Investigator, Trial Office (Citywide)

The Legal Aid Society • New York, NY

9h • $64,207 - $92,290 • Hybrid

About The Position

As New York City's leading public defender, The Legal Aid Society is committed to vigorously advocating for the rights of the most marginalized and disenfranchised individuals. The reach of its Criminal Defense Practice extends beyond the courtroom, with a strong presence and collaborative partnerships within the communities it serves. The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice is currently seeking to fill criminal defense investigative positions across five (5) trial offices. Investigators will work closely with defense teams under the guidance and supervision of the Supervising Investigator, Attorney-in-Charge, and Director of Investigative Services. The caseload includes, but is not limited to, misdemeanors, domestic violence cases, burglaries, robberies, sexual assaults, and other serious felonies. This role requires a high level of initiative, resourcefulness, sound judgment, and determination. Investigators will be expected to conduct thorough and independent investigations while collaborating effectively with attorneys and other members of the defense team.

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 required
• Ability to analyze and evaluate facts, exercise sound judgment, and demonstrate a high level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism in performing the duties of the position
• Demonstrated ability to listen attentively and ask effective, relevant questions
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with social media platforms required
• 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

Nice To Haves

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

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/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 all defense players to crime scenes and relevant locations
• Participate in and facilitate job-shadowing opportunities, including allowing new colleagues, interns, and attorneys to observe investigative work, procedures, and field activities
• Witness lineups and other police procedures (e.g., ballistics test, 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; as well as maintaining other necessary documents (e.g., chain of custody, witness statements, investigation summaries etc.)
• Travel within the assigned borough and to other boroughs, as needed
• Communicate with clients and their family members, friends, and other relevant individuals, as needed
• Communicate and participate in case conferences with other members of the defense team to effectively analyze cases and develop investigative strategies
• Travel within borough as well as out-of-borough, as needed
• 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

Benefits

• health insurance
• paid vacation
• disability
• life insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• State and Federal loan forgiveness programs
• assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments (for NY residents, depending on years of practice)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree