Would I be out of my mind to hang a shingle to do PI work without any experience in the field? I've been a corporate attorney (biglaw) for a number of years. Realistic to achieve competence and avoid liability by brushing up on civil procedure, referring cases beyond my ability, doing PI CLEs, etc. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

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I would personally go work for a PI firm for at least a year. I feel like you’d basically be trained and have all the work product and systems at that point.

likesmart

Yeah I mean why reinvent the wheel. Go learn exactly what you need to do and you’ll
save so much time.

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I think it would be slightly insane lol. Many salaried lawyers dream of doing PI work as a solo and banking nice settlements and verdicts, but truth be told it can drain your finances in a hurry since you’re fronting all costs and your labor, and it’s a heavily saturated market competing for precious few big cases, most of which are snatched up by the same apex PI firms in your city or state. On top of that it’s easy for insurance defense lawyers to out-spend you with experts and other resources, and wage wars of attrition. Throwing your hat in the ring as a solo PI lawyer is not like jumping into a blue ocean of opportunity. Many thrive on it, and if you can get enough capital together, solid referrals and you know how to workup cases to create substantial risk for the defense, and are willing to try cases, and get a rhythm going, it can be very rewarding, but it’s also fraught with massive business risk. I’ve done both PI and ID extensively (27 years collectively doing tort litigation) and now coach attorneys, if you want some free pointers DM me or email me at james@leanlitigator.co.

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I think lawyers, much like our clients, think plaintiffs PI work is like this magical hit a button and you make millions fantasy world.

Why on earth do you think you'd be successful in a field you've never practiced or even practiced adjacent? Have you ever taken a deposition or tried a case? Do you even have a source of clients? Cash reserves to front costs? It just seems like you are reading the news of verdicts and not the work that goes in or the 20 defense verdicts for every 1 plaintiffs.

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The question was not would he be successful and make millions right out the gate. The question was whether he could seek competency on his own accord.

You have to start somewhere. If it’s your passion own your own shop and do PI, you can figure it out with CLE’s, reading case dockets, reading every relevant statute, and good mentors. You’ll be fine.

How much time have you spent in court

Just as a law student.

funny

What city are you in?

I'm in the PNW

Really appreciate all the input from everyone.

An opportunity fell into my lap through a friend. Salary would be around $80k + a free place to live. Not sure about bonuses but would get 50% of whatever net amounts I bring in. Does this sound fair?

Thanks! That's helpful. Percentage of other cases would be nice.

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