Investigator

About This Role

This full-time Investigator position in the Boston office supports federal public defense teams by thoroughly investigating allegations against clients, engaging in comprehensive fact-finding, conducting mitigation research, and assisting with trial preparation in the federal district court. The role involves zealously defending individuals accused of federal crimes who cannot afford legal representation, from arrest through trial, sentencing, and appeals.

Responsibilities

• Help determine the scope, timing, and direction of fact and mitigation investigations
• Locate, interview, and prepare defense, prosecution, and expert witnesses for testimony
• Investigate client and witness histories, including educational, medical, psychological, familial, and criminal backgrounds
• Locate, retrieve, and analyze relevant materials, discovery records, and case-related documents
• Assist attorneys in pretrial, trial, and sentencing proceedings
• Serve subpoenas, research jury pools, and give sworn testimony
• Write detailed investigative reports
• Manage case databases
• Produce written submissions or sentencing videos to lessen client exposure
• Manage witness travel, coordination, and team collaboration
• Perform additional duties as determined by the Federal Defender or the management team

Requirements

• Be client centered
• Be a U.S. Citizen or be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Have a bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent
• Have at least 3 years of investigative experience in the criminal court system, or a similar system
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Write and speak clearly
• Demonstrate cultural competency and have an interest in working with historically marginalized communities
• Be experienced in using Microsoft Word and online legal research platforms such as Westlaw and LexisNexis
• Be capable of using or learning how to use systems and technologies to improve client outcomes including Microsoft Teams, Adobe Acrobat, Excel, and other technology to review, process, and organize large amounts of information and data
• Be highly organized, attentive to details, and consistently meet deadlines
• Have a history of working well both independently and collaboratively to the benefit of the client
• Have a history of being patient, dignified, respectful, and courteous in the workplace
• Substantial background in progressively responsible investigative duties, including interviewing, report writing, and court testimony
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Deep knowledge of fact investigation
• Proficiency with case-related technologies