Growing law firms can often find their cases hinge on a number of things, but one they cannot do without is: evidence. Legal arguments falter without facts, and that’s where private investigators (PIs) bridge the gap. Consider a classic scenario— a fraudulent insurance claim. A claimant says they’re bedridden or disabled to a degree, seeking a hefty payout. A PI tails them, catching them jogging in Central Park, backed by timestamped footage and a neighbor’s statement. That’s thousands, maybe millions, saved for the insurer and a win for the firm in settlement talks or trial. In New York’s high-stakes legal world, this kind of partnership isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for civil litigation or fraud defense.
So, how do law firms pick a PI they can rely on? It’s not as simple as Googling “investigator near me.” Here’s what’s worked in practice:
- Reputation First: Ask your network in New York—who’s delivered for litigators on fraud cases? A PI with attorney referrals beats a cold call every time.
- Check the Basics: Licensing and insurance are table stakes, but dig deeper—do they understand legal deadlines and evidence rules?
- Start Small: Test them with a low-risk task, like a background check in a tenant dispute. One firm saw a PI uncover a hidden lease violation—small win, big trust boost.
At TrueBlue Consulting, LLC, we’ve seen this dance play out across New York. Law firms thrive when they align with PIs who share their grit—especially in a city where every case feels like a pressure cooker. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. Some need surveillance pros, others financial diggers. What’s your experience—how do you vet external partners? Does starting small work, or do you dive in headfirst?
Read Part 2: Building Trust Between Law Firms & PIs https://trueblueconsultingny.com/2025/03/06/law-firms-pi-partnerships-part-2-building-trust-between-law-firms-and-pis-how-it-grows-over-time/