Investigator

The Advocates Injury Attorneys, LLP Who We Are The Advocates is a growing personal injury law firm with offices across the United States. We are dedicated to representing people who have been injured in accidents with care, respect, and empathy. Our team genuinely cares about the people who seek our help, and we are driven to achieve the best possible results for every client. Our Pacific Coast team includes more than 20 personal injury attorneys, along with experienced legal assistants, paralegals, and support staff who share a deep commitment to guiding clients through some of the most difficult periods of their lives. About the Role We are looking for an Investigator who is resourceful, persistent, and comfortable going into the field to find the information our legal teams need to evaluate and build strong personal injury cases. This is not primarily a desk job. A significant part of the role will involve driving throughout the community to locate witnesses, investigate accident scenes, track down evidence, meet with clients, and follow leads that may not have an obvious path forward. The ideal candidate is naturally curious, comfortable talking to people from all backgrounds, and knows how to be persistent without losing professionalism. You should enjoy solving problems, finding information that others could not, and taking ownership of an investigation from the initial request through a clear and well-documented result. You will work closely with attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and other staff to support cases throughout the pre-litigation and litigation process. Responsibilities Witness Investigation: Locate and interview witnesses, including individuals who may be difficult to identify, reach, or engage. Develop interview questions, prepare written statements, and follow up to obtain completed signatures or additional information. Scene Investigation & Evidence Collection: Visit accident scenes to photograph conditions, identify potential witnesses, canvass nearby homes and businesses, and locate available traffic, surveillance, doorbell, dashcam, or other video footage. Background & Asset Research: Conduct research to identify unknown defendants, locate individuals, investigate available assets, and gather relevant background information using investigative databases, public records, social media, Department of Licensing requests, and other appropriate resources. Evidence Review: Review and organize large volumes of photographs, surveillance footage, body camera footage, dashcam video, police photographs, and other digital evidence to identify information relevant to the case. Examinations & Technical Evidence: Attend and record PIP examinations, CR 35 examinations, or similar proceedings when appropriate, and assist with obtaining or preserving vehicle data, including Event Data Recorder information, based on training and case needs. Client Support: Meet clients in the field when necessary to obtain signatures, deliver documents, assist with releases or reconsideration materials, and help clients who may have difficulty completing tasks electronically. Documentation & Testimony: Maintain thorough investigation notes and records, prepare clear written summaries of findings, preserve evidence appropriately, and be comfortable providing deposition or trial testimony regarding investigative work when required. Team Collaboration: Work directly with attorneys and case teams to understand investigative objectives, provide updates, identify additional investigative opportunities, and prioritize work based on case needs and deadlines. What We Are Looking For Prior investigative, law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole, legal, insurance, claims, or other relevant field experience Strong interviewing and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with witnesses, clients, businesses, government agencies, and other third parties Resourcefulness and persistence when information or individuals are difficult to locate Strong judgment and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information Excellent written communication and documentation skills Ability to independently organize assignments, prioritize cases, and follow investigations through completion Comfortable working in the field and spending a significant portion of the workday driving Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel throughout the region as needed Familiarity with case management software, investigative databases, and technology, with the ability to learn new systems quickly Ability to review large volumes of digital evidence with patience and attention to detail Comfortable being deposed and testifying regarding investigative work Ability to collaborate closely with attorneys and other members of the legal team Experience with personal injury investigations is helpful, but not required The Right Fit You may be a strong fit for this role if you are the person who wants to know what actually happened and is willing to keep digging until you find out. You are comfortable knocking on doors, making calls, tracking down a witness who does not want to be found, reviewing hours of footage, or finding another way forward when the obvious approach does not work. At the same time, you understand that good investigative work requires sound judgment, professionalism, detailed documentation, and strong collaboration with the attorneys responsible for the case. We are looking for someone who takes ownership, works independently, and enjoys being the person the team turns to when a case requires more than a database search or a phone call. Work Model Hybrid Significant local driving and fieldwork required Occasional travel may be required based on case needs Compensation & Benefits $75,000-$90,000/yr Up to 100% paid health, vision, and dental insurance (buy-ups available) 401(k) matching Employee Assistance Program Mileage reimbursement