Investigator

Defender Association of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Defender represents individuals accused of serious charges who cannot afford an attorney. We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Investigator to join our Homicide/Special Defense Unit. This unit handles the most complex and high-profile cases in the city. As an Investigator, you aren’t just staff – you are a vital member of a high-stakes legal team. You will work alongside veteran attorneys and mitigation specialists to uncover facts, locate witnesses, and build the foundation for a fair defense. If you are looking for a role where you can learn from the best while making a tangible impact on your community, this is it.

Requirements

High school diploma or the equivalent
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and high comfort level with digital media (transferring video files, navigating social media, and managing digital evidence).
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills and the ability to engage with and establish rapport with people from a variety of backgrounds
A reliable source of transportation to report quickly to crime scenes, jails, and community settings throughout the city (often on short notice).
Ability to navigate uneven terrain or tight space to obtain evidence
A willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, when a trial or investigation requires it.
A deep commitment to working on behalf of indigent defendants and a desire to work as part of a mission-driven team.
A background check is required for this position

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice
Prior investigative experience in criminal defense
Knowledge of principles and techniques of investigation

Responsibilities

Field Investigations: Spend significant time in the community locating and interviewing witnesses in their neighborhoods, in our office, or in custody
Evidence Collection: Document crime scenes through photography and sketching; obtain and download video surveillance, and document clients’ injuries
Digital Discovery: Conduct research on social media platforms and review cellular records (logs, messages, and threads) to secure evidence for legal proceedings.
Trial Support: Assistant attorneys in preparing exhibits, creating video compilations, and obtaining critical records (medical, school, employment).
Court Presence: Serve subpoenas and court orders and provide professional testimony in court.
Reporting: Prepare clear, concise, and grammatically correct investigative reports that will be used in high-level legal proceedings.