NALI MidWinter Conference 2025

Janiece Lee, CLI

Title: Rapport Building: The Gift that Keeps on Giving in Your Investigations

 
Janiece J. Lee, CLI is a seasoned private investigator, bringing over two decades of expertise to her work. Since obtaining her license in 2002, she has navigated the intricacies of both independent and in-house investigations, serving as the sole investigator at the Law Office of J. Houston Gordon. She currently owns and manages Lee Investigative Services, LLC, a full-service investigation and litigation support firm serving attorneys across Tennessee. Her dedication to uncovering the facts has propelled her through a diverse array of state and federal criminal cases, as well as complex civil litigation matters.
 
From the very inception of a case, Janiece provides invaluable support, conducting initial client meetings and thorough case evaluations to lay a solid foundation for the legal journey ahead. Through meticulous jury research, Janiece helps attorneys gain valuable insights into potential jurors’ biases, preferences, and perspectives, empowering them to make informed decisions during trial preparation.
 
During trial proceedings, Janiece’s presence is a reassuring asset, as she offers indispensable assistance, leveraging her experience and expertise to navigate the complexities of the courtroom environment. Whether providing strategic guidance, facilitating witness preparation, or presenting pivotal evidence, her unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients is evident at every stage.
 
Notable for her involvement in significant and meaningful cases, Janiece played a pivotal role in the post-conviction defense team for Cyntoia Brown, contributing to the successful clemency granted by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam in 2019.
Furthermore, she led the investigative efforts in the landmark Meals v Ford Motor Co. case in Shelby County, Tennessee—a case that resulted in a $43 million award for the plaintiff, a young boy who had suffered paraplegia due to defective seat belts. Janiece’s career as a private investigator has been punctuated by her involvement in high-profile cases that have captured national attention, including on television programs such as “American Greed” and “20/20.”
 
Janiece is a proud member of the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI). She earned the coveted designation of Certified Legal Investigator in 2014 and is currently the Chair for the Certified Legal Investigator Program for NALI. She is also a member of the Tennessee Association of Licensed Private Investigators and an associate member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (TACDL) and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL).