Trial Investigator

Federal Public Defender, Central District of California • Los Angeles, CA

18d

About The Position

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for full-time investigator positions in the trial unit for our Los Angeles office. The trial unit is committed to the pursuit of justice by advocating in federal court for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of individuals who are accused or convicted of crimes and cannot afford their own lawyer.

Job Duties: Trial investigators perform the critically important role of uncovering the facts necessary to win motions and trials. They analyze complex materials, strategize and develop investigation plans independently or with a team, obtain a variety of records, visit clients in jail, identify and interview witnesses, serve subpoenas, prepare written reports and memoranda, track case assignments and case activity, prepare or assist with sentencing mitigation videos, assist during trial and occasionally testify, and effectively use electronic tools both in the course of investigations and during trials. Additionally, investigators develop evidence for sentencing by identifying mental health, environmental, and social mitigating factors.

Requirements

• All applicants must have graduated from an accredited school with a bachelor’s degree. Extensive relevant experience may substitute a bachelor’s degree.
• A high level of computer literacy is required.
• Applicants must be proficient in conducting online and social media investigations.
• They must also demonstrate an ability to use open sources creatively to develop both fact and mitigation evidence.
• Adaptation to dynamic cyber environments by keeping skill sets current is a requirement of the position.
• Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and a working vehicle with appropriate insurance.
• Varying hours including nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.
• A background investigation is required as a condition of employment.
• Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary.

Nice To Haves

• A background in law, social work, or mental health is a plus.
• Familiarity with forensic discovery applications is a plus.
• The ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex materials
• Strategize and develop investigation plans independently or with a team
• Obtain a variety of records
• Visit clients in jail
• Identify and interview witnesses
• Serve subpoenas
• Prepare written reports and memoranda
• Track case assignments and case activity
• Prepare or assist with sentencing mitigation videos
• Assist during trial and occasionally testify
• Effectively use electronic tools both in the course of investigations and during trials
• Develop evidence for sentencing by identifying mental health, environmental, and social mitigating factors.

Benefits

• health and life insurance
• retirement
• a Thrift Savings Plan
• eligible employees may elect to telework up to 2 days per week, subject to certain conditions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time