A Day in the Life of a Law Firm Investigator
People often wonder about my job as a Law Firm Investigator. In my time working in the personal injury field, I've been asked this question many times, and I've never given the same answer twice. There's a good reason for that: being a Law Firm Investigator, no two days are alike.
Some days are a whirlwind of activity, with phone calls, meetings, speaking with clients, and research tasks for the attorneys and legal staff. Other times, it's hours on the road, investigating crash sites, and visiting wrecker lots to take photos and collect evidence. One of the most important skills in this role is being the eyes and ears for the attorneys and making sure information is communicated timely and effectively.
Mornings: Preparing for the Day's Investigations
The day often begins with reviewing case files and assessing new cases that may have recently come to the firm. This involves studying legal documents, police reports, and any evidence collected during the intake process. The investigator must fully grasp the nuances of each case to determine the best approach for gathering further evidence. A key to a good flow for the day is to prioritize cases. The acronym that holds value is “W.I.N.” What’s Important Now. In triaging cases, the investigator must decide which case needs to take priority, and that is not an easy task. Taking a 30,000-foot view of cases to determine which case needs attention can be difficult but is necessary. A good investigator can become great by simply learning where to invest time first and knowing which case takes priority.
Meetings: Attorneys and Legal Staff
Collaboration is key. The investigator frequently meets with the attorneys and legal staff on cases to discuss strategies and priorities. The relationship between the law firm investigator and the legal staff is crucial and must be developed over time. The attorneys communicate daily with the legal staff on cases and circ*mstances in a case can change in an instant. Being in contact with the legal staff on the case status and the path the attorney wants to take will help keep the investigation relative. A great investigator learns what the attorney wants in a case and produces it without being asked. Meeting with an attorney and giving them the information they need to be effective in a case, before asking for it, is what creates value from an investigator.
Fieldwork: Hitting the Ground Running
A significant portion of the day is often spent out in the field. This can involve visiting accident scenes, interviewing witnesses, and collecting physical evidence. Whether it's inspecting a car involved in a collision or documenting hazardous conditions at a workplace, attention to detail is crucial. Working with experts in the field is not only one of the most interesting aspects but also one of the most educational. Experts in crash reconstruction and engineering are often called to gain a better understanding of how and when certain actions occurred during a crash or injury. Building a relationship with experts and leaning into the vast amount of knowledge they provide is valuable not only to the case but to an investigator's knowledge base for future investigations.
Lunchtime: A Quick Break for Reflection
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Taking 30 to 60 minutes to disengage with ongoing investigations is critical. This gives the brain time to have a mini reset during a busy day. This mini reset is obtained in a number of ways but a few of the best ways are the following: Bring lunch and find a quiet park to eat and then take a short walk while listening to nature, mellow music, or your favorite podcast. Meet up with friends at a local restaurant and enjoy their company over lunch. Have lunch in a downtown area and then take a short stroll through shops in the area. Another key to keeping the mind sharp during the day is taking minibreaks, especially on days filled with screen time. Take 10-15 minutes for a short walk or do some stretches to keep the blood flowing and your investigative mind sharp.
Afternoon: Delving Deeper
The afternoon is a time to get investigative findings into the case file and update the legal team. Information developed during an investigation can be generated quickly and sometimes in overwhelming amounts. The investigator has to be able to take this information, generate informative communications, and update case file notes to ensure the investigation is relative and up to date. A good investigation is built on documentation and communication. Taking time in the afternoon to make sure case files are updated and important communications are delivered is an imperative part of an investigator's job. It is important to note that investigators must be pliable and able to shift quickly with investigations as the afternoon may bring a new case or time-pressing task that the investigator must quickly place at the top of the list to look into. The investigator's primary goal is to build a solid case and being able to change direction quickly is sometimes required.
Research and Documentation:
A fair share of time is allocated to legal research. Another area where a Law Firm Investigator spends much of their time is locating people. This can include locating clients, client’s families, adverse parties to serve legal documents, and the list continues. Several hours are dedicated to data mining information, cross-referencing information among multiple sources, and documenting findings as well as conveying those findings to the legal team. Law Firm Investigators must also be keenly aware of the law, and the investigator will need to read into case law, statutes, and regulations to ensure their work is legally sound. Research into emerging cases as well as legal precedent are vitally important to stay informed.
End of the Day: Preparing for Tomorrow
As the day draws to a close, the Law Firm Investigator can have several touchpoints around the office to debrief with attorneys and colleagues. New findings or developments can be discussed, and any new cases on the horizon can be introduced. Knowing what is coming up is important for the investigator to stay sharp and best plan the following day's investigations and prioritize important investigative tasks.
Conclusion:
The life of a Law Firm Investigator requires dedication to the investigative process and a sharp mind to maintain the integrity of every investigation. Every day, they work to uncover the truth, build compelling cases, and advocate for their clients. It's a profession that demands a unique blend of legal knowledge, investigative skills, and intuition. While some days can be long and challenging, they are driven by the belief that their work makes a meaningful difference in the lives of the clients they serve.
The opinions expressed in any communication, document, or statement made by me, Josh Wooten, are my personal views and do not represent the official stance or opinions of my employer, Cory Watson Attorneys.
