Assistant Investigator

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for full-time assistant investigator positions, stationed in Los Angeles, California.  The Federal Public Defender’s Office is committed to the client-centered pursuit of justice by advocating for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of indigent individuals who are accused or convicted of crimes. 

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace.  All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.

Job Duties:  Assistant investigators are responsible for providing a full range of investigative support services for attorneys and investigators. General areas of responsibility include retrieving criminal, civil, juvenile, medical, and/or educational records; conducting searches for civil and criminal records; documenting records requests; maintaining all releases and keeping them up to date; and providing any additional support to the cases, as needed.

Requirements: All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or at least one-year of relevant investigative experience. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of computer literacy, including expertise with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat programs. Applicants must be able to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines. Applicants must be proficient in conducting online searches and have experience using databases. The ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish or other languages is preferred, but not required. 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 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. 

Selection Criteria: Successful applicants demonstrate an interest in social justice, civil rights, or indigent defense; must have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; have strong organizational and technical skills; an ability to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines; capable of learning new technological tools, when needed; be able to work independently and take initiative; and work well collaboratively.

Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position.  Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit.  Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.  After completion of a successful probationary period, eligible employees may elect to telework up to two days per week, subject to certain conditions.                                                                                     

How to Apply: Apply by emailing a letter of interest, résumé, three writing samples, and three references in a single PDF document to Cuauhtémoc Ortega, Federal Public Defender, at employment@fpdcdca.org with the subject line: ASSISTANT INVESTIGATOR APPLICATION. We will accept applications until June 15, 2024.  The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement.  Please, no phone calls.

Please visit our careers page at https://fpdcdca.org/careers/current-openings/ for more opportunities