WLVC Member Spotlight: Shannon Tulloss, CCII, OSC – Private Investigator
Meet Shannon Tulloss, a licensed private investigator and owner of Shannon Tulloss Investigations, based in Santa Paula and serving Ventura County and beyond.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your legal career.
I’ve worked alongside attorneys for over 30 years as a licensed private investigator, providing comprehensive investigative support in civil litigation, personal injury, employment matters, fraud, missing persons cases, mass torts, and more. My firm, Shannon Tulloss Investigations, is built on the core values of integrity, thoroughness, and practical problem-solving—principles that resonate with legal professionals seeking results they can rely on.
As a Certified Cyber Intelligence Investigator (CCII ), I specialize in Open-Source and Human Intelligence, often uncovering evidence others overlook. I approach each assignment not as a task but as a critical piece of my client’s legal strategy—because when the stakes are high, mediocrity is unacceptable.
What area of law are you in, and what drew you to it?
While I’m not an attorney, I operate within the legal ecosystem every day, supporting counsel in areas such as personal injury, probate, family law, civil litigation, and complex fraud. What drew me to this work is the impact—when my investigations help secure justice for a client or exonerate someone wrongfully accused, it validates every hour of fieldwork and research. I don’t just gather facts—I build trust with legal teams by delivering actionable intelligence in time-sensitive situations
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
As an adoptee and now an adoptive parent, I have always understood the power of truth and the value of uncovering it with care and integrity. That personal history shaped my professional path. I was drawn to investigative work because it allows me to provide clarity where there is uncertainty—particularly in legal matters where outcomes change lives. I may not be an attorney, but I consider myself an essential partner in the pursuit of justice.
What was your career journey like?
My journey began with an education in psychology, which provided the human insight needed for high-stakes investigations. From there, I earned my license and certifications, built my business from the ground up, and aligned myself with attorneys who needed reliable investigative support. I joined professional associations, chaired training programs for new investigators, and consistently delivered results that earned awards, referrals, and trust across the legal community. My reputation has been built, case by case, with thorough work and responsive service.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
Without question, it’s helping legal professionals bring the truth to light. Whether locating a critical witness, disproving false claims, or uncovering hidden assets, I know my work has a direct impact on outcomes. I’m often the person attorneys turn to when the facts don’t add up—and when results are needed yesterday. The trust placed in me and my team is a privilege I never take for granted.
Have you had any mentors or role models who have influenced your career?
Absolutely. Over the years, I’ve been mentored by seasoned attorneys and veteran investigators who taught me the importance of preparation, discretion, and professional integrity. I’ve also drawn inspiration from clients—particularly women attorneys—who lead with intellect, empathy, and strategic precision. Their example continually raises the standard for how I serve legal teams.
If you could go back in time to when you were starting out, what advice would you give yourself?
I’d remind myself that excellence in a service profession is a marathon, not a sprint. Show up prepared, over-communicate, and don’t compromise your ethics—especially when no one’s watching. Build relationships on trust, not transaction. And always keep learning, because this field never stops evolving.
What changes would you like to see in the legal profession for women?
I’d like to see continued growth in women-led firms and leadership across legal organizations. I’ve observed firsthand how women bring a collaborative, detail-oriented, and values-driven approach to legal practice—and I believe those qualities should be championed as essential to modern legal work, not alternative to it.
What advice would you give to women considering a legal career?
From where I stand—as a long-time investigative partner to attorneys—I’d advise women entering the legal field to recognize the immense value of practical collaboration. Surround yourself with professionals who sharpen your thinking and broaden your resources. The strongest attorneys I work with don’t try to do everything alone—they build trusted teams, ask the right questions, and delegate wisely. Remember, your success won’t just come from what you know, but from who you trust to help uncover what you don’t.
What is one misconception about being in the legal profession that you’d like to correct?
That legal work is purely intellectual or transactional. In reality, it’s deeply human. Behind every case is a person, a family, or a business in need of resolution. The best legal professionals I work with understand that it’s not just about statutes—it’s about impact. That’s also where a skilled investigator makes all the difference: we bring the human element to light with facts and context that can shift the entire case.
How do you continue to grow and develop in your career?
I invest in continuing education, maintain certifications in cyber and open-source intelligence, and regularly participate in legal and investigative conferences frequently as a speaker. I also mentor young attorneys, paralegals, and investigators—because teaching sharpens my own edge. Staying curious, current, and connected keeps me valuable to my clients.
What motivates you to keep going during difficult times?
The responsibility I carry to the clients who trust me, and the families impacted by the cases I support. I also draw strength from my faith, my family, and the knowledge that perseverance often reveals the key detail that turns a case around. Difficult moments are part of this work—but they’re also where grit and grace rise to the surface.
What is your favorite quote or piece of advice that inspires you?
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” It’s a guiding principle in every investigation I undertake and every decision I make. In a profession built on discretion and trust, there’s no substitute for character.
What do you appreciate about the Women Lawyers of Ventura County community?
WLVC represents what I admire most in the legal profession—dedicated, forward-thinking women who support one another, uphold high standards, and make space for collaboration. As an investigative partner, I value the opportunity to be a trusted resource to this remarkable network. My hope is that members know they have someone in their corner—someone they can call when the facts matter and results are non-negotiable.