Homicide Investigator (Spanish-Speaking)

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 20000 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 run two legal clinics at NYC law schools and train public defenders throughout the country on how to move to a holistic model of representation.

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.

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 drivers license if they dont 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

To be eligible applicants must have:

• Spanish fluency
• 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 drivers 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 ones cultural consciousness and challenging oppressive practices on an interpersonal and institutional level

This is an in-person role that requires contact with staff and community members. The schedule of investigators often varies according to the availability ofwitnesses. 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 $64062-$82542. 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.

To apply please click APPLY TO THIS JOB ONLINE and upload your resume and a cover letter in one document when prompted. Your cover letter should share why you want to do this work at our office some key lived and/or professional experiences that have prepared you for this position and any additional information you would like for us to consider. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as an appropriate candidate is identified.

The Bronx Defenders is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a workplace that embraces staff with a diversity of backgrounds identities and experiences. We acknowledge the ways in which systemic oppression and injustice can undermine access to professional opportunities and are committed to conducting hiring and promotion processes that are equitable and accessible to those commonly excluded from the workforce. We do not discriminate against and in fact specifically encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply including those who identify as Black Indigenous people of color queer transgender gender non-conforming disabled neurodivergent and those directly impacted by criminal civil family and immigration legal systems. We value lived as well as professional experience and particularly welcome applications from the Bronx community that we serve.