Legal Investigations: Locating parties, identifying assets, and preparing testimony (Includes 1 hour of ethics)

Ashley Wardlow | Nathans Investigations

Ashley Wardlow embarked on her academic journey at Chicago State University following the successful completion of her basic training in the United States Army Reserve. While serving as a Military Police Officer, Wardlow simultaneously pursued a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Criminal Justice, complemented by a minor in Spanish Linguistics. During her tenure at CSU, Wardlow’s research garnered recognition in analytical science publications, focusing on the extraction of targeted compounds from fruits and berries, revealing their potential benefits in treating Alzheimer’s Disease and its associated symptoms.

Subsequently, Wardlow relocated to Miami, Florida, where she earned her second bachelor’s degree in forensic chemistry from Florida International University. She also earned a master’s in forensic psychology from Nova Southeastern University and completed her second master’s degree in Digital Forensics at the University of South Florida. While at FIU, Wardlow excelled as an MBRS RISE scholar and a McNair Fellow. Notably, she invented a paper microfluidic device with direct applications in Forensic Serology.

A certified fraud examiner, Wardlow is a highly skilled private investigator renowned for her groundbreaking success in securing a marriage annulment based on immigration fraud in Illinois— becoming the first person in the state to achieve this. She brings her wealth of personal experience to assist clients on the intricate path to justice, leveraging her expertise in evidence collection through subpoenas, interviews, surveillance, and data extraction. Her collaboration with retired and active immigration officers gives her a deep understanding of the criteria used in suspected marriage fraud cases.

Additionally, she holds a license as a private investigator in the State of Florida and has been featured on The Carol Powell Lexing Show Podcast and NPR’s Morning Edition. Driven by her passion for helping others and her extensive knowledge of the court system, Ashley Wardlow will soon be pursuing a law degree to further her ability to advocate for justice.

Iram Valentin | Kaufman Dolowich

Over the past two decades, Iram has represented various professionals, including lawyers and their law firms, in response to claims by clients and disciplinary authorities. He is a nationally recognized, AV® Preeminent™ rated attorney and is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney. Iram clerked for the Honorable Joseph P. Perfilio, J.S.C. (Ret.), Superior Court of New Jersey, Union County. He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross and the Fordham University School of Law, where he was a Notes & Articles Editor on the Fordham Journal of Corporate & Financial Law.

Robert A. Berns | Kaufman Dolowich

Kaufman Dolowich Partner Robert A. Berns concentrates his practice in professional liability defense and ethics violation claims on behalf of attorneys, accountants, insurance producers, real estate, architects, and other professionals, directors’, and officers’ . He handles employment practices liability defense, commercial disputes cases, environmental matters, insurance coverage and declaratory judgment actions. Mr. Berns also defends clients in matters under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), fidelity and surety, and construction claims. He has represented clients in lawsuits where independent contractor status was the subject of vicarious liability and comparative fault claims. In addition to litigation, he advises clients on developing and implementing risk management, regulatory compliance and best practices policies and protocols. He is admitted to practice in New Jersey, U.S. District Court District of New Jersey, and the U.S. Court of Appeals Third Circuit. Mr. Berns is named to “Best Lawyers in America”, for Professional Malpractice Law, Defendants and to Super Lawyers for Professional Liability. He attended Whittier Law School and Brandeis University

Session I – Enhancing Your Legal Investigation: Leveraging private investigator expertise to uncover critical evidence | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

• Locate & Identify the Parties
  • Techniques to accurately locate and profile plaintiffs, defendants, and key witnesses
• In-depth In-house Investigations
  • The value of desktop investigations in gathering preliminary, yet powerful, information before proceeding to field surveillance
• Dig Up Dirt
  • Comprehensive methods for discovering personal and professional background details that can influence case strategy
• Assets—Where Are They?
  • Effective strategies for uncovering hidden or misrepresented assets
• Consumer Public Filings
  • Researching bankruptcies, judgments, liens, and other public records that can impact litigation outcomes
• Testimony
  • How to strengthen your case with credible and well-documented testimony, reports, and video evidence

Break | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

Session II – Critical Thinking Approach to Ethics for Lawyers | 2:10pm – 3:10pm

• Scope Of Representation and Allocation of Authority Between Client and
• Communication
• Confidentiality
• Candor Toward the Tribunal
• Fairness To Opposing Party and Counsel
• Reporting Professional Misconduct