Investigator
This position may work from one of the following locations: Atlanta, GA; Jackson, MS; Miami, FL; Montgomery, AL; New Orleans, LA; Washington, D.C.
Summary:
The Investigator will locate plaintiffs/witnesses, do background investigations, conduct interviews with plaintiffs/witnesses, take and prepare declarations. The Investigator will also work with community volunteers and others engaged in social justice reforms through effective intake and investigation procedures. This position will support attorneys and cases and report to the Senior Supervising Investigator.
Primary Job Functions:
- Investigate cases at varying stages of litigation;
- Review intake for factual completeness and supplement additional information from discovery and case documents;
- Maintain and utilize administrative systems to process intakes as assigned;
- Screen intakes in consideration of SPLC’s mission, legal department priorities, resources, and other relevant factors;
- Locate and interview witnesses and clients via outreach, Westlaw, TLO,;
- Provide intake support for presentation at legal meetings and attend and present intakes at legal meetings for determination of appropriate next steps;
- Conduct client contact and follow up for intake processing; conduct background investigations of individuals, entities, and legal cases;
- Maintain databases to track intakes to completion;
- Report findings of interviews and investigations to the responsible attorney on the case;
- Work with attorneys and other legal staff to provide support related to cases and projects;
- Assist attorneys at hearings and trials by evaluating testimony and coordinating witnesses and documents;
- Gather, organize, and maintain case materials, for example witness contact information, interview notes, and investigation notes;
- Identify subject matter experts and assist with hiring and working with experts; research relevant subject matter;
- Document events and items through diagrams, still photography, screen capture, and video and audio recordings as necessary;
- Assist with taking and defending depositions;
- Prepare demonstrative evidence and exhibits for pleadings, hearings, and trials;
- Coordinate witnesses for hearing and assists attorneys at those hearings; coordinate the serving of subpoenas;
- Testify at hearings and trial;
- Take and prepare declarations;
- Assist with tracking cooperation agreements and settlements with legal team as needed; and
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications-
Education and Related Work Experience:
- A minimum of two (2) years of client and/or litigation outreach or other relevant work experience such as interviewing and locating clients and witnesses;
- Proficiency in speaking and writing in a second non-English language is preferred but not required; and
- High School Diploma or GED.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to show empathy and professionalism towards those who have or are currently experiencing trauma;
- Initiative and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced work environment;
- Strong organizational skills, follow-through, and flexibility around changing priorities and deadlines;
- General experience and understanding of office confidentiality issues, such as attorney/client privilege;
- Ability to exercise good judgment in a mature and diplomatic manner;
- Ability to interview and assess with the confidence to ask tough questions and the empathy to understand hardship;
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret common technical journals and legal documents;
- Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, database software, and internet research skills;
- General understanding of the legal processes;
- Excellent research and writing skills;
- Commitment to ideals of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion; and
- Commitment to fostering an anti-racist work culture and to anti-racist principles and learning.
Compensation:
This is a non-exempt role and the minimum starting salary is $50,115 annually ($24.09 hourly). Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Work Designation:
This role has the following work designation options:
- Local Remote: Will work remotely, but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
- Telework: Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.
Other Special Considerations:
This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.
This position is represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.
Date posted: 8.8.2022
Disclaimer:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, gender identity, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or prior record of arrest or conviction.