Homicide Investigator

The Bronx Defenders – an innovative, progressive, holistic indigent defense office in the South Bronx – seeks an experienced investigator with a commitment to social justice to join our Homicide Practice Group as a Homicide Investigator.

The Bronx Defenders is a public defender non-profit that is radically transforming how low-income people in the Bronx are represented in the legal system, and, in doing so, is transforming the system itself. BxD seeks thoughtful, creative individuals with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff. Our staff of over 400 includes interdisciplinary teams made up of criminal, civil, immigration, and family defense attorneys, as well as social workers, benefits specialists, advocates, investigators, and team administrators, who collaborate to provide holistic advocacy to address the causes and consequences of legal system involvement. Through this integrated team-based structure, we have developed a groundbreaking, nationally-recognized model of representation called holistic defense that achieves better outcomes for the people we defend.

Each year, we defend more than 20,000 low-income Bronx residents in criminal, civil, family regulation, and immigration cases, and reach thousands more through our community intake, youth mentoring, and outreach programs. Through impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community organizing, we push for systemic change at the local, state, and national levels. We take what we learn from the people we represent and communities that we work with and launch innovative initiatives designed to bring about real and lasting change.

Criminal Defense Practice

The Criminal Defense Practice (CDP) at The Bronx Defenders is composed of over 150 attorneys, investigators, social workers, practice associates, and administrators who provide comprehensive criminal defense representation to people in the Bronx facing police and criminal legal system involvement. Through a client-centered approach, our teams strive to gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances and priorities of our clients. Armed with that understanding, we fight for desired outcomes by strategically raising personalized, persuasive arguments in mitigation, negotiations, and litigation.

Homicide Practice Group

The Homicide Practice Group (HPG) is made up of a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys, social workers, mitigation specialists, and investigators who specialize in homicide cases. Homicide investigators participate in client interviewing, form relationships with the family and friends of our clients, collaborate in collecting evidence for mitigation reports that advocate for reduced sentencing, and collaborate with attorneys to discuss how their investigation informs case theory and strategy.

Responsibilities

The Homicide Investigator will work with attorneys and advocates in the Homicide Practice Group (HPG) to provide a thorough investigation to defend people accused of homicide offenses in the Bronx. About half of the work of homicide investigators does not take place in the office but is carried out in the field: at private homes, in the Bronx community, and in correctional facilities where our incarcerated clients may be detained. As such, investigators must be willing to travel and will be expected to acquire a valid driver’s license if they don’t already have one. Responsibilities can be found below.

• Collaborate with attorneys to create a comprehensive investigative strategy
• Locate, interview, and take detailed statements from both prosecution and defense witnesses (note that at times you may be asked to interview friends and family of the decedent)
• Gather and review time-sensitive video surveillance
• Photograph and diagram crime scenes and prepare court room exhibits
• Perform Department of Motor Vehicles, public record, social media and criminal background searches
• Accurately report on the content of interviews without the aid of notes
• Assist attorneys with case development
• Write memoranda regarding investigative efforts and results
• Review digital evidence, including but not limited to cellphone extractions, cellphone records, and social media
• Review case discovery
• Regularly meet with clients, including those who are incarcerated at New York Jails
• Work closely with social workers and attorneys to develop mitigation reports
• Occasionally testify in court proceedings

Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must have:

• A minimum of one year working as an investigator in criminal or civil cases or otherwise relevant experience (e.g., conducting internal investigations for a government agency or corporate entity)
• A driver’s license or the ability to acquire one upon hire

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Experience working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities targeted by carceral systems
• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate and connect with people with various backgrounds, identities and experiences
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to connect with reluctant parties
• Ability to think critically and creatively in unpredictable environments
• Ability to effectively navigate the Bronx community, conduct on-site interviews and visit alleged crime scenes
• Ability to multitask, maintain order and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to be resourceful and persistent in gathering necessary evidence
• Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of lawyers and non-lawyers
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality with sensitive matters
• Ability to receive constructive feedback, demonstrate introspection, and shift behavior accordingly
• Commitment to raising one’s cultural consciousness and challenging oppressive practices on an interpersonal and institutional level

Strongly Preferred, but not required:

• Spanish fluency

This is an in-person role that requires contact with staff and community members. The schedule of investigators often varies according to the availability of witnesses. Thus, investigators must be flexible and available to work on the occasional evening or weekend.

Salary is commensurate with experience. For candidates with 1-10 years of directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $62,342- $78,036. Full-time employees are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to medical, dental and vision coverage; a 403(b) plan with employer contribution; and a generous vacation, sick, and parental leave policy. More specific information about salary and benefits will be provided when and if an offer is extended.

Approximately 70% of The Bronx Defenders' staff, including attorneys and non-attorneys, are represented by UAW Local 2325 - Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (AFL-CIO). This position is within the bargaining unit.

This position is non-exempt. By law, nonexempt employees are compensated hourly based on their annual rate and therefore are entitled to over-time, whereas exempt employees are not.