2. Hustle Just As Hard and Deliver On Time - Deadlines should not be missed by your P.I., ever. There are very few things short of my house burning down or being kidnapped by aliens that will prevent me from getting evidence or information on time to my Attorney clients. The “where are my statements/searches/evidence” email is one that I never want to get from a client, so I try to stay ahead of the game and finish early every time. “My dog ate it.” doesn't work for the Judge. Hustle. Stay up late, get the job done, deliver on time. Period.
3. Be Polished and Remember Who They Represent - Occasionally a P.I. will have to interact with the Attorney’s client, who at the end of the day, is paying the bills. That is not the time for “I’m a gruff former cop and I don’t care who you are” attitude to come across, whether it be via email, text, or a phone call. PI’s should always know that their job is to not only get the evidence and information correct, but be courteous, prompt and tactful when dealing with clients. They are after all, representing the Attorney.
4. Don’t Be Lazy and Just Do The Damn Work - Attorneys know how to dig. Their cases and their income hinge on getting the details right, and they know that in order to get to those details, they have to dig. They must dig. P.I.’s should have the same attitude. Hitting “Search” on the computer and copy-pasting the results to the attorney isn't even remotely OK, and Attorneys who see this type of thing should call P.I.’s on it immediately. Sifting through the evidence, making phone calls, asking the right questions, and getting to the right people...and taking the time to dig, is necessary and required of a good PI. They should enjoy it, not avoid it.
