Legal Investigations and Litigation Support
Private Investigators for Law Firms
Garuna Group supports Ontario counsel with witness location, interviews, asset tracing, surveillance and other focused investigative work. Scope, reporting and communication are built around the file.
Counsel needs facts that can be checked, a clear account of how they were obtained and early notice of anything that may affect the theory of the case.
We take instructions from law firms in civil, commercial, employment, insurance and other matters. The retainer identifies the investigative question, the reporting contact and any limits counsel wants observed. We do not make legal conclusions or decide whether a finding is admissible.
Litigation support services
Asset tracing
Public-record and open-source research into property, companies, security registrations, litigation and connected entities, organized for counsel’s review.
Witness location
Lawful efforts to identify a current contact point, distinguish the correct person from namesakes and document the sources used.
Witness interviews
Planned, non-coercive interviews and clear notes or statements that preserve the witness’s account without suggesting the answer.
Surveillance
Licensed observation in lawful settings, with contemporaneous notes and supporting images or video where appropriate.
Background and records research
Research on parties, counterparties and relevant entities using sources appropriate to the matter and the jurisdiction.
Service and location support
Location work that may support service of process. The specific service requirements and affidavit arrangements are confirmed in the scope.
How we work with counsel
We establish one reporting contact and agree on the format and frequency of updates. Potentially significant findings are raised promptly rather than held for the final report. Sources, dates and collection steps are recorded so counsel can assess relevance, weight and disclosure obligations.
Privilege depends on the facts, the purpose of the retainer and the law. We follow counsel’s directions on communications and work product, but we do not promise that a document or conversation will be privileged.
How an engagement works
1. Define the question
We discuss the facts you already have, the decision you need to make and any legal or time constraints.
2. Agree on scope
You receive a written plan that sets out the work, deliverables, timing and fees before the investigation begins.
3. Investigate
We use the lawful records, research, interviews or fieldwork relevant to the assignment and provide updates at agreed points.
4. Report
The final report separates confirmed facts from unverified leads and explains important gaps or limitations.
Limits and professional roles
Garuna Group investigates; it does not practise law. We do not guarantee admissibility, recovery, a successful motion or a favourable judgment. Where a step requires a court order, subpoena, production order or other legal authority, counsel directs that process.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take instructions directly from counsel?
Yes. We regularly scope assignments with external or in-house counsel and agree on reporting, contacts, deadlines and deliverables at the outset.
Can your investigators provide affidavits or testify?
Where appropriate, an investigator can document personal observations and may provide an affidavit or testimony about the work performed. The need, form and timing are discussed with counsel.
Do you guarantee that findings are admissible?
No. Admissibility is a legal question for the court. We use lawful methods and keep source and continuity records so counsel has the information needed to assess the evidence.
Can you trace assets before a claim is filed?
Often, yes, using lawful public and open sources. The scope and permissible purpose still matter, and any step requiring disclosure or restraint of assets belongs to counsel and the court.
Do you accept urgent assignments?
When capacity permits. Include the next procedural date, jurisdiction and immediate objective in the first message so we can confirm what can realistically be completed.