Homicide Investigator

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

Founded in 1997, The Bronx Defenders is a public defender nonprofit that has developed a nationally recognized model of representation called holistic defense, which provides people with teams of lawyers, social workers, and advocates to defend them zealously in court as well as to address the underlying drivers and enmeshed penalties of legal system involvement.

Since opening our doors, we have grown into an organization of more than 400 staff members defending nearly 20,000 New Yorkers each year in criminal, family, civil, and immigration proceedings who face incarceration, family separation, eviction, and deportation, among other devastating consequences.

Today we are reimagining the role of public defense even further, using community organizing and engagement, legislative advocacy, and impact litigation to partner with the communities we represent to bring about long-lasting systemic change.

We also share our model and lessons learned with current and future public defenders. We run two legal clinics at NYC law schools and train public defenders from one end of the country to the next on how to move to a holistic model of representation.

Criminal Defense Practice 

The Bronx is one of the most aggressively policed boroughs in New York City. As a result, we represent thousands of people each year, nearly 40% of whom are charged with low-level offenses such as shoplifting, traffic offenses, and drug possession. As part of our holistic approach, we spend time getting to know the people we represent and gaining a deeper understanding of their lives and needs. With that understanding, we advocate for people by thoroughly investigating their cases, raising novel legal arguments, using creative tools of persuasion and storytelling, and addressing needs that go beyond the scope of their cases.

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

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 110 years of directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $69,250-$79,868. 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.

Full-time employees are 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.