Investigator (Criminal Practice) - NDS Harlem

Overview

Job Title: Investigator

Department: Criminal Defense Practice

Location: Harlem

Reports To: Supervising Investigator

Position Type: Full Time

Union Status: Union Eligible

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

About NDS:

Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is a national nonprofit public defense organization that pioneered the holistic defense model more than 30 years ago. Founded in Harlem, NDS was built to challenge the traditional public defense model by centering clients, communities, and interdisciplinary advocacy. Today, NDS operates community-based offices in Harlem; the Bronx; Detroit; and Hays County, Texas, supported by a unified national infrastructure that allows local teams to deliver high-quality, responsive representation rooted in the communities they serve.

Across all locations, NDS provides client-centered legal representation through interdisciplinary teams composed of attorneys, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators. Our approach emphasizes early and ongoing engagement with clients—before arrest where possible, throughout the life of a case, and beyond case resolution—while addressing the legal, social, and systemic challenges that impact long-term stability. NDS is committed to treating every client with dignity and respect and to advancing justice for individuals and communities that have been historically marginalized and over-policed.

Core Purpose of the Role:

The Investigator is an integral part of the defense team who demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized people and communities. The Investigator will help shape our present and future—contributing to a collaborative environment and culture of excellence in alignment with our values. At NDS Harlem, how we represent our clients is as important as individual case outcomes, and our ideal Investigator approaches the cultivation of a positive office culture and the representation of indigent clients with equal rigor and commitment. 

Responsibilities

• Embrace NDS' philosophy of client-centered, holistic representation, providing vigorous investigative support to the communities of Northern Manhattan, including Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood.
• Work closely with attorneys, social workers, and client advocates to prepare clients for hearings and trials.
• Meet with clients to gather information relevant to defense theory and case planning.
• Identify, locate, and interview witnesses, including hostile or reluctant witnesses.
• Visit, photograph, and diagram crime scenes and other relevant locations.
• Collect, preserve, and document evidence per proper chain-of-custody procedures.
• Obtain documents, records, and reports from law enforcement, agencies, and other sources via subpoenas, FOIA requests, and direct outreach.
• Prepare, issue, and serve subpoenas.
• Prepare, issue, and execute affidavit.
• Conduct background research on witnesses and other case-relevant parties.
• Analyze discovery materials to identify investigative leads and inconsistencies.
• Prepare clear, timely investigative reports and trial exhibits.
• Testify credibly at trials, hearings, and depositions.
• Document all investigative work in the case management system.
• Contribute to a collaborative, respectful team culture.
• Apply working knowledge of the criminal court system and evidence of documentation standards.
• Communicate effectively, both written and verbally, with clients, witnesses, and colleagues.
• Bring sharp observation skills and attention to detail to all casework.
• Maintain high ethical standards — approaching each case open-mindedly and without judgment and protecting clients' rights.

Qualifications

Required

• A demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, racial equity, and social justice issues, and a substantive understanding of the biases impacting our clients.
• An ability to quickly build relationships with people of varying identities, income levels, races and ethnicities.
• A high level of organization and administrative skills to handle a high caseload and multi-task in a very fast-paced environment.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Energy, enthusiasm, and ingenuity to gather and develop information from a broad spectrum of sources, ranging from community residents to county, state, and federal agencies.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team.
• Must possess the ability and readiness to quickly learn and use relevant computer software.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and a basic knowledge of computer usage in a network environment.
• Apply knowledge and experience with forensically sound evidence gathering and handling procedures to retrieve, handle, analyze, and preserve such data in accordance with those standards utilizing write-blocking technology.
• Must be familiar with chain-of-custody requirements necessary for the admissibility of evidence in court and competent to fulfill those requirements.
• Must be comfortable working with clients in various settings to include residences, court, and/or jail.
• Bachelor's or associate degree. 

Preferred

• Spanish language fluency is preferred.
• Minimally, one year of experience in criminal defense investigations or investigative licensure.
• Applicants with a passion for criminal defense and criminal justice, that may not have a background in investigations are encouraged to apply.

Compensation:

Compensation is commensurate with experience.  The current salary range for this position is $68,500 - $80,650. The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325.

SALARY RANGE BASED ON TRANSFERABLE EXPERIENCE 

1-5 Years 

$68,500 – 73,900 

6-10 Years 

$75,250 – 80,650 

• Full medical and dental benefits
• Retirement plan with company match up to 5%
• Robust time off perks, paid parental leave and other benefits, are provided

The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-confirming, and gender fluid people to apply. 

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are required to submit a cover letter, writing sample and resume through NDS’s website at www.neighborhooddefender.org/careers. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

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