Investigator

The Investigator serves all divisions of the Firm and acts as a neutral fact-finder to accurately gather information via various investigative approaches. This role focuses on obtaining facts for cases that assist legal teams with insights into case facts when compared to criminal justice policies and procedures to inform the legal strategy. This role uses keen communication, listening, analytical, and presentation skills to share insights that could be used in explaining legal approaches to clients or as part of the litigation process.

This position does not have the authority to practice law, give legal advice, or set strategy on a per-case/per-client basis (unless the person filling this position is an attorney in good standing).

Responsibilities

• Investigative Research: Using a variety of electronic and in-person investigative approaches to obtain, research, decipher, and document conclusive facts regarding assigned cases.
• Investigative Analysis: Document, present, and explain investigation conclusions to Legal Teams about criminal and civil procedures in relevant ways that inform legal considerations.
• Field Investigations: When required, work in the field to locate, observe, and interview key witnesses to collect facts to be considered as part of the investigative research process. May require locating and/or transporting criminal clients. May require serving subpoenas as needed.
• Case Documentation: Monitor, enter, and update case documentation via Filevine Tasks and hardcopy files to ensure cases are properly maintained with investigative findings and tasks are completed on time.
• Prioritization of Tasks: Investigators will work directly with attorneys and legal support staff to receive direction and prioritize the investigations to be conducted. This role should expect to work multiple cases simultaneously and be able to prioritize the completion of multiple tasks deemed important on tight timelines.
• Other Administrative Duties: Work with firm management and support staff to provide feedback and updates on policy and procedures to standardize and keep work approaches current. Ensure calendar, tasks list, email are routinely updated and current. Answer the Frim phones as needed.

Work Experience

Required:

• 1-3 years as a law enforcement professional within a formal criminal justice environment, including accident reconstruction. 
• 1-3 years of investigation responsibilities within a law enforcement environment or investigation experience in the private sector.
• Experience with summarizing technical, complex findings into easily understood reports.
• Experience with having testified in court to present findings via evidence collection and examination.
• Experience using critical thinking to analyze and interpret legal documents and statutes and identify critical information needed for problem-solving.

Preferred:

• Prior experience within a law firm or insurance company with direct investigation duties.
• Experience with Filevine, LexisNexis, ordering footage, and working with the court system. 

Education / Certifications / Success Traits

Required:

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic understanding of civil and criminal law.
• Accredited Traffic Accident Reconstructionist, Accident Reconstruction Certificate, or equivalent education and/or combined experience in this field.
• Working directly with various audiences to effectively communicate complex information in simple, easy-to-understand ways.
• Proficient with digital cameras, audio recorders, and various methods of in-person and electronic investigative techniques. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in a professional setting.
• Professionally represents Garza Law Firm during all interactions with the public.
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 Suite applications.
• Ensure Accountability: Takes responsibility for their work and the performance of the firm. Owns commitments and shows a willingness to answer for their actions without being defensive or shifting blame.
• Client Focus: Intentionally seeks to understand Client needs. Proactively identifies opportunities to serve or create a benefit to the Client. Looks to exceed Client expectations by creating delight. Establishes and maintains effective Client relationships.
• Situational Adaptability: Rebounds from setbacks vs. emotionally responding with drama. Is confident under pressure. Handles and manages change or crises effectively. Maintains a positive attitude despite adversity. Grows from hardships and negative experiences.
• Action Oriented: Readily takes action on challenges, without unnecessary delay. Identifies and seizes new opportunities. Displays a can-do attitude in good and bad times. Steps up to handle tough issues without avoidance.

Preferred:

• Secondary education, bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in criminal justice.
• Interview Courses and Tactics
• DUI Field Testing Certification
• POST Certified or Prior POST Certification 
• CAD Skills (Computer Aided Design/Drawings) 

Success Measures/KPIs

• 90% of new civil client cases have all witnesses and evidence identified and testimony and/or evidence preserved within 2 weeks of contract signing.
• 90% of all testimony/evidence required for a hearing is in place at least 72 hours days prior to the deadlines set by the attorney.
• 85% of case files are completed/updated at least 5 days prior to the court date or 2 days prior when 5 days or less notice is given.
• 90% of all case reports are concluded and presented to the appropriate attorney and staff at least three days prior to the scheduled court hearing.
• 75% of the time over the course of 12 months, complete 6,500 user data actions in Filevine each quarter.