Investigator

The Advocates - PNW•Seattle, WA

7d•$75,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Experience with personal injury investigations is helpful, but not required

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.