Beyond the Background Check: Turning Raw Data into Court-Ready Strategy

In litigation, information is only as valuable as your ability to use it.

Too often, firms rely on automated background checks that deliver a 50-page PDF filled with raw data: antiquated addresses, unverified phone numbers, and a list of potential criminal records that may or may not belong to the subject.

This isn’t intelligence. It’s noise. And when you are preparing for a deposition or trial, you don’t have time to sift through noise. You need leverage.

The Difference Between Data and Intelligence

Data is a list of facts. Intelligence is the context that makes those facts actionable.

A standard database report might tell you a witness has a prior address in Nevada. Intelligence tells you they lived there at the same time as a key figure in your case, establishing a previously unknown connection.

A database might flag a potential criminal record. Intelligence involves pulling the actual court file, verifying the identity, and determining if the details of that charge contradict the witness’s sworn affidavit.

At OnTrial, we believe legal professionals need answers they can act on—not data they have to interpret themselves.

Building a Deposition Strategy

The goal of modern investigation isn't just to find "dirt"; it is to assess credibility and character.

When we prepare an investigation for litigation support, we look for the specific vulnerabilities that give you an advantage in the deposition room:

• Impeachment Material: identifying contradictions in timeline or testimony.

• Pattern of Behavior: uncovering litigigious history or a track record of similar claims.

• Asset Context: locating hidden assets or business interests that change the leverage in settlement discussions.

Professional Judgment You Can Talk To

Technology is excellent at gathering data, but it is terrible at understanding nuance.

This is why we pair our technology with expert oversight. You aren’t just buying a report; you are gaining a partner who understands the stakes of your case . Our analysts review the findings to ensure they are court-ready, stripping away the false positives and highlighting the facts that matter.

In high-stakes litigation, accuracy is the baseline. But clarity is what wins cases.