on matters of law?

Our investigators at SBI know how to read a witness; we’re trained not only to listen to what is said, but to also listen to what is not being said. We pursue all possible leads because we know even the smallest detail can be valuable. Our unique skill set allows us to focus on the client, the case facts/details and the witnesses, while the attorney can focus on the legal aspect of the case.

From a small, discrete assignment to a large, multi-witness investigation, our research is always performed with the highest level of professionalism and skill. Our investigators have an understanding of what information is relevant and are creative and tenacious in chasing down every potential lead. If you retain us you can be sure no stone will be left unturned.

In the field of high-end litigation, a reliable and professional investigator is an indispensable asset. It could mean the difference between finding a critical witness or that elusive document that may determine the outcome of your case.

With a strong commitment to client satisfaction and confidentiality, objectives are attained with discretionary professionalism while maintaining the highest degree of ethics, sensitivity and integrity.

At SBI we have the resources and ability to accomplish large assignments quickly and efficiently, including major cases where numerous witnesses need to be interviewed and declarations obtained in a relatively short period of time.

Please visit our Testimonial Page to view comments from your colleagues that have utilized our services. You may also view our biographies at Steve Polak and Randy Petee.

SBI is dedicated to providing a first-class, elite service with uncompromising ethical standards and exceptional client service. Above all else, Sunset Blvd. Investigations, Inc. (SBI) is committed to the facts. We want to help you find the answers and information you need in order to strengthen your case for the most successful outcome. For all of your investigation concerns, turn to Sunset Blvd. Investigations, Inc. with over 80 years of experience. SBI is always there for you! We’re just one click, text, email or phone call away!