The simple answer to this question is;

Private Investigators have the necessary training and skills to identify and gather relevant to the case in support of the attorney and their client reducing the time required on attorney and their staff to prepare for a case. 

Attorneys should think of private investigators as an extension of their staff. Private investigators will work for the attorney, consult with as they learn new information, and provide an investigative plan to ensure they are targeting the necessary information.

More specifically, following are few services that an attorney should contract with a private investigator to provide: 

1. Locate Witnesses - The strength of a case can rely on witnesses, or the lack of witnesses, to an incident. Private investigators can assist in identifying potential witnesses, determining the information they can provide relevant to the case, and assist in determining the accuracy of the information they provide. No attorney wants to be in court to find their star witness wasn't even at the scene when the incident occurred. 

​2. Interviewing individuals - Private investigators are trained interviewers and interrogators. They are creative in finding the needed information. Conducting interviews, prior to a deposition for example, can be time consuming. Employing a private investigator will assist the attorney in identifying a list of individuals for the next phase of the case. Even reveal information they didn't know existed. 

3. Public records research - Private investigators have established information sources to gather the needed information. Chances are, a private investigator can quickly gather the information you need for a specific case. This saves you time and money. 

4. Surveillance - Infidelity cases are prime example. Private investigators have the equipment, and more importantly, they have the training and skills to conduct surveillance. It is important to note that surveillance is a specialized skill set. Attorneys should look to private investigators that have the experience in conducting surveillance to get the most for their investment. 

5. Gathering information, evidence - Give a list of questions to a private investigator that you need answered and they will return with a complete report, detailed records, and will maintain a chain-of-custody for use in court. For example; "Are there additional licensing board complaints?", "Where were the witnesses standing when the incident occurred?", "What are the company's assets?", "What is the background of John Doe look like?". All of this information can help you make decisions on how to handle the case going forward, avoiding potentially costly mistakes.

When completed, the private investigator will deliver a written report, copies of evidence, and then be available to testify if required. They are trained to do all of the needed steps to help you prepare for your case. 
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