Investigator, Trial Office (Citywide)

About the Role

The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice is seeking criminal defense Investigators to work across five trial offices. Investigators will collaborate closely with defense teams, conducting thorough and independent investigations for a diverse caseload, including misdemeanors, domestic violence cases, burglaries, robberies, sexual assaults, and other serious felonies. This role demands initiative, resourcefulness, sound judgment, and determination.

Responsibilities

• Locate and interview complainants, witnesses, defendants, and other relevant parties
• Investigate crime scenes and other relevant locations
• Document scenes (photographs, video, diagrams, measurements, etc.)
• Create crime scene sketches, diagrams, and maps
• Conduct background checks, internet, and social media investigations/research
• Use databases to retrieve relevant case information (e.g., CLEAR, DMV, ACRIS, etc.)
• Prepare and maintain accurate written case summaries and timely updates in the case management system
• Testify in court
• Accompany defense team members to crime scenes and relevant locations
• Participate in and facilitate job-shadowing opportunities for new colleagues, interns, and attorneys
• Witness lineups and other police procedures (e.g., ballistics tests, examination of evidence at DA’s offices, vehicular inspection at NYPD Auto Yards, etc.)
• Discover and manage physical and digital evidence (e.g., cellphones, surveillance video, social media, etc.)
• Locate and extract surveillance footage from varying locations and buildings
• Communicate with other city agencies as necessary
• Provide accurate, detailed reports on investigations; maintain documents such as chain of custody, witness statements, and investigation summaries
• Travel within the assigned borough and to other boroughs, as needed
• Communicate with clients, their family members, friends, and other relevant individuals
• Participate in case conferences with the defense team to analyze cases and develop investigative strategies
• Locate and establish contact with missing clients in person, as needed
• Serve subpoenas, motions, and other legal documents, as required
• Conduct fieldwork during regular office hours and at irregular hours, as directed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience in criminal justice, investigations, or a related field
• Prior experience conducting criminal investigations preferred; relevant experience may include investigative internships
• Demonstrated commitment to seeking justice for indigent individuals and advancing zealous criminal defense representation
• Ability to analyze and evaluate facts, exercise sound judgment, and demonstrate integrity, discretion, and professionalism
• Demonstrated ability to listen attentively and ask effective, relevant questions
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with social media platforms
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate, and concise written materials
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of individuals
• Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork during regular office hours and irregular hours, as required
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 95% of the time, as required
• Familiarity with the neighborhoods and communities within the assigned borough
• Use of a personal vehicle is required for investigative positions based in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island Trial Offices

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional training or certifications related to criminal investigations
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred; proficiency in other languages is also desirable

Pay

The salary range for this role is $64,207 - $92,290, depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid vacation
• Disability and life insurance
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs
• New York State loan repayment assistance for eligible employees

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. For citizens of Canada and Mexico, The Legal Aid Society will provide documentation needed to obtain a TN visa.