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
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.